BF Auction: 1966 Austin Mini Moke

Seller: Ed S avigny (Contact)
Location: Watkins Glen, New York
Mileage: 38,990 Shown
Chassis #: A-ABIL-8761195
Title Status: Clean
Engine: 850cc 4-cylinder
Transmission: 4-Speed Manual

Originally developed for the British Defense Forces, the Austin Mini Moke enjoyed a long production history as affordable civilian transport. It brought together proven mechanical components from the Mini with a unique and robust body that offered enjoyable open-air motoring. This 1966 example is a gem that runs and drives extremely well. It presents nicely, and life in a favorable climate means that it is rust-free. The current owner has been its custodian since 2014, but feels the time is right for this British classic to find a new home. Therefore, he has listed the Moke exclusively with us at Barn Finds Auctions. It comes with clean New York transferable registration.

It is easy to dismiss the Moke as a design exercise, but it is a remarkably clever vehicle. The flat fender tops were a practical feature, designed for the car’s planned Defense Force applications. By folding the windshield flat, one Moke could be lowered onto another, with the wheels of the upper car resting on the lower vehicle’s fenders. By stacking the Moke two-deep in a ship’s cargo hold, a pair of cars consumed less valuable storage space. This Moke rolled off the Longbridge line and then spent its early life in California. Its second owner resided in Arizona and treated the Moke to a restoration and repaint in the factory shade of Spruce Green during their ownership. The seller is the car’s third owner, and its condition reflects the vehicle’s cherished status in his household. The car presents extremely well, and although the owner states that the paint isn’t perfect, it possesses a healthy shine that will help it to turn heads. There are no significant panel flaws, and the underside images in the gallery confirm that this Moke has led a rust-free life. The top is a tight fit, the trim and glass are in good condition, and the Minilite wheels suit the Moke’s personality perfectly.

Life aboard a Moke represents motoring at its most basic, but that was all part of the company’s plan. The trim is designed to resist mud and water, both of which were hazards of its intended military occupation. This Moke’s interior features Green vinyl trim that complements the paint shade, and its condition is excellent. There are no rips or other shortcomings, while the back seat allows room for a couple of passengers. All occupants are firmly held in place by lap belts, and the floors sport Green paint that is easy to clean. The gauges feature clear lenses and crisp markings, with the speedometer recently rebuilt by Bob’s Speedometer in Michigan. It isn’t loaded with creature comforts, but the timber wheel gives the interior a sporty feel.

The 1966 Moke featured mechanical specifications lifted straight from the Mini. Buyers received a transverse 850cc four-cylinder engine that sent its 37hp and 44 ft/lbs of torque to the front wheels via a four-speed manual transaxle. The power and torque figures are relatively modest, but the Moke has an ace up its sleeve. It is almost 160 lbs lighter than an equivalent featherweight Mini, meaning that performance is far better than the numbers initially suggest. This Moke still features it’s original 850cc powerplant, although it was rebuilt at some point in it’s past. Wisely, the Hydrolastic suspension was scrapped, and the Moke now rides on adjustable shocks. The owner upgraded the ignition to electronic and fitted a new battery a couple of years ago. He clocks between 1,000 and 3,000 miles behind the wheel each summer, and not only does the Moke run and drive well, but it has never let him down.

The Austin Mini Moke first appeared in 1964, and remained in almost continuous production in Britain, Australia, and Portugal until 1993. This example emerged from the Longbridge factory just as British production was winding down, and is an absolute gem that will provide the winning bidder with immediate motoring fun. Few cars allow you to get as close to Mother Nature as a Moke, and the mechanical components are renowned for their longevity. Enjoyable classic motoring and proven reliability are two reasons why it deserves a close look. The fact that Mokes are so cool is the icing on the cake.