1966 MINI

Designed by Sir Alec Issigonis at the same time as the Mini saloon, the Moke used an identical engine, transmission and suspension parts. Although the pre-production prototype came out in 1959, full-scale production did not start until 1964. It may seem strange to design and build a vehicle with no clear idea what you are going to do with it, but this was BMC in the 1960s. It was initially mooted as a parachute-dropped utility vehicle for the British Army, but this notion failed at the first hurdle when they rejected it due to its low ground clearance. It was then decided that it would make an excellent tool for farmers and as a light commercial vehicle. This was partially scuppered yet again when it was rated as a passenger car and therefore subject to Purchase Tax. It did, however, gain a strong following and became a cult classic after featuring in the TV series, The Prisoner, and eventually found its true role as a low-maintenance recreational vehicle, at which it excelled. Some 14,500 Mokes were produced at BMC's Longbridge plant between 1964 and 1968, before production moved to Australia where a further 26,000 were made between 1966 and 1981 with another 10,000 assembled in Portugal before production finally ceased in 1993.

Offered here as part of the Collection is a 1966 Morris Mini Moke that was previously owned by one family from new having been purchased by the father-in-law. The history file contains a fascinating story, written by the daughter-in-law, about its life in the Black Mountains of Wales and at their Spanish holiday home covering only 22,272 miles from new over 57 years. Naturally, commensurate with its early life in the swinging sixties, it was painted mauve at one point and even sported a Mustang badge on the bonnet.

Purchased in 2023 for the Collection mainly because of its low ownership and unusual backstory, FWV 700D was subject to a full restoration, mechanical rebuild and superbly finished in its production colour of Spruce Green with seat cushions finished in mauve as a nod to a certain F1 Team colour. The history file contains multiple invoices cataloguing this meticulous restoration.

An original 1966, low ownership, low mileage, 'as new' Mini Moke is a special thing and is a must for collectors.