Issigonis’ attempt to reuse the Mini underpinnings for a Land Rover rival in the military market didn’t get beyond the prototype stage but did spawn the popular and fun Mini Moke which was produced in the UK from 1964 and Australia from 1966 to 1981.
As Australian production was wound down, manufacturing was transferred to British Leyland’s Portuguese factory and, in the early stages of production, the parts from Australia were supplemented with unique adaptations and accessories fitted by the Setúbal plant, such as the available front saloon high back seats and rear lamps made by a Portuguese brand.
This is an example of one such early Portuguese Moke, number 149, complete with the locally sourced parts and, as such, a very rare find. The first owner kept it for over 20 years and treated it to a full restoration and it has since spent the rest of its time in two private collections meaning that it’s lived a very pampered life. It’s a classic that you can buy with the head and the heart: a fun car to enjoy but which will surely only increase in value, given its rarity and condition.
Built in Portugal and registered 30 August 1983 to its first Portuguese owner
First owner kept it for 20 years before selling it to a collector
The current owner acquired the car from the collector 10 years later and has kept it ever since
Repainted and retrimmed by the first owner
Never been welded
Two sets of keys
Still registered in Portugal
IPO (Portuguese MOT) valid to 30 August 2022
The seller will also do a complete full service and tuning at a classic car's specialist old school workshop specialized in classic Minis before the new buyer collects the vehicle.
It has to be said that for the majority of this car’s life, the interior has probably been on the exterior as that’s the beauty of it. But for the purposes of this description, we’ll cover anything that would be inside the weather protection gear. And it’s all good news here, with there being little evidence of use since its re-trim and no evidence of the kind of sun damage from the Southern Portuguese climate that likely led to the refurbishment in the first place.
The front seats do show a little patina but the rears look unused and the carpet mats are looking very fresh. The dashboard, such as it is, is fully functional and the black window surrounds and roll cage are very smart. As an added extra, the side-mounted tool boxes include the rare original Mini Moke spare wheel toolkit in the original bag, with the wheel nut wrench, the jack and hand crank.IMG_20220304_160153_1.jpg11.91 MB
The Exterior
Excellent paintwork
Full set of weather equipment
Never needed welding
The respray might be some time ago now but limited usage and indoor storage has kept the paintwork fresh and it remains in excellent condition with no sign of corrosion. There are a few stone chips and some touching up on the front left wing following a minor parking indiscretion but overall it presents very well indeed.
The wheels are pristine and the tyres show good tread all round. A full set of weather gear which is in very good condition is included and features a retractable frame that means it can easily be carried and deployed when needed.
The benefits of living in a warm climate can also be seen underneath where there is reportedly no sign of damage or corrosion. In all, it’s looking tip-top.
With an engine bay you could eat your dinner off, this Moke has clearly been pampered in its later years and, fortunately, it goes as well as it looks. The seller reports that it starts eagerly and when the fluids are warm it drives just as it should with the engine running well and a lovely exhaust note that is not too loud.
As an additional security measure, there is a concealed cut out mechanism which will be demonstrated to the new owner and which means that it’s very usable without the weather gear.
Summary
A very rare early Portuguese Moke that is in lovely condition and would be the perfect addition to any collection.
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