Red Right-Driver: 1967 Morris Mini Traveler – Sold?

March 8, 2022 Update – While this “Classifind” expired recently, given the seller’s past history we suspect may not actually be sold yet.  For now, we’re labeling this ride “Sold?” However, we will keep an eye out for an updated listing. In the interim, please reach out either by email or call Rudy directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

February 4, 2022 Update – After a two-month break following the expiration of their last listing, the private seller just posted a new Craigslist ad for their vintage Mini Traveler.  In addition to lowering their asking price by from $19,000 to $17,900, the private seller hints they are selling their car due to health reasons.

November 30, 2021 Update – We just confirmed the listing for this “Classifind” expired, so with no replacement found we’re assuming this ride “Sold?” unless we come across a replacement.

While a popular cult classic in Great Britain, wood-framed, late 1960s vintage Morris Minor 1000 Travelers are a rare sight here in the U.S.  Even rarer is coming across a red Traveller such as this 1967 example originally listed in November 2021 in Canton, Georgia for $17,900 (the original ask was $19,000).  While Hagerty Insurance oddly doesn’t provide a value for Traveler models, the  NADA Guides Classic Car Online Valuation Tool confirms this private seller’s firm price falls just below the midpoint of the “Low”, “Average”, and “High” retail value range of $8,900, $21,900, and $34,400, respectively.

If you’re not familiar with these cars, here’s an excellent written summary by Hagerty Insurance on the Morris Minor model line:

“The Morris Minor was a milestone of automotive accomplishment for not only Great Britain but for the world. It was Britain’s first million-unit seller, making it a true “people’s car” with over 1.5 million built before production ceased. It began production in 1948, but the 1000 series discussed here began production in 1956 with the then-new A-series 948-cc overhead-valve engine of 37 hp. These cars were also recognizable by their standard one-piece windshield, along with Minor 1000 badging. The final engine upgrade occurred in 1962, when a 49-hp A-series engine of 1,098 cc became standard. The badging remained 1000, however, in a bid for familiarity with prospective customers.

Designed by Alec Issigonis, later of Mini design fame, the Minor 1000 had performance that eventually extended to a top speed of 70 mph, slightly faster than the 1,200 cc Volkswagen Beetle of the same era. The chassis was well ahead of its time, with rack-and-pinion steering, torsion-bar front suspension, and unitary welded one-piece body sans separate frame.

The car was available in two-door sedan or four-door sedan body styles, as well as the now much loved and collectible Traveller “woodie” two-door station wagon and two-door convertible. The convertible had side rails surrounding side glass in much the same way that the 1950s Nash Rambler did. There were pickup truck and van versions that were sold in England as well. Imports into the States trickled down to nearly nothing by the late 1960s.

In Britain, these cars are ubiquitous at collector car events in much the same way that 1955–57 Chevrolets or early Mustangs are in North America, but in North America they are much less common. The kind of people who bought Minors new were typically people who didn’t want the idiosyncrasies of Volkswagen Beetles, but who appreciated well-engineered, conventional small cars. For such a diminutive car, rarity and a loyal following make for higher values than you’d think, especially in the United States where they are rarer than in England. As with most cars, convertibles tend to be valued most highly, and the Traveler woodies are treated with the same adoration as the similarly laden Minis.“

Additionally, we came across this great buyer’s guide on YouTube from a few years back on what to look for when buying a Morris Traveller 1000:

This appears to be a nice driver quality, right-hand-drive example that features an interesting red over red color combination.

Here’s the seller’s current description:

“Beautiful, original RHD, wood-trimmed Morris Mini Estate Wagon 1000 MKII. Similar to the 1967 Austin Mini Countryman. 998cc engine, 4-speed transmission. 10″ wheels, full factory hub caps. Rare, no rust, well cared for car, 63000 original miles. Almost 10″ longer than a standard mini, the Morris Mini Traveler MKII models also have a ribbed roof, external fill gas tank, and synchromesh gearbox. These wood-trimmed travelers are a rare sight in the US–there are only a small number of MKII Morris Travelers currently in the US. Priced below JD Powers NADA price guide’s low retail value of $21100. Need to sell due to health reasons. Current Georgia registration.”

Here’s the seller’s original description:

“Beautiful, original RHD, wood-trimmed Estate Wagon 1000 MKII. 998cc engine, 4-speed transmission. 10″ wheels, full factory hub caps. Rare, no rust, well cared for car, 63000 original miles. Per current NADA price guide: Low retail value is $21,100. Priced to sell at $19,500.”

Show or go: what would you do with this 1967 Morris Minor 1000 Traveler?  Comment below and let us know!