SORRY NOW SOLD – SIMILAR WANTED
An original British Leyland Portugal Mini Moke Californian with 27,221 miles.
MODEL HISTORY
The Mini Moke is a small lightweight utility vehicle originally conceived and manufactured as a military vehicle by the BMC (British Motor Corporation). The name Moke is a derivation from the British slang term for Mule or Donkey. BMC’s Cowley plant began production in 1964 but plans to supply the military were quickly shelved as the vehicles were deemed not powerful enough with too low ground clearance. BMC changed tack and offered the Moke, early cars only being available in Spruce Green, to the British public aimed at farmers and light commercial operators. British Customs and Excise soon deemed the Moke a passenger car rather than commercial vehicle therefore losing exemption of purchase tax benefits hence reducing sales in the intended market. British production of the Moke ceased in 1968 when around 15,000 English Mokes had been produced and Australian production spanned 1966 to 1981 under the Morris and Leyland brands. As Australian production began to wind down, manufacturing was transferred in 1980 to British Leyland’s subsidiary in Portugal, which made Mokes until 1989. In 1990 the company, now The Rover Group, sold the Moke name to Cagiva, a motorcycle manufacturer in Italy where production continued until 1993. This brought an end to nearly 30 years of genuine Moke production and the following years have seen Chinese reproductions, kit cars, look-alikes and customisations. The original genuine Mini Moke cars remain highly collectable and sought-after.
EQUIPMENT
Lightweight rugged Monocoque steel chassis, extra-strength roll-over bar, laminated windscreen, tailored simple-to-fit all-weather gear including side screens, 8-gallon fuel tank, locking petrol cap, lightweight removable bonnet with rubber toggles, side compartments, side grab handles, wing mirrors, twin high-backed and reclining front seats, heater, front and rear floor covering, Dutton UK Optional Extras: Special hefty nudge bumpers, 5 x multi-spoked alloy wheels, side wheel arch mud guards, rear wheel mud flaps, leather steering wheel, MPH speedometer, folding rear bench seat, inertia-reel front seat belts, Accessories: Front trailer board socket, sliding removable rear number plate, static rear seat belts.
EXTERIOR
This genuine British Leyland Portugal Mini Moke is finished in original Maroon, (Code ENT), with the nudge and rollover bars colour chosen from new as White. This is an unrestored example which is incredibly rare and the paintwork looks fantastic with a bright shine and uniform finish. The nature of an original car means this wonderful example has picked up some light markings and scratches over the years, but these are insignificant especially in an arena dominated with poorly restored and modified variants. Absolute preservation of the vehicle structure is quite remarkable with no evidence of repair having taken place to the body panels and underside, and none needed. The original all-weather gear and zip up doors are factory fitment, fully intact and show no holes or tears only minor markings and slight discolouration. The rubber guards, Lucas lights, clips and trim are fully intact and the Californian bonnet decals are perfect. A totally unspoilt example with just 27,221 miles from new.
INTERIOR
The brilliantly utilitarian ethos behind the Moke makes for a simplistic vehicle with an abundance of fun assured! In likeness to the exterior, the trim to the seats in White, (Code BBN), is factory original throughout. The upholstery is in fantastic condition and clean with only light markings and some nicks to the seat piping. The fully intact washable floor coverings protect the bright, clean and totally solid floor. The optional upgrade leather steering wheel remains in excellent condition as does the instrumentation and switchgear. Optional seat belts front and rear remain fitted. Utterly devoid of pretention and absolutely fabulous!
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
The classic Mini underpinnings and A-Series power plant need no introduction and this Moke develops 40bhp, which is plenty lively in a vehicle weighing just 648kg! The unmolested engine bay is remarkably clean and engine number stamping, body stamp and VIN plate affirm matching numbers against the Moke Production Information Sheet drawn from factory records in the history file. The four-speed all-synchromesh gearbox is precise and the car being lighter and more rigid than the standard Mini, the handling and fun factor are guaranteed!
WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES
The unique Multi-spoke alloy wheels were fitted by the authorised UK distributor, Dutton UK, as an alternative to the more common Sunraysia steels and this example has worn them since new. The wheels have retained the correct high-polished spoke faces and black infills and remain very presentable with some aging within the spokes. The original 100+ steel centre caps remain fitted. Brand new very expensive Pirelli Cinturato 155HR13 tyres were fitted in May 2026 to all wheels including the spare. Drum brakes all-round have been fully overhauled in May 2026 yet still require a firm foot, exactly as when the car was made!
HISTORY FILE
The sole UK importer of the British Leyland Portugal built Mini Moke was Dutton Cars UK Ltd and the Moke Production Information Sheet issued by MOKE NUTTER-MV Portuguese MOKE DATA lists the Market Country as United Kingdom (Dutton UK). Further information verifies production by British Leyland Portugal Ltd, being right-hand drive as well as VIN and engine numbers and body and trim colours and codes. Options are listed along with the final assembly date and date of shipment. This example has only ever been UK registered from new on the 4th October 1984.
The previous owners, Mr and Mrs Crossan, purchased this delightful Moke in 1997 and have been enthusiast owners for almost 30 years, during which time they were active members of The Mini Moke Club. A massive box of ‘Moking’, the magazine of the Mini Moke Club has the car pictured on various Club outings! A large file holds service and maintenance invoices as well as extensive paper MOT record and to bring all maintenance fully up to date, a major service, brake overhaul and fuel system overhaul was carried out in May 2026. Completing the history file is a Moke Californian sales brochure and a copy of Alternative Cars 1984 road testing the Dutton supplied Moke. A phenomenal example ready for more fun and adventures!
HPI Clear.