1967 MORRIS MINOR 6CWT VAN
ENGINE 1098cc/4-cyl/OHV POWER 59bhp@5750rpm TORQUE 65lb ft@3500rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 72mph 0-60MPH 24sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 31-39mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, four-speed manual MoT March 2018 ODOMETER 28,086 miles WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
The A-Series engine starts on the first flick of the key. It idles quietly, pulls eagerly up to cruising speed and runs smoothly once there. The four-speed gearbox is easy to navigate and the clutch bites sharply, though the pedal is rather firm. The steering feels nicely weighted, with no discernible play in the steering box, but it is heavy at parking speed. The gearbox and rear axle are quiet and the rear leaf springs don’t creak or groan, but the ride is quite bouncy when unladen and the interior is quite boomy on the move. The brakes stop the van safely and efficiently, but the combination of small rear windows and just a driver’s door mirror means that rearward visibility is marginal.
BODYWORK CHECK
The Morris has been resprayed very well and the finish is immaculate. The panels are undamaged with no dents or corrosion anywhere and window seals appear to be new. Chrome, including the bumpers, overriders and door handles are all in excellent condition; there are a few marks on the painted steel wheels but the hubcaps are very good. Three of the tyres are new 155/80/R14 tyres, but the fourth has plenty of life left in it.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
Basic! There are large open storage bins either side of the big speedometer, but not much else. Spartan it may be, but what’s there is in good order, including a faded but undamaged steering wheel. The simple, but as-new seats appear to have been recovered and the black door-cards and carpets are very smart, but the cab area is the only part of the vehicle with headlining. Period static seatbelts are fitted. The rear load space has been painted white and feels bright and open, but the original scuffed wooden floor panel has sensibly been left untouched.
UNDER THE BONNET
The engine bay appears to be finished in the original (and mostly undamaged) black paint, and aside from a general light patina of age there are just a few spots of surface rust visible on the inner wings and bulkhead. The engine is in similarly good order, with the cylinder head and rocker cover still wearing what appears to be factory paint. A new battery has been fitted, along with an electric SU fuel pump.
THE CCW VIEW
Someone has clearly spent considerable time and money on improving this Morris van and it is ready and waiting to be put to good use, whether as a sign-written working promotional tool for a small business, or a useful holdall for someone looking for something a little different. The A-series engine and abundance of Minor service parts mean that keeping this little van going should be straightforward. Matt Richardson