Manufactured and marketed originally by British Motor Corporation (BMC), and subsequently marketed under the Austin, Morris and Leyland brands between 1964-1993 the Mini Moke is a unique and petite, conversation initiating vehicle.
Designed by Sir Alec Issigonis and John Sheppard (the famous fathers to the original Austin Mini) the Mini Moke is noted for its simple, straightforward, doorless design. Originally designed to be a lightweight military vehicle it used the engine, transmission and suspension parts from the Mini van.
Unfortunately, the vehicle's small wheels and low ground clearance made it unsuitable as an off-road military vehicle, as such plans for the Moke were changed and it was decided it would be introduced as a low-cost, easily maintained, civilian vehicle.
The civilian marketed vehicle was first offered as a VAT-exempt, utilitarian vehicle primarily aimed at farmers and light commercial users but shortly after the Moke was also offered as a passenger vehicle. The vehicle attracted attention but sales only reached 10% of the units produced, even after it made an appearance in British TV cult classic 'The Prisoner' the vehicle never took off like its ‘Mini’ father.
Production at its Birmingham UK plant ceased production of the car in 1968 and moved to Australia from to 1973 and was marketed as the Morris Mini Moke with a few minor changes. From ‘73 it was branded as the Leyland Mini Moke, with a Portuguese factory also opened in 1980 to assist with sales in the country, Mokes were continued to be produced from this factory until 1993.
British-made Mokes such as this Austin version were fitted with a 848 cc transverse inline-four engine, and suspension, gearbox and 10 inch wheels were adopted from the standard Mini. Rear passenger seats, grab handles, heater, windscreen washer and a removable canvas top were optional equipment, installed by the owner.
This 1965 registered Austin Mini Moke currently resides in Cornwall, UK where it has been since 1985. The current, 4th owner had a body and engine restoration carried out shortly after acquiring the vehicle in 2005 taking the vehicle back to its original Spruce Green paint, the only colour available when it was first manufactured. In addition, original rear passenger seats were also added alongside a new canvas roof.
It has been used and enjoyed thoroughly, but with only 4,000 miles covered by the current owner in 16 years, truthfully it’s spent most of its recent years garaged and undercover.
Lack of use has encouraged the sale, with the hope someone with the right home and environment will continue to love and enjoy the vehicle.
The current owner has spared no expense restoring the vehicle to its original glory, you will get a great deal of paperwork from their 16 year ownership as well as some previous work. Not everything is there prior to 2005 but there is a substantial amount. MOT’s + service work + original handbooks and parts list’s are present, heritage certificate is also included.
The V5 with the original issued plate DOG72C is also present, which will come with the car.
This Austin Moke is in fantastic order, the restoration may have been completed in 2007 but 14 years on the paint is still in great condition. The green vinyl roof and Spruce Green painted chassis are a splendid combination, the white and chrome 10’’ wheels are also a great addition.
Underneath, in the footwells, everything is free from anything unwanted and free from damage and scratches.
Badges and lights are all shiny and working, it’s truly difficult to find anything undesirable on the vehicle, the only small blemish was a small crack in the windscreen, which has been pictured.
In addition to the green roof, also included in the sale is the original white roof and side doors, which haven't been restored and came with the vehicle when it was purchased in 2005. Also, a hardtop will be included in the sale.
While the interior is simplistic, what there is, is in fine order. Vinyl seats to match the roof are in almost unused condition. Under the rubber mats, the chassis and paint is unmarked. The original steering wheel sits proudly at the front of the exposed, minimalist dash which also features a singular, speedo and odometer.
Restoration between 2005-2007 and consistent servicing and MOT’s reinforce the quality of this car, the current owner didn’t skip anything. The car started on command and ran smoothly and is still in use albeit very occasionally. It’s been kept ready for action for the rare days when Cornwall’s weather became mediteraninan like.
All work has been carried out by a local garage who specialise in classics.
The Moke is unquestionably a very unique vehicle, it’s petite and as its doorless best enjoyed on a hot summer's day, here in the UK anyway. Seeing one of these cars is fun by itself, getting behind the wheel takes you to another level.
Becoming increasingly rare, there’s less than 100 Austin Mini Moke's registered in the UK, with some being customised and ‘messed’ with, originally factory classics like this one are getting harder to find.
This car has Austin Mini DNA, with a bit of beach buggy and go kart thrown in, it’s unlike anything you can get in this day and age. It’s spent 56 years giving owners and onlookers tremondus joy and with the right home and care it could do 50 more.
The car comes with a range of spare parts, wheels, roofs and interiors as well as the rare factory hardtop
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Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
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1965 Austin Mini Moke
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