Changes Through Time.
The mini estate which was launched in September 1960, was quite different to how we are used to seeing the iconic mini estate. The main differences were at the rear, where the boot floor and sides were visually and structurally very different. Up until October 1961 the petrol tank was located on the left hand side of the boot area thus these cars are know as internal tank vehicles.

We can now confirm that it was approximately October 1960 when the drip rails and recessed screens were introduced. The recessed screen corresponds with the changes to the saloon. We have 2 August built cars and 2 September built cars on the register which confirm that the two are connected and two October built cars with the changes.
We have now leant that the drip rails and recessed screens were not introduced at the same time. We have just had a late September built Austin register that has non-recessed screen but drip rails in place.

October 1967 saw the introduction of the Mk2 at the same time as the saloon. The only visual changes were to the front grille, adopting the squarer type retained for the rest of Mini production. The rear of the Estate was left untouched. The interior and running great was in for more changes, including a combined stalk switch on steering column, a reduced turning circle, self parking wipers and a revised interior.

It was late in 1965 when the “Flat” roof was changed to a “Ribbed” roof to stop the constant vibration and drumming noise which came from the flat roof vehicles.

1960 internal tank Morris traveller showing internal tank. 1966 external tank Morris traveller showing no fuel tank in the boot.

The fuel tank position is very obvious from the outside with the position of the filler neck.
1960 Internal tank Morris filler neck on the left side of the car. 1966 External tank Morris showing the filler neck in the traditional van position on the righthand rear of the car.

The battery was also in the same place as the saloon prior to October 1961.
1960 internal tank Morris showing battery position. 1966 External tank Morris showing the revised boot floor pressing with no battery box.

The interior of a pre October 1962 car showing the single speedo cowling sold as a De-Luxe only. A post October 1962 interior showing the revised 3 clock binnacle now as a Super De-Luxe only.

The interior of a pre October De-Luxe Morris with two tone seats with fleck and colour like the saloons of the time. With the introduction of the super De-Luxe in October 1962 the interior was given a mono colour appearance.

Externally the pre 1962 cars had over riders only on the front bumpers. A post October 1962 Super De-Luxe showing the cooper style corner bars.

The estate was only available with wood bolted to the sides at first.

In April 1961 the all steel estate was launched over seas and later in October1962 to the UK domestic market. This did away with the wood on the sides and was more reminiscent of a van with windows.