Buying Guide

Morris Minor

More than 70 years have passed since ‘Project Mosquito’ – better known as the Morris Minor – was launched at the London Motor Show. And the model we’re focusing on here – the lovable Traveller – added a useful dose of practicality.

It arrived in 1953, a year after the Minor Series II, which meant that it was powered by the 803cc A- Series engine and gearbox shared with the Austin A30 (the merger of Morris and Austin put paid to the former’s idea of using its own engine). Featuring a structural ash frame with aluminium side, door and roof panels, it not only looked charming but the extra space turned the Minor into a particularly effective family car. It would set those families back a whisker under £600 in standard form, but splashing out on the De Luxe brought such luxury goodies as a heater and leatherfaced seats.

By 1956 the Minor Series III had arrived, signalling the end of the split windscreen and the installation of a larger 948cc engine, itself upgraded to the slightly more powerful 1098cc unit in 1962. The modest increase in power and torque was a welcome improvement for anyone who made use of the Traveller’s carrying ability, though – and plenty did. In fact, its popularity ensured that it stayed in production until 1971, a year after the saloon had finally reached the end of the road.

Fast forward to today and the Traveller’s appeal is as strong as ever, helped by the fact that there are plenty of ways to improve one and make it perfectly capable for today’s roads. Indeed, that’s almost certainly one reason why they remain so sought-after with a consequent rise in values.

‘Splashing out on the De Luxe brought a heater and leather seats’