Originally posted by rayallen One thing that I have always wondered about is why, in a country with a climate like that of England, would you put non-functional wooden framework on the outside of a car? Yes, I know that it looked good but why do it?
It's a
lot more functional than you realise, Ray. Aside from the chassis, the wooden framework of the Morris Traveller is entirely responsible for the structural stability of its rear section. The metal body panels are actually rather thin (they flex when you push them
). The wooden frame is
everything. Incidentally, this is much the same manufacturing method used for most British caravans from the 1950s and 60s (even 70s). Contrary to what you might expect, wooden products do just fine in the British climate. You just have to take care of them sensibly - oiling or varnishing at reasonable intervals, etc.
We get quite a lot of rain in this country, and we rarely enjoy the same kind of warmth or number of sunny days as many other places, but we typically have a fairly narrow volatility of temperature and humidity too. It's rarely very hot and humid, nor is it generally very cold and dry. Hence, there's a lot less expansion and contraction in wooden products than some countries experience. As a one-time collector of Gibson acoustic guitars (sadly, now, all sold), and still an owner of several non-Gibson instruments, I can say it's a
wonderful climate for them... But even outdoors, with proper care, wooden products last well here if treated properly (as evidenced by Morgan cars with wooden chassis, and several WW2 era fighter and bomber planes!)
Originally posted by rayallen BTW, I do have a great association with English cars. My first proper job after high school was working for BMC (British Motor Corporation) for 5 years. My first car was an MG TC followed by a Morris Minor 1000 and then an Austin 1800 Mk II and a Morris Mini S.
Awesome!!
My grandfather had a TD (before I was born), and restored a 1950's Morris Minor convertible during my childhood. It was eventually bought by a chap in the USA. A very beautiful car... I was amazed he sold it, especially considering the quality of the no-expense-spared restoration, but I believe the offer he got was too much to turn down