Perfect Patina: 1966 Morris Minor Traveler 1000 RHD – Sold?

April 12, 2023, Update – While this “Classifind” expired recently, given the seller’s history, we suspect it 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.

March 10, 2023 Update – The Internet and GuysWithRides never forget a great classic ride.  When we first featured this 1966 Morris Minor at the end of 2020, we assumed it had been sold after the seller let their last Craigslist ad expire.  Fast forward two years later, and the same seller just relisted the car for $20,000, double what they last hoped to sell this right-hand-drive classic car for.

December 1, 2020 Update – We just confirmed the Craigslist ad for this ride expired, and with no replacement listing found, we’re assuming this car sold until we come across a replacement listing.

October 27, 2020 Update – While preparing our latest Wagon Wednesday features, we discovered the private seller of this Morris Minor Traveler just posted a fresh listing with the same lowered $10,000 asking price from last month.

October 8, 2020 Update – Five months have passed since we last saw this 1966 Morris Minor listed on Craigslist for $12,000 firm.  With winter around the corner, it appears the private seller is finally flexing on their asking price as their latest post just dropped by two thousand dollars.

May 27, 2020 Update:  while searching for our latest Wagon Wednesday features, we noticed this fresh listing for this 1966 Morris Minor Traveler that the current caretaker remains firm on his $12,000 asking price.  We’ve updated the Craigslist link below.

A common sight at car shows in Great Britain, Morris Minor 1000 Travelers such as this 1966 example first listed in May 2020 in Tiverton, Rhode Island, for the revised price of $20,000 are much rarer stateside.   A review of the  NADA Guides Classic Car Online Valuation Tool confirms this private seller’s firm price falls within the “Low,” “Average,” and “High” retail value range of $8,900, $20,700, and $32,800, respectively.

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

“The Morris Minor was a milestone of automotive accomplishment for Great Britain and 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 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 and Minor 1000 badging. The final 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 here in the States, 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:

Hands down, this is one of the finest Craigslist posts we’ve come across for two reasons.  First, a robust set of pictures are detailed enough for you to get a true sense of the condition of this Morris Traveller.  While far from perfect, the photographs capture the patina and condition of the various components throughout the car.  Then, in the spirit of “you can never have enough pictures,” the seller provides a link to the balance of the photographs available.  Second, the seller’s description is a fine example of how you can be brief yet provide the details of what you’ll be facing when buying this car.  In other words, there’s a strong probability you won’t encounter any surprises when you visit this Traveller in person.  Good luck with the purchase!

Here’s the seller’s description:

“Classic Morris Minor
Traveler 1000
1966
Right hand drive
Four speed manual
Starts up immediately, engine is in great shape
76,000 miles (odometer is accurate)
Headlights, windshield wipers, interior heating system, speedometer all works
Spark plugs replaced in 2016, otherwise all original engine and no maintenance issues
Small area on wood paneling on right side needs new varnish
A few small rust areas in grill and underneath could be easily fixed
Back seats fold down for more storage or afternoon naps in back
Turns heads everywhere
Kelly’s blue book market value for this make, model and year is $16,000
Price is firm

View this link for more photos:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/11iEluLWGIo0lZUmhsLom5ntr1_Bscvel?usp=sharing

Available to show week days or weekends during daylight hours
Fully cleaned and sanitized before and after showings to protect against COVID-19 transmission
Seller will wear full mask respirator and gloves, and is able to supply gloves to buyer for test drive“

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