Morris Minor Owners Club

Hello, hope some folk could give me some good advice.

Currently I own 3 minors, 1 2 door 1970 that I restored as best I could, 1 sad 62 Highway yellow 2 door needs more love and a 69 traveller in bits.

What I really want is a really good Traveller, due to the problems associated with bringing a vehicle to Jersey, it has to be in tip top condition with no rot and no leaks. (Maroon, Traf. Blue White in order of pref.) (1963 would be perfect) The test is much stricter than a MOT carried out car by car by a state run dep.

I have looked at some on e-bay very recently but gave up due to vague or no answers to serious questions about the chassis.
I gave myself a budget of £5000 and in the last year I have travelled to the UK to view 3 cars, none of which were as discribed.

I would like a vehicle that someone else has loved and done all the work as at the moment I just do not have the time. I do have a warm dry store where the car can live. As a Carpenter/Builder I love the look of perfect unstained light Ash.

Today I went to look at a 1966 local car, clean but part home re-sprayed and original wood, quite a lot of black stains. Shiny pretty but loads of faults and the guy wanted £5500.

I am not in a rush but would like to know if I am hoping too much for my budget.

Not suprised no replies, having spoken to the nice folk at Charles Ware and Minorpartsof Oxford.
What I want is £10,000 and more!!

Guess I better start saving!

TBH, I'm very surprised indeed that you can't find anything for five thousand. Would it be more cost effective to buy one in near-mint condition and have the work done before shipping it to your home?

That is where the trouble starts, finding one to start with.

I would be happy with an honest unmolested vehicle that over time I could bring up to a high standard, but the problem is finding one good enough to pass the local test.

I understand when Charles Ware explained to rebuild can take 300hrs and parts how these figures are achieved.

Once someone has invested £10k in a minor, they will never sell for that amount so they would need to keep it forever or not be fussed about the amount of money.
They did say that a chap has the third oldest minor that they are putting like new with 90% replacement at a cost of £28k.

Its a mad world.

My traveller is out there somewhere!

No £5,000 should buy you a very nice Traveller indeed but as you have found out there are some overpriced ones out there are you going to the National Rally ro would you like some of us on here to keep our eyes open if there is any good uns up for sale. Also PM sent.