It’s impossible not to have fun in a Moke. They’re built for entertainment, and they’re hilariously joyful to drive, particularly with the roof down. Great conversation-starter too – we were positively swamped with passers-by during the photoshoot, keen to tell us about their own Moke memories. One passing lady was waxing lyrical about how she drove a Moke down to Spain in the 1960s… indeed, you’re lucky to see this listed on Car & Classic Auctions at all, because we thought she was going to buy it on the spot!

 This is the most desirable type of Moke: one that’s in delightful condition and ready to be used, and in the best spec too. It’s well-known among aficionados that many more Mokes were built in Australia than in the UK, and later Mokes were built in Portugal from 1980-93 – but the one we have here is a genuine Cowley-built example from the original 1964-68 production run. Specifically, it’s a 1967-model 850, which has recently enjoyed a sympathetic high-quality restoration (with photographic evidence in the history file) and is ready for some summer adventures.
 

 

There’s a utilitarian charm to the Moke, its simplicity owing to the fact that it was originally conceived as a military vehicle. (That’s why the tops of the wheelarches are flat, so the cars can be stacked on top of each other in cargo planes.) Available in a choice of Spruce Green or, er, Spruce Green, the specification was pared back to the bare bones, with a single dial on the dash, thinly padded seats, rubber floor mats… charmingly basic.

 And it’s all in super condition here. This Moke presents as remarkably solid on top and underneath, testament to the quality of the restoration, and there’s no sign of moisture in the usual traps under the floor mats and seat cushions. The light lenses and trims are all present and complete, and the roof is an excellent item that’s very easy to raise, affix and lower.
 

There’s a reason why Mini aficionados adore the A-Series engine – it’s just a really sweet and lovely little thing, making all the right noises and providing precisely the right amount of torque to hustle these lightweight cars along.

This particular engine appears to be in a good state of tune, firing readily on the first twist of the key and settling into an even idle from cold with just a little choke (yes, Mini fans, there is a clothes peg for the choke, as is traditional); it pulls keenly through the gears, and the transmission shifts cleanly. The brakes feel appropriately strong, and the car rides well on its suspension. A thoroughly pleasing thing to drive.

 
This is arguably the most fun it’s possible to have on four wheels throughout the summer months. It represents a surprisingly affordable route into Mini ownership too, as the values of the early saloons continue to sharply rise. This Moke has been treated to a quality restoration, it’s a pukka Cowley car, and it’s ready to be enjoyed right away.
 
BEFORE YOU BUY 

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following: 

✓ The seller of this vehicle is registered as a business seller. And you are covered by Car & Classic’s Terms and Conditions. 

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted. Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates. 

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind. 

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing. 

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence. 

✓ We also  check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and  it's always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer. 

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection 

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. If requested we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email auctions@carandclassic.com