8 Travellers Car

8 Travellers Car he Morris Traveller, as it has affectionately become known, has gained a well deserved reputation for being a practical and versatile vehicle. However, like the light commercial vehicles, it did not feature in the original line-up launched in 1948. In fact, the Traveller has the distinction of being the last Morris Minor model to enter production. It was not until autumn of 1953 that the Traveller made its debut atT the London Motor Show. Full scale production began in October of that year. Interestingly, the brochure issued at the Motor Show did not refer to the vehicle as a Traveller. American influences were clearly at work, and the designation ‘Station Wagon’ was used instead. Coincidentally, the contemporary term ‘Shooting Brake’ was also applied to the Traveller. However this was never an official designation, merely a carry over from the pre-war era when this terminology was used to describe estate type models, particularly those with wooden panelling. It is, however, a description still used today by those who have fond memories of the Traveller in its hey day. The Station Wagon designation, however apt, was short lived. Within a matter of months, updated brochures were describing the vehicle as the ‘Travellers Car,’ and linking its promotion to the bigger-engined and larger proportioned Morris Oxford Series MO Travellers Car. Advertising ran concurrent for a time, presumably to give prospective customers a choice with regard to which Morris vehicle they would like. This followed the trend already noted in connection with Morris Motors intention to manufacture large, The combined attraction of having the features of a saloon, as well as those of a light, general purpose vehicle, were actively promoted. intermediate and small vehicles in the postwar era, and then to advertise the resulting production models – the Morris Minor, Morris Oxford and Morris Six – together. Developmental work The intermediate vehicle, which ultimately became the Morris Oxford Series MO, served as the vehicle upon which a lot of the prototype work was done in order to develop a Traveller model. Somewhat surprisingly, the decision was made early on not to use a separate chassis on which to mount the rear body. Instead, the basic floorpan of the saloon models was used as a template and, with one or two slight amendments, this provided the base structure, onto which a framework made of ash was fixed. Overarching wooden roof supports provided rigidity, and allowed for a lightweight aluminium roof panel to be attached. Contrasting coloured plywood side and door panels completed the structure. This layout provided the basis for eventual production models. The main difference from the prototypes was the decision to use aluminium panels for the sides as well as the rear doors. This decision was prompted by the need to The launch brochure issued at the London Motor Show in 1954 announced the arrival of the Morris Minor Station Wagon ... not the Travellers Car. Interestingly, the cover vehicle was left-hand-drive. 91 Thousands of people continue to enjoy owning and driving their Morris Minors. 166 With a top speed of just 62mph, the Morris Minor Series MM models were prime candidates for bolt-on conversion kits in the late 1940s and 1950s. by pushrods and forged rockers from the tappets of the original side valve engine. Brico valve seats were inserted and the inlet diameter was increased by 2mm. Designed with siamesed inlet ports, the cylinder head had the advantage of being able to use the existing inlet and exhaust manifolds without any modification. With the addition of a different needle in the standard H1 SU carburettor, and a short extension to the exhaust system, the complete package produced a significant increase in acceleration between the gears and a marked increase in top speed to 75mph. 70 years on from the beginning of Morris Minor production, Alta cylinder heads are much sought after. VW Derrington offered a series of upgrades for the 918cc Morris Minor side valve engine, which could be fitted in stages or as a complete package. Key elements included fitting double valve springs to reduce valve bounce and more durable exhaust Valkrom exhaust valves. The key element to improved performance was the fitting of the distinctive Derrington ‘Silvertop’ aluminium cylinder head, which raised the compression from 6.5:1 to 7.2:1. Additional options included twin carburettors in association with an adapted inlet manifold and a ‘deep note’ exhaust system designed to reduce back pressure. With the introduction of the A Series engine to the Morris Minor range, even greater opportunities were provided for tuning and upgrading. Basic upgrades – in terms of simply swapping 803cc engines and gearboxes for later 948cc or 1098cc packages – were commonplace during the production years, and into the 1970s. Contemporary tuning packages were also available. Alexander Engineering provided added performance for a range of production cars, including the Series II and Morris 1000 models fitted with the A Series engine. 183 Improved seating in Series III models reflects the original Morris Minor upholstery patterns, but has added comfort and safety with the inclusion of headrests. Powered by a 1300cc Morris Marina engine, this left-hand drive Series III model was destined to have a new lease of life in Germany. 188 15 70 years and beyond 0 years on from the start of production, in 1948, interest in the Morris Minor remains high. Understandably, the majority of the surviving cars and commercials are to be found in the UK, but significant numbers 7of CKD-built vehicles and those exported overseas still exist, and are either still on the road or being prepared for future use. These high survival rates are due – in part – to the original design of the vehicles, the pleasing aesthetic and the enduring affection they have engendered in generations of owners. Combined with the incredible support network in manufacturing, sourcing, and supplying spare parts that has been maintained since production ended in 1971, this has helped ensure that even the most challenging of restorations can be taken on with confidence, in the knowledge that there are sufficient replacement components available, along with advice and expertise to see the job through. So far as parts availability goes, it is fair to say that – for a vehicle of its age – Morris Minor owners, particularly those in the UK, enjoy unparalleled access to a vast range of companies dedicated to providing goods and services for their vehicles. The enthusiasm for the car, and the appreciation of its many virtues, resulted in the establishment of a number of clubs and associations soon after production ended; American and Dutch enthusiasts have the distinction of being the first to establish The UK-based Morris Minor Owners Club celebrated its owners’ clubs, both beginning in 1974. In the UK, the Morris Minor Owners’ Club 40th anniversary in 2016. was established in 1976. It proved popular, attracting an annual membership of over 15,000 enthusiasts in its heyday. Now, over 40 years on, it has an annual membership of 10,000, with its own administrative headquarters, and provides a range of services including technical advice, an informative magazine, preferential insurance, branded merchandise and a spares service focussed on early production models. With 66 Founded in 1983, the Irish Morris branches spread throughout the UK, and separate registers catering for specific Minor Owners Club seeks to promote the use and preservation of the Morris vehicles or groups of owners, it is the largest owners’ club group for Morris Minors in Minor by providing help and support the world. Elsewhere in the UK, the Cornwall Morris 1000 club – started in 1978 – in the location of spares, producing provides regional support for members by staging and attending local events and social an informative quarterly magazine and functions. The LCV Register is a special interest group focussed on sharing information encouraging participation in local and and providing support for owners of commercial variants of the Morris Minor. national events, including annual Part of the reason for the continued interest in the Morris Minor is the St Patrick's day parades. consistent high profile it has managed to sustain since production ended; its 207.

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