A Mini is endearing enough, whether from the Austin or Morris divisions of BMC. But the Mini woody estate – either Clubman or Traveller – layers rarity into the mix, and now you have a real headturner. While American car makers shifted away from wood trim completely after 1953, the British kept at it until 1970. Rear and side trim assemblies were shipped from cabinetmakers to Longbridge in Birmingham, where workers hand-fit the wood to bodies. Here on craigslist is a right-hand drive Morris Mini Traveller Mk II, with an asking price of $14,500. This little wagon is located in Boerne, Texas, and we have Rocco B to thank for the tip!
The Mini is one of the most influential cars ever built. Millions were sold. A small, simple box with wheels set at its extreme corners and only two doors, it was an economy car first, but turned into a fierce race and rally competitor later. Its transversely mounted engine was actually downgraded from 948 ccs to 848 ccs during development, to increase gas mileage at the cost of top speed. But the advent of the Mini Cooper reversed that regression, putting displacement up to 998 ccs. That’s what the seller says resides in this well-groomed engine bay, coupled with a four-speed gearbox located in the sump and driving the front wheels. Output would be about 40 hp, though that can be increased substantially with the right performance modifications. Thanks to the scads of Minis made over decades, parts vendors are bountiful.
With the mechanical bits concentrated in the front end of the car, cabin space is more generous than its outward appearance implies. In fact, the world record for most people crammed into a Mini is 27, set in 2014, and that was a regular sedan! Crowded or not, this interior is spiffy enough to use as-is. And if you have special hauling needs, the cargo area beyond those “church doors” can accommodate most everyday items from groceries to skis, golf bags to garden soil. One of my favorite Mini features is its simplistic gauge arrangement set in an oval frame: did Issigonis suddenly remember that the driver needed a little information? “Oh, we’ll give ’em a couple dials!”
The wood looks decent, as does the body – which is about 9″ longer than a Mini sedan. I’d probably repaint the top in ivory – I’m as patriotic as the next guy, but gee, an American flag on a British machine? Exceptional Travellers have breached $20k in recent years, but like many British cars, prices are softer now. If this example proves to be rust free – as indicated by the seller – and runs well, his price is about market-correct.
Such a neat car, however, something is wrong, waaaaaay wrong. The top should adorn the Union Jack, not the Stars and Stripes. Uhp, uhp, of little consequence, you say? Not to the British and a Morris should have the Union Jack regardless of where it is or what side the steering wheel is on. I don’t have to remind folks of the current weather situation, my MGB didn’t like sub-zero weather, and the same could be said here. The heater on this, I believe you can see it behind the air cleaner, was never intended for an arctic blast, so bundle up, and run with the “choke” out. I’d love to have it, and while it may seem unpatriotic, that flag would have to go, and a Union Jack in its place. Nothing unpatriotic about that. So be it, mates.
A super cute, albeit a bit larger than your standard mini, version of this most lovable little piece of British motoring history, and the wood trim makes it nearly irresistible..but I am in complete agreement with getting the wrong flag off its roof, especially in our current state of affairs…as far as the heater situation goes, I wonder if putting a larger radiator in this little gem would improve things on that front? I remember installing an F150 radiator in my ’87 YJ, and even with the soft top that heater would run you out! Although this little guy would never see snow duty, it would be nice to NOT have to bundle up like the kid in A Christmas Story to be comfy in this sweet little ride!
Really cool Mini wagon. I like the wood too. I’m with Michelle I’d be inclined to paint the roof white again. But otherwise I’d just enjoy it the way it is.
About 45 years ago I owned a 1959 Morris wagon I left it in a garage where I was living when I moved to an apartment where I could have a dog because I. got a German Shepard from a coworker Went to check on it a few months later everything was gone the house garages my car EVERYTHING just a dirt lot there is a CVS there now
Hi Michelle, long time no see on BF! Just a point regarding this lovely little wagon. The wooden pieces aren’t hand fitted to the bodies as they are part of the construction and once the restorer has the frame set accurately then the steel body parts are fitted to the wooden frame, not an easy job I am led to believe. As for the American flag painted on the roof, I’m a Brit/South African living in England and I would LOVE to drive it around here just as it is, it would be more of a talking point than an actual American car and it woud “P” off a lot of anti American car people!
I acquired one about 30 years ( same color). It was a project and the wood was gone. My buddy’s son wanted it and I helped him to rebuild it. The father was an avid Sprite guy and he knew them inside out. We put a modified 1275 motor in and cleaned it up as a driver. We were at a car meet in Maryland and had to get home quickly to NJ on a rainy Sunday night. I drove it home for his son at 80MPH on a rainy road! It was a bit ‘whiteknuckely’ even for me but it tracked very well! 80 MPH may not seems like much to people today but combine that with an old Mini, so close to the ground, with rain, headlight glare, and it felt like being on roller-skates out of control! We got home safe!!!
A roundel on the roof is a better fit.
The wood trim on a Mini traveller is merely an add on to a full steel body. In contrast, the wood on a Minor traveller is fully structural. If the wood is removed, the back half of the car is gone.