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A short while ago, Steve was in search of a particular type of Morris Minor Traveller. His wife Marina particularly wanted a split-screen version fitted with an art deco fascia – ‘which turned out to be something of a rarity. We looked at a few later ones, but the earlier one was needed’. However, a Morris that matched this specification appeared on eBay ‘so we got footed to the Midlands one evening to view’. The result was that the Tennicks acquired the Traveller, named her “Molly” and brought her home on a transporter.

The Minor “Travellers Car” debuted in 1953 -

- and, as with its larger Oxford MO stablemate, featured part-timber bodywork. Not only did this lend the Morris considerable charm, it also emphases to the buyer that here was a purpose-built small estate-car. By contrast, the Austin A30 Countryman and the Ford Squire 100E were obviously converted vans.

The brochure promised a car that will ‘take you to work, carry goods or samples for you, collect and deliver market produce’ and, generally, ‘help you daily in your business’.  Better still, ‘Whether you are making a social call, visiting the club or spending a weekend with friends, a Travellers Car always looks “right”’. Morris publicity also featured an illustration of two chaps (one smoking a pipe, the other sporting a cravat) apparently mesmerised by a list of features.

In other words, the Minor Traveller was a rare example of a utility vehicle that enhanced the social standing of its owner. At just £622 6s 8d for the De Luxe (with leather upholstery, a heater and a passenger sun visor as standard) the motorist could enjoy prestige, versatility and a car with ‘trim smart lines’.

Morris also exported a handful to the USA, where the great motoring writer Tom McCahill raved about its abilities.  He thought the Minor ‘one of the finest handling cars in the world, if not the finest’. As for the Traveller, ‘It has real comfort and road-ability and will corner and steer with the finest Ferrari that has ever been put together only it does it more slowly’. The 803cc engine was not renowned for its performance; McCahill noted ‘This mechanical squirrel cage boasts the smallest engine now put in an English production car’. 

The Minor was facelifted in October 1954, the line-up gaining the now-familiar horizontally-barred grille and centrally mounted speedometer. The result is that the first versions are now scarce and Steve has been informed that there are just 30 left. ‘No idea where that “fact” came from, but we’ve seen only one other at a car show’. The Tennick Traveller has not been on the road since 1987, and at one point it gained a replacement engine and transmission.

At present, Steve is considering an upgrade of the brake and suspension. As for the bodywork, ‘the paint is flaking all over, so we plan a strip and repaint. The car originally was Clarendon Grey which looks a bit dark. Options for an original 1954 colour are limited – we may go Birch Grey although Marina likes Empire Green’. And regardless of shade, RYD 735 will once more be the perfect vehicle ‘For Town and Country – for Work and Pleasure’.

With Thanks To – Steve Tennick

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