A NEAR seven-decade-old Morris Minor was reunited with one of its old owners “by complete fluke” and is still turning heads across Dorset.

Inspired by reading a recent story about a man who had driven his Morris Minor for 47 years, antiques expert Phillip Traves has shared his experience of owning the beloved motor.

Phillip bought his 1956 Split screen Morris Minor Traveller aged 16 in 1985 while living with his parents Brian and Marge in Parkstone.

Its previous owner had blown the engine so Phillip’s father got a second-hand replacement from Trent’s Scrap Yard for a modest £10.

He learnt how to drive in the old motor and ultimately passed his test in it.

After seven years, Phillip was living in Bournemouth and was unable to afford the necessary repair works to the beloved Morris Minor.

He reluctantly sold it in 1992.

Incredibly, he would be reunited with the very same Morris Minor ten years later following a chance encounter his dad had on the Wessex Way.

Phillip, now 55, told the Echo: “I sold it in 1992 but bought it back ten years later by complete fluke.

Bournemouth Echo: Phillip Traves in the early 2000s while restoring the Morris MinorPhillip Traves in the early 2000s while restoring the Morris Minor (Image: Phillip Traves)

“Dad was driving through Bournemouth and saw the car being driven down the Wessex Way. He recognised it was my old one so followed it and it ended up in Parkstone.

“I eventually met the chap who had just bought it and around six months later I bought it back.

“I read up on its ownership history and it had six owners in the ten years I was without it. It had been in places including Reading and Windsor before it ended up back in Parkstone – which was amazing.

“I believe I am both its fifth and twelfth owner.”

Upon getting the car back, Phillip spent years restoring it.

During the Covid pandemic, Phillip moved to Sherborne with partner Craig Wharton and they opened the Sherborne Antiques Market.

The Morris Minor is used to collect and deliver items from the shop and attracts much attention from visitors.

Ironically, the car’s nickname of Moggie is exactly the same name fellow Dorset man Greg Hoar has for his Morris Minor which he has driven for 47 years.

Phillip added: “People love Morris Minors and they always turn heads. There is no way I’ll be selling it now.”