Beschreibung
Designed by the late Sir Alec Issigonis, famed for the original Mini, the Moke was originally destined for military usage as an off-road vehicle, with its USP being its ability to be dropped from an aircraft with a parachute for troop usage. Unsurprisingly, this cute little motor car wasn’t a great success on the battlefield, with its lack of 4-wheel drive and minimal ground clearance, however, it was swiftly adopted by civilians worldwide as the perfect summer run-around. The Moke’s popularity was further boosted by featuring in numerous episodes of The Prisoner, as well as 4 early James Bond films. The Moke production began in 1964 which continued (somewhere) non-stop until 1993. They were manufactured either in, or near their target destinations including Britain and Portugal, with the majority of examples being produced in Australia until 1983. In 1991, the Italian firm Cagiva bought the manufacturing rights to the Issigonis design, and production continued in Portugal under the Cagiva name for an additional two years. They featured independent front suspension, rear trailing arms, front and rear rubber cones with telescopic dampers, and four-wheel drum brakes. Fitted with the 39 bhp, 998 cc A-Series four-cylinder engine mated to a four-speed manual transmission, and weighing just 578kg, the Moke is a fabulous fun package.
This well-presented example was one of the 1, 500 Cagiva Mokes ever built and has been driven just 76 kilometres / 47 miles from new, living 27 years of its life in the warm, dry climate of Italy. The reason for its lack of mileage is somewhat heartbreaking, as detailed in the handwritten letter from the original purchaser’s family. It was ordered brand new by its new owner but before it was delivered, he went in for an operation where he unfortunately lost one of his legs. As no other members of the family had a driving licence, it sat unused in his heated garage for decades.
Prior to making the journey to the UK, the car was fully recommissioned in Italy at a cost of €1, 999. 99. Once here it was UK registered and has a V5C showing just one owner, as well as registration/ MOT Certificates. The history file contains Italian registration documents, the recommissioning invoices, an original Instruction Manual and a Moke 'Passport to Service'. As a result of its lack of use, the original body and components are beautifully preserved, including the white vinyl seats with green piping and matching seatbelts and the original steering wheel. Running and driving well, the Moke is even nicely equipped with a removable roll-bar and full weather gear, allowing for year-round usage if so desired. As one of the final 1, 500 examples ever built, combined with the tiny mileage, this Moke is a highly desirable collector's piece, ideal for a summer residence or an eye-catching addition to any collection and a fun way to see and be seen.
