Mumfords of Plymouth offered several variations on the Marina theme: the convertible, a natty caravanette version, and this - the Utility.
Side view of the Mumford Utility. The estate-from-cdv conversion was quite a popular phenomenom during the 1970s, and it is not difficult to see why when one views the low purchase price and sheer capaciousness of the format. The Mumford Utility was one of several available at the time, including the Vauxhall Viva HA-based Bedford Beagle: compared with that, the Morris version was the epitome of grace, pace and space!
The luggage area was - quite simply - huge... even accounting for the fact that the rear seats are in place in this photograph.
Essentially, a glassed version of the Marina van, the Utility offered some advantages over the factory five-door estate version, not least, a larger load area. The basic design was enlivened by side graphics, but it was undoubtedly a commercial variation, as the plain-jane looks attested to.
Offered in 7 and 10cwt payload forms, and the option of 1098 and 1275cc engines, the Utility range was large, and focused on the lower end of the market. The load space quoted by Mumfords (with the rear seat folded) was a huge 88 cubic feet... To make the interior less of a noisy place, a full-length headlining was also incorporated - to what end it achieved that goal remains to be seen.
With thanks to Andrzej Bijowski for forwarding me the information in this article.