1975 Mini Moke Jeep

As a 1975-built example, this Moke was assembled in Sydney, Australia. The vendor informs us that the car was retained in Australia before moving to South Africa, which he says explains its apparently fine external and underbody condition. He also tells us that the car was repainted in South Africa, where it also had new lighting and brake pipes fitted. Unfortunately, the paperwork for the car hasn’t accompanied it to our shores, so we can’t say when this work was carried out.

What we can be sure of is that this Moke was imported to the UK just over a year ago – with an accompanying V5C dated March 2023 – the vendor tells us that he had the engine and gearbox rebuilt here at a cost of £1550. He also remarks that the car now drives well and is ‘ready to use’. The car currently lacks a spare wheel and the steering wheel fitted is damaged, the vendor tells us that a replacement for the latter will be fitted before sale. He also tells us that there is a canvas top to accompany the car, which will be included if the reserve price is reached.

We’re unsure of exactly which shade of green this Moke has been repainted in – it looks close to Spruce Green – but it certainly presents well. The early British-made Mokes – supposedly the enthusiasts’ choice – only came in two colours, Spruce Green and Old English White.

The Moke’s bare bones military aesthetic might not have impressed the armed forces enough to place many orders, but it’s a look that makes it a must have for urban and rural adventurers alike. In countries that actually see the sun regularly, unlike its native Britain, the Moke was a popular beach-side companion or marina tender. The bonnet straps, tow hitch and metal roof frame all scream utility, even if the Moke’s a bit more lifestyle accessory than true workhorse.

This charming example seems to be in very good order throughout with very straight panels and paint, showing very little in the way of imperfections of corrosion. There are a couple of extra holes cut into the front and windscreen scuttle bodywork, the former presumably for a prior bonnet latch, the latter for mirrors. There’s a scratch on the rear panel, next to the nearside taillight, that’s been touched up with a darker shade of green and a few more blobs of the same green across the panel. Though elsewhere, the paint presents well. 

Wheels are Mini-Lite copies from ‘Racing hart Concepts’ and generally present well, but some have a few marks to them, though nothing that looks beyond refurbishment. They’re shod in budget Chinese Linglong tyres, which all match and seem to have good tread remaining. A few other little things we’d put on the to-do list are to properly affix the front licence plate (currently held on with cable ties), replace the missing wheel bolt on the nearside rear wheel and tighten up one of the four bolts holding the windscreen frame.

There’s not much to any Moke interior, its largely just exposed metal, but there seems to be even less in the cabin of this one. The seats don’t look original – these should be individual padded fronts with a bench in the back. The metal pews here, however, look to be in good shape, but we can’t imagine your bum or back will thank you if you try to do too many miles…

We’ve mentioned that damaged steering wheel already and that the vendor says he’s replacing it before sale. There’s a little green brush paint to the offside rear grab handle and the seal to the speedo gauge seems to have perished, but other than these little niggles, the rest of the cabin seems presentable enough, though we’d probably add some rubber mats to the floors to keep it that way. An additional gauge cluster has been added with readouts for coolant temp, oil pressure, outside temperature, and fuel level, which is always helpful in a 49-year-old British classic. 

Those gauges are monitoring the health of a motor that sits in a tidy and dry engine bay, with lots of new clamps and clips visible. The hoses for coolant and fuel look to have been relatively recently replaced, though the heater hose running over the head is showing some staining.

Lots of new bolts and fixings can be seen under the bonnet, reaffirming that recent rebuild mentioned by the vendor. The spark plugs still have that near new shine to them, as does the clutch return spring and the horn. This Moke (or any) hasn’t got a lot in the way of security, so this example comes with a still boxed Dis-Car-Nect battery cut off. 

Underneath, there are a few spots of what looks like surface corrosion, but it seems solid regardless. There’s little evidence of any repair welding and there’s still plenty of protective paint on the exposed metal.

As mentioned at the top, there aren’t any documents – other than the V5C and our HPI check – to accompany this Mini Moke. 

As far as funky little lifestyle classics go, the Moke is up there with the most desirable. Whether you fancy a summer trip to the beach or a jaunt to the coffee shop with your friends, the Moke certainly makes a statement. It’s cute and cool and its Mini DNA make it a doddle to look after.

We are happy to offer this vehicle for auction with an estimate in the range of £14,000 - £18,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located with the vendor in Poole, Dorset. Viewings are strictly by appointment.  To make a booking, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.