1963 Morris Panel Delivery

Wallace and Gromit. Curse of the Were Rabbit immortalized these more than cute English delivery vans. theirs being a 1964 Austin A35 of course. but remarkably similar in its architecture to this delightful survivor 1963 Morris Minor van.      

Found languishing in front of the SoCo Creamery's production facility in Great Barrington. Massachusetts sans a engine and transmission.  Following acquisition of the Morris van. I immediately set about locating a engine and transmission for it.  Remarkably. the same afternoon. I located a refurbished engine in Norton. Massachusetts with a four speed transmission from a gentlemen who's father. now since departed had performed the work to it a number of years ago. however never installed and operated it.  Once installed. it ran and shifted nicely with no smoke. or unusual noises.  

The Morris van utilizes front torsion bar suspension accompanied by lever action serviceable hydraulic shocks. and rear leaf springs for a quarter ton capacity and conventional shocks.  Its ride is very nice and smooth. Rack and pinion steering  provides postive and precise steering while driving.  

Recommissioning entailed installation of the set up refurbished engine and  four speed transmission.  all new hoses. and belt. platinum NGK spark plugs. four new 185/70-14 radial tires. new antifreeze. all oils replaced. complete chassis lubrication.  carburator overhaul. wiring upgrade. brake inspection and new Dot3 brake fluid. new interior carpeting. new clutch assembly w/release bearing. new Interstate premium 12 volt battery. rebuilt generator. new voltage regulator.  and much more.  Accompanying the vehicle when its sold will be two very nice original and comprehensive factory Morris Minor/Sprite workshop manuals. and a extra four speed ribbed aluminum case transmission.  

Fuel consumption averages at 40+ mpg. irrelevant when considering a collector car. using mid grade 89-91 octane fuel. The "four on the floor" transmission provides for a comfortable cruise at 55 to 60 mph. "I get pushed out of shape and it's hard to steer. when I get rubber in all four gears". Well. not really. but fun none the less.  Apologies to the Beach Boys. Little Deuce Coupe lyrics.  

The Morris Van's body reflects a ealier period restoration and painting.  Its paint. what appears to be a single stage enamel and applied quite liberally is brittle and flaking off in some areas.  There appears to be no bondo.  The body is very solid overall. with indications of some previous rust in one area under the right front aft of the  wheel house. but nothing structural (ie. the frame. suspension. floors. etc). This is to be expected of a vehicle of this vintage. The front fenders interestingly. are fiberglass and fit quite nicely. obviously the result of its first restoration.   It's appearance is simply charming. left alone. as it is.  

The British flags and Roundels are vinyl and can be easily removed should you wish to customize lettering or art to your personal taste or business.  

A recent trip to a Cars and Coffee event. it was one of the highlights of the show. creating a lot of curiosity. conversation and questions.        

All the lights. turn signals. (no trafficators).  windshield wipers. speedometer/odometer. heater etc. work nicely.  Glass is in very nice condition and the windows roll up and down nicely.

In conclusion. the Morris Minor van is a great candidate for anyone with a business to promote their advertising.  The 1963 Morris Minor Van.  without question. garners a phenomenal amount of attention when on the road. many "thumbs up". and second looks from drivers pulling up next to you and not seeing anyone behind the wheel on the left.   It's really entertaining to watch peoples reactions wherever the Morris goes.  It's extremely rare to see or find this model today in a relatively uncorrupted original configuration.  

The Morris Minor van will be sold as is. where is. with no warranty expressed or implied. and  with a clear Massachusetts title.  Personal inspections are encouraged. and will not be allowed as a condition of sale after the fact.  

My reserve is in keeping with published NADA and Hagerty Classic Car valuations.  

*I further reserve the right to end the auction early. given the Morris Minor Panel Delivery is for sale locally and on other venues.  

Thank you for the interest. and enjoy the pictures.   Chris  413-575-8600 for any questions.      

Also published at eBay.com

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