The tiny Morris Mini was undoubtedly one of the most-influential designs of the 20th Century, created by the visionary British engineer Alec Issigonis. The Mini’s space-saving transverse-engine, front-wheel-drive configuration eventually became the template for just about every compact car in the world, continuing with those produced today.
The original Mini was first rolled out by the British Motor Company in 1959, and it spun off a number of variations, even finding success as a diminutive race and rally car. One of the most-unlikely Mini twists was that of the Mini Moke, a bare-bones, low-slung adventure buggy and beach cruiser.
The Pick of the Day is a 1983 Mini Moke with a colorful history.
“This 1983 Moke was built in Portugal and used as a rental Moke on a resort island off Portugal,” according to the private seller in Goodyear, Arizona, advertising the car on ClassicCars.com. “The rental stickers are still on the windscreen.”
The Moke (which is an archaic British term for mule) was a 4-seat doorless convertible or 2-seat pickup that was built on a stretched Mini van platform. Originally proposed as a military vehicle, the Moke’s small wheels and limited ground clearance was deemed unsuitable for army duty. But it found much love from the civilian population.
Produced by BMC, followed by Austin, Morris and Leyland, the Moke was built in the UK from 1964-68, in Australia from 1966-81 and, like this one, in Portugal from 1980-93.
This apparently well-loved Moke has been comprehensively restored, according to the seller, and comes with two tops, side curtains and “roo bars” protecting the front and back ends. It rides on 10-inch Minilite wheels.
“It is a ground-up restoration taking 2 years to complete and has less than 100 miles since completed,” the seller says. “The 1,098cc engine was professionally rebuilt. All bushings, bearings, ball joints have been replaced. It has adjustable front suspension, disc brakes.
“The subframes have been powder coated and body has a fresh coat of paint. There is a new aluminum fuel tank, new manifold and exhaust … Wiring, clutch and master cylinders are new or rebuilt.”
Mokes are popular the world over as collector vehicles, and this one is priced at $21,900.
To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.