Highlights
- family owned since the late 60s / early 70s
- Only 10,654 miles
- Stored for 25 years
- Recommissioned in 2020
THE APPEAL
Based on Sir Alec Issigonis’ iconic Mini, the Moke was initially developed for the British Army - which was in need of a compact utility vehicle. However, due to its petite nature and low ground clearance, the car's military career never came to fruition. Instead, the unique vehicle was marketed to the civilian market, with farmers and light commercial users being the ideal demographic.
This British-built Morris Moke was registered in 1965 and is believed to have been in the same family ever since, being inherited by the current vendor from their stepfather - a director of legendary 70s & 80s advertisements including Cadbury's Milk Tray. Up until 2020, the car had resided in Ireland, where it was rarely used, being kept garaged and untouched for the last 25 years, we’re told that before the car was put into storage it was driven from the family home in Essex to the holiday property in the South of France, where it stayed for some time. That's an impressive journey in any vehicle, let alone a Moke!
The vendor had always admired the Moke which hadn't gone unnoticed, and when the vendor's stepfather passed in 2019, the Moke was left to them. In 2020 the Moke was transported from its Irish dwelling, where it had been stored for the past 25 years, and made its way to the UK where it was inspected by a local garage. After a bit of investigation and the help of a close friend, the car was recommissioned and made road worthy once again but with other projects ongoing, the car's usage has been minimal and the vendor feels it's time for the car to continue its journey with someone who can appreciate and use it more.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
- UK Registered 04/06/1965
- Believed to be owned by the same family since new
- Current ownership since 2020 when it was inherited
- Stored since the mid-1990s
- A 1990 colour change from white to yellow is on record on the HPI check
- Featured on the cover of 'Mr. Tap', the vendor's latest novel
- Car was featured on 4 occasions in the Moke club magazine 'Moking', from its adventurous career to its restoration
THE INTERIOR
- Good condition with some patina
- Very well survived thanks to its dry storage
- Utilitarian and simplistic robust design
- Vinyl cushions in good condition
- Original steering wheel, switches
- Some age showing through on the floor pan but appears very minor - Rubber mats showing wear
- Room for four - however only the front seats features seatbelts
- Underseat radio, however this hasn't been tested
- Small rear boot space
THE EXTERIOR
- Presented very well with some minor age-related wear
- Removable blue vinyl roof in excellent condition with no rips or tears
- Original steel wheels
- Some patina and imperfections present on the wheels
- Presumed original trims and badges
- Colour change on record from white to yellow in 1990
- Front luggage rack
- Rear-mounted spare wheel
- The underside looks well preserved
- Replacement headlights and new surrounds fitted
- Kept garaged to help with the car's longevity
THE MECHANICS
- 848cc A-Series inline-4
- Manual transmission
- MOT expired in 2022 although the car is exempt
- Passed MOT in July 2021 with no advisories
- Reported to start, run and drive without issue
- Engine recommissioned in 2020 which included
- Engine oil flushed and renewed
- Gearbox oil flush and renewed
- Engine and engine bay cleaned
- Suspension and brake drums were inspected and cleaned up
- Carburettor stripped, cleaned and rebuilt
- New fuel lines
- Fuel pump replaced
- Valve clearances adjusted
- Replacement hoses
- Coolant flushed and new antifreeze added
- Clutch unseized
- Brake and clutch master were stripped and repainted
- Pedal box removed, inspected and cleaned
- New clutch slave cylinder and pipes
- New fuse box
- New brake lines and fluid
- New wiper motor
- New driveshaft gaiters, track rod ends and ball joints
- New tyres
SUMMARY
Unquestionably unique and undeniably fun, the Moke is a mad, marvellous mini that stirs up attention wherever they go. This early Morris offering is in remarkably good condition having been kept stored for 25 years and only recently getting back on the roads and while it holds such as special place in the vendor's heart, time, space and the ability to appreciate it are becoming more and more difficult and as such, it's time another family got to experience its magic.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
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