Fantasy Junction

Description

1965 Morris Mini Traveller
s/n MAW4L752915, engine no. 8AR-TE-H4601
British Racing Green with Wood Trim and Light Green Leather Interior with Dark Green Piping

Introduced in 1959, the original Mini is widely regarded to be one of the most important and influential cars of the 20th century. With its front engine front wheel drive layout, the packaging was very efficient and economical, and established the pattern for small cars that is still the standard today. Additionally, the car is as important for cultural reasons as it is for its automotive relevance. The cars are inseparable from the image of the swinging 60’s, and were and remain popular among the average person, stars, and even among motorsports enthusiasts thanks to the entertaining handling permitted by the small dimensions. The cars proved to be successful in competition events in period as well as today, and are an absolute riot to drive in virtually any form.

Starting in 1960, the Mini was available as an estate car, with large load space and split doors. Most example were trimmed externally with wood in the style of the American Woody, but there were some all steel models built as well. The estate variant was available as either an Austin (Countryman) or a Morris (Traveller) and the cars were substantially similar, with the primary differences being the bading and the grille.

This particular car is an attractively upgraded example that was owned for many years Gabriele Artom, who is a well-known collector based in the Milan area and who owns, among other cars, a Maserati Birdcage. He had this car restored in the late 1980s or early 1990s for his sister, and the car was upgraded significantly at this time, including the fitment of a striking medium green leather interior with contrasting dark green piping and carpets. The dashboard was also trimmed in leather and a wood-rimmed Nardi steering wheel fitted. It is also believed that the Everflex roof with sliding sunroof was added at this time as well. The car was purchased by an American collector approximately fifteen years ago and has covered about 3000 miles since.

The car remains in excellent cosmetic condition with very nice quality paint over a straight and solid body. There is minor orange peel and a few small chips but the presentation of the paint is otherwise excellent. The wood trim is in excellent condition, as is the Everflex roof. The chrome varies from very good to excellent, with light swirls and some haziness which is limited to the rear bumper and headlight rings. The remaining chrome is very nice. The car sits on attractive minilite style alloys. The glazing and lights are very good and the car has Carello headlamps, likely because it is an original Italian market car, which is supported by the Italian instruments and control marking in the interior.

The interior has been beautifully restored and upgraded to the materials and finishes that would typically be found in a Jaguar or other relatively high end British car of the period. The upholstery is lovely medium green leather with contrasting dark green piping and carpets. The dashboard has been trimmed in matching leather and the wood trim is excellent. The instruments are labeled in Italian, as are the remaining interior components. The gauges themselves are very nice Jaegers and the steering wheel is a wood-rimmed Nardi. The headliner is tan wool broadcloth. The load space is in excellent condition as well and is trimmed in green carpets to match the remainder of the interior. The condition of the interior is excellent throughout. The engine compartment is neither neglected nor spotless, and presents as a tidy and well-maintained example that is relatively unmolested, with its painted green valve cover and windscreen washer bag.

The car is a pleasure to drive. It starts easily, is well-tuned, and provides entertaining performance. It has the famously entertaining handling of the Mini, and feels tight and well-resolved. The gearbox shifts easily and the brakes are effective.

This is an excellent opportunity to acquire a unique and attractively upgraded Countryman/Traveller that has superb cosmetic presence and is in excellent condition. Additionally, the car is a pleasure to drive and has a more luxurious interior in the vein of the late Sportpack Rover Minis, with wool carpets, wood trim, and high quality leather with contrasting piping. The sunroof adds further to the pleasure of the driving experience and the car comes with an original Mini Countryman/Traveller handbook.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608