Your humble host first heard of the Mini Moke when traveling – some island still offer them as rentals. Somewhat sadly, our rental ended up being a VW Dune Buggy (RHD manual), as they were out of Mokes.
Years later, I saw the Wheeler Dealers episode featuring a Moke and fell in love all over again. Anywho, this is a rare beast in the US. The seller claims this ‘served’ on Catalina island, which is about right for this sort of thing. The black plate lends a bit of credibility.
Click for Craigslist ad
SF Valley, CA
$9,500
07/15/2013 update: Ended up on eBay and ended with reserve not met at $6,200 with 25 bids.
We like the OSU Cowboys color scheme!
Sporty!
Raw power!
Ad text:
’67 Austin Mini Moke 850 Series II
I have been told that this was part of the famous Catalina Island, CA rental fleet. It is a true rarity among Mokes – a genuine early British-built, 10″ wheel, left hand drive California “black plate” car (not a later Australian RHD car backdated with phony paperwork). There can’t be more than a handful left with these fantastic credentials!
Yes, I realize that you can buy a turn-key Australian (or even Chinese) Mini Moke for $15k-$20k. These cars are fine to use as drivers, but they will never be truly collectible like the British-built Moke. This car is the one you should consider for the basis of a quality restoration, if you plan on keeping it as a fun investment.
I’ve owned this car since 2003, and have been paying to keep it in enclosed storage all this time. I always intended to restore the car, but sadly never made time to do it. While I really don’t want to sell it, I have to face reality and find a caring new home for this little gem.
The car is unrestored, and has been off the road since 1978, when it was retired from active service and put into storage. It will need a full, but straightforward restoration. I personally would opt for keeping the old orange paint and striped top, although there is quite a bit of patina. The floors are OK, but there is rust around the perimeter (where floors and side bulkheads meet). There is also rust below the battery box, and a few other small areas, but nothing too serious. I have a valid title for the car.
All in all, a great little car that I will sadly miss when it is sold.
Please respond with a valid phone number and I will contact you. If the ad is still up, then the bike is still available. Suspicious looking emails will be deleted – scammers don’t bother!