During its Australian production run, the Leyland Moke was the country’s cheapest passenger car. However, affordability didn’t equate to strong sales, and natural attrition has seen many of these classics disappear from our roads. This 1979 Moke is the even rarer “Californian” variant, released to add spice to the model range. It presents nicely and is a turnkey proposition, perfect for enthusiasts craving something quirky to park in their garage. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Barney for spotting this wonder from Down Under listed here on Craigslist in Rancho Santa Fe, California. The seller set their price for this little gem at $17,500 OBO.

BMC initially developed the Mini Moke as a military vehicle. Its flat fender tops and the fold-down windshield made it ideal for stacking in ship holds, which was one of the company’s key selling points. Sadly, the military demanded simple mechanical components and good ground clearance, but the Moke failed to deliver on both. Production eventually shifted to Australia in 1966, with the last cars leaving the Zetland Plant in New South Wales in 1981. Sales were far lower than anticipated, motivating Leyland to release the Californian variant in 1971 to improve the situation. This 1978 example is one of those cars, presenting well in Green Metallic. It is worth noting that the company never offered a Californian in this shade, and the engine bay suggests it originally wore White. It is missing key components, like the distinctive white 13″ steel wheels, the “Californian” decals on either side of the hood, and the floral soft-top. However, it retains the correct front “roo bar” that replaced the standard front bumper. The photos reveal no evidence of rust, the panels are straight, and the overall presentation is comfortably acceptable for a driver-grade classic.

The first thing most Barn Finds readers will notice in the interior shots is that this Moke is right-hand drive. That is consistent with its country of origin, and is a driving position that is surprisingly easy to adapt to. The front bucket seats aren’t original, but are undoubtedly more comfortable and supportive than the flat factory seats. The cloth upholstered surfaces look pretty respectable, as does the carpet. The paint shows some age, but its flaws aren’t severe enough to justify restoration. The Moke represented motoring at its most basic, though aftermarket speakers suggest there may be a hidden stereo.

The British military’s desire for easy maintenance wasn’t satisfied by the Moke’s Mini mechanical components. The 10″ wheels provided limited ground clearance, and the lack of a four-wheel drive option probably proved to be the final nail in the coffin. BMC attempted to address the four-wheel-drive issue by building a prototype with engines and transaxles at both ends. They linked the pair using “common” components such as throttle cables, shifter shafts, and clutch mechanisms. However, this complex solution was unacceptable. The Australian Moke was available with two engine choices, and this car’s first owner selected the 998cc BMC A-Series four. It sends its 39hp and 50 ft/lbs of torque to the road via a four-speed manual transaxle. It is worth noting that while the Moke Californian is rare, the Mini drivetrain means its mechanical components are readily available. The seller upgraded this Moke’s braking system with Mini front discs and recently installed new Bilstein shocks. The vehicle drives well and is ready to hit the road with a new owner behind the wheel.

Some cars have an outstanding claim to fame, but the Moke wasn’t so lucky. It is one of the few passenger vehicles that remained in production for twenty-nine years across three countries, but failed to become a sales success. This 1979 Leyland Moke Californian is a wonderful survivor, ideal for enthusiasts living in warm, sunny locations. I am unsurprised to find it residing in California, because that is its natural habitat. If you live somewhere with a favorable climate, would you give this little gem a new home?