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Ian Quarry remarks that his 1965 Morris Mini Traveller is often 'smiled at and noticed…'. This is not surprising, as the car that represented 'Wizardry at work again!' (according to BMC) is a vehicle of quite remarkable charm. The sales copy claimed that during the week, the Traveller would take 'Dad to the station' and convey Mum 'to the shops'.

As for Saturday and Sunday, the prospective owner was urged to 'Open those wide rear doors'. A jolly afternoon awaits so 'In go the golf clubs, the weekend cases, and the picnic basket'. In one illustration "Dad" is wearing a smart cravat (which appeared to be de rigueur for early 1960s BMC publicity), and in another, he is smoking a pipe (ditto). The message was clear – the Morris Mini Traveller may be front-wheel drive, and its engine may be transversely mounted, but it is still as respectable as any Minor 1000.

The Morris Mini Traveller and its Austin Seven Countryman counterpart debuted in September 1960 – 'BMC would have two separate dealerships in one town' notes Ian. When The Motor tested the former, they approved at how 'this is a car capable of carrying goods rather than a van capable of carrying passengers'. The Mini Estates were available only in De Luxe guise while the external timber framing also lent a decidedly country squire air to a car that cost just £623 10d. In April 1961 BMC offered an all-steel version, and by October 1962 it was available on the home market. However, the driver had to consider a saving of £22 over a consequent loss of that 'Gymkhana/Country Fete' appeal.

As was typical of sales material of this era, the brochure drawings make the Traveller look as big as an Austin Westminster. However, the Mini Estates did not require this form of exaggeration as they really were remarkably spacious and Ian points out that 'I can even wear a hat when I am behind the wheel!'. The luggage space with the rear seat folded is 35 cu ft. and early Austin adverts highlighted that a Countryman was 'a magnificent business proposition as a strictly business car'. In other words, a Mini Estate was ideal for commercial travellers who required plenty of room for boxes of samples.

The Almond Green Morris has been part of the Quarry fleet for the past three years. 'I inherited it from my mother and she had owned the Mini for the ten years – it was the last car my father restored'. In terms of condition, Ian modestly states 'it is not too bad. The woodwork has been done, and it still looks good. There is a remote-control gearbox, but the original "magic wand" lever is waiting to be refitted'. On the road 'You really have to "drive" the Mini to get the most out of it', for it is a car eager to be enjoyed.

Of course, for those of us of a certain vintage, the Quarry Traveller is nostalgia on four wheels. Ian points out the 'allegedly fresh air heater' with the fan switch best operated via the driver's foot, the static seat belts and how the screen washer button may or may not retract. Then there is the flashing indicator stalk and sliding windows front and rear. 'Use them or lose them' is Ian's attitude to the last-named feature, as they can prove remarkably stiff in operation. Best of all, it is a car that more than fulfils BMC's promise – 'Go Modern – Go "Mini Travelling!".

With Thanks To – Ian Quarry

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