Description
H&H Classic Auction @ The Imperial War Museum, Duxford/ Cambridgeshire
19th June, 2024 13:00
1966 Morris Mini Moke
Estimate
£20, 000 - £24, 000
Registration No: LJJ 736D
Chassis No: M-AB1-861940
MOT: Exempt
Recent restoration at a cost of over £20, 000
New body shell from Moke Panels and all panels zinc coated
Finished in the original shade of Spruce Green
This stunning Series 1 Moke has just emerged from a comprehensive restoration costing in excess of £20, 000 which was based around a new shell sourced from Moke Panels. All panels have been zinc coated and the vendor advises it has been completed to original specification as detailed on the accompanying BMIHT Heritage Certificate. A RHD Home Market model originally finished in Spruce Green with green vinyl interior, this Moke was built on 5 April 1966 and dispatched to dealer Stewart & Ardern Ltd of Croydon on 15th April 1966. Registered under the London registration LJJ 736D it had been specified with front and rear passenger seats, Weathermaster tyres, sump guard and no heater. Found in a derelict state by the vendor, its subsequent restoration included the following new parts; fuel tank and pump, brake lines and pipes, brake shoes & cylinders front and rear, brake back plates, drive shaft gators, steering rack gators & track rod ends, clutch & brake master cylinders, wiring loom, regulator, relays, cables, steel seats with matching green covers, tyres & hubcaps and new hood. In addition, the wheels were sandblasted and finished in OEW, the subframe sandblasted and overhauled whilst the engine was overhauled with cylinders honed and new rings fitted. All works were carried out in 2023 and only c. 100 miles have been covered since completion. This painstakingly restored example is worthy of close inspection.
The utilitarian Moke (slang for Donkey) was conceived as a light military vehicle and, codenamed ‘The Buckboard’, was tested by all three branches of the armed forces. However, its relatively low ground clearance ruled it out of most combat situations and its forte was as a beach buggy in such popular holiday destinations as the Seychelles and the Caribbean. Some 50, 000 examples were manufactured all told - UK production ran from 1964 to 1968, while they were also built in Australia, Portugal and Italy. The monocoque shell comprised a pair of box-section pontoons connected by the floorpan and firewall. Engine, gearbox, suspension etc. were standard Mini components, making for economical service and repair. Most of the 14, 518 British Mokes incorporated Mini MK1 running gear but the later ones (1967-68) utilised MK2 parts. However, of the 5, 422 Austin and 9, 096 Morris versions made a mere ten percent or so were 'home market' supplied.
