Following the launch of the Mini in 1959, Alec Issigonis envisaged that the compact car’s platform would be shared across multiple variants to suit mass production volumes. With a view to taking a bite out of the light military vehicle market dominated by Land Rover, Issigonis and John Sheppard designed what would be termed the “Moke”. However, upon the realisation that there was little appetite for this creation, BMC decided to market it towards farmers and for light commercial applications. Making its public debut in 1964, the Moke was only available to order in Spruce Green and came supplied with an 848-cc four-cylinder engine.

In 1967, the second generation was launched. Adding Snowberry White to the colour chart, it also included a wiper on the passenger-side window, while the horn and headlight controls shifted to the indicator stalk. During production, 14,518 Mokes were built in England. The Moke soared into popular culture during the mid-1960s, featuring in an array of films including four James Bond pictures! The open-topped Mini was even used by Brigitte Bardot in St Tropez and became a favourite of beachgoers as the alternative to the Fiat Jolly. Only 10 per cent of Mokes produced in England remained on the British Isles, with the rest snapped up by export consumers.

Manufactured on 11 September 1968, this Austin Mini Moke rolled off the Cowley production line finished in Snowberry White and was dispatched on 30 September to London dealer Car Mart Sales. While initially sold new to the United Kingdom, it is believed that the car was exported early in its life before being re-imported in 1978.

Later finished in red, the Moke recorded two previous owners in 2000 and 2004—per invoices on file. It was acquired by the current owner in 2010. It is believed that they carried out the restoration, which resulted in the striking Gulf motorsport-style livery that the car still wears. Sent to Swiftune Engineering in 2019, the engine and gearbox were rebuilt, along with the Moke benefitting from new rubber cones, Gaz shock absorbers, adjustable tie-rod bars, a “Stage 2” exhaust manifold, and a Maniflow exhaust system. Copies of the invoices that total nearly £15,000 are available to view, alongside a BMIHT certificate, and previous MoTs.

As one of the more limited production variants of Issigonis’s enduring icon, this Austin Mini Moke is ready to be enjoyed on the open roads or down by the seaside—with its striking livery sure to attraction attention and smiles from all.