A Europe and Asia trip in a Morris minor. Would you?

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by Poptop2, Sep 5, 2019.

  1. Poptop2

    Poptop2 Administrator

    I was recently told of a chap and his wife who tour Europe and Asia in a Morris minor with a small trailer tent on tow. The person telling me said, the chap reckoned it’s the most economical way he can do it. He does his own repairs and takes spares.


    I was thinking about this and to a point it makes sense, but surely a modern small diesel car, say a Japanese one would be more economical and reliable?

    I think the detachable trailer is good for getting around sight seeing once you’re parked up and less restrictive than a Campervan, but I think I’d go for a small Japanese diesel and teardrop trailer if I was doing that type of trip as opposed to the Morris minor or my Campervan!

    How would you do it frugally?
     
    Last edited: Sep 5, 2019
  2. How easy is it to fix a modern car if the electronics give up on you. A moggy minor will rarely give trouble and is easy to fix if it does
     
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  3. Poptop2

    Poptop2 Administrator

    Good point!
     
  4. To do it frugally i wouldn`t bother , if you`re counting the pennies that would just spoil the whole thing ....

    Wildcamping is easy and cheap , just gotta get used having a turnout in a bush and to be honest i mostly prefered a bush to some of the Greek `facilities` :):)

    The Morris Minor thing is a brilliant idea , reliable , easy to fix and once you get to know the car they`ll go anywhere :D

    :hattip:
     
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  5. I reckon the Morris Minor with the A-Series engine is the best car ever to come out of Britain - or maybe anywhere. Easy to fix and absolutely rock solid, bags of character and beautifully designed and built.
     
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  6. davidoft

    davidoft Sponsor

    But is counting the pennies is what makes the trip possible, surely it’s worth it ;)
     
  7. davidoft

    davidoft Sponsor

    Morris minor is fixable very easily, basic parts too, where bearing alternator, etc you can do with no special tools at the side of the road, fairly good on fuel too, bit like a bay , mostly simple and cheap to fix most places and the characterful vehicle makes people want to help as well as the adventure of doing it
     
  8. Merlin Cat

    Merlin Cat Moderator

    I’d do it! Though in a hard top one. Sarah has got a Morris Minor convertible which drives brilliantly.

    Here it is trying to eclipse the Landmark :)

    61396C01-967A-4F7E-8D60-FB0B83FF0054.jpeg
     
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  9. Poptop2

    Poptop2 Administrator

    They do have issues though. The one I restored back in the 80’s continually had trunions going until I updated them to marina ones.
     
  10. Back in the 60's, me and two work colleagues went on a European tour in a morris minor saloon. Went all round Europe through the Baltic countries and around Poland. The minor was reliable and never let us down and coped with a lot of poor roads and cobbles in those days and the low octane fuel.

    Morris Minors are still popular as they are quite cheap and do about 35 mpg and they go up hills well. They are simple to work on and maintain and many these days have been upgraded with front disk brakes, servo, alternator and electronic ignition.
     
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  11. Poptop2

    Poptop2 Administrator

    Sounds like a great adventure :thumbsup:
     
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  12. crossy2112

    crossy2112 Supporter

    When I was 18 my best mate was in the Morris 1000 owners club and 3 of us went to a European meeting in Paris.
    If I was to do it again it would be maximum 2, bit squashed in the back with all our gear for 3.
     
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  13. Knew a bloke who went to Marrekesh in his brand new Mini back in 196summat. He was greatful when a local pursuaded him to take some Jerry cans of petrol, he'd assumed there'd be petrol stations like here. Bit daft when you consider the main modes of transport back then we're trains and camels.
    There's a gadge on you tube who goes on holiday on his Honda C 50 for much the same reasons as the Morris owner. Think he's made it to Nepal.
     
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  14. I would tour the world in a b.eige Morris Marina, and folk would marvel at it :thumbsup:
     
  15. Poptop2

    Poptop2 Administrator

    You’re silly!
     
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  16. MorkC68

    MorkC68 Administrator

    Do the trip in Fired Up garage's Morris Minor :D

    upload_2019-9-5_13-16-34.jpeg
     
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  17. Poptop2

    Poptop2 Administrator

    I guess that would cross reliability and frugality off the list :rolleyes:

    ;)
     
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  18. MorkC68

    MorkC68 Administrator

    it would cost a fortune in fuel :lol:
     
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  19. Poptop2

    Poptop2 Administrator

    X = FAIL
     
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  20. scrooge95

    scrooge95 Moderator and piggy bank keeper

    I’d do it in a heartbeat! Sounds like ace fun.

    When I was 15 my dad bought an old Morris Traveller that he was going to do up for my 17th birthday. As many years passed, bits got done here and there (back in the days when you buy just about every single part from the centre in Bath), and various boyfriends of mine helped along the way.... but it never got finished, and eventually Dad sold it to a family friend in Cornwall.... who did finish it, and used it for taking the dog out and picking up the newspaper from the local shop, that kind of thing.
    He’s got older (haven’t we all?) and It’s still in his garage, not getting the use any more, and I know one day it will be put up for sale.......
    Do I need to tell you how much I want to buy it back??!

    I reckon that would be a fab thing to go off roaming in :)
     
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