1989 Mini Moke

This vehicle was originally a January 1989 Portuguese RHD build for export to Barbados where it was run by a well know 5* hotel as a courtesy car for almost 10 years until it hit 44k miles on the clock and was then retired. Having spent its days in the upper echelons of society it’s fair to say it’s had some household names drive it (which cannot be disclosed for confidentiality reasons).

Imported to the UK a few years later, it had succumbed to Caribbean sea-air and was found to be in poor condition, so was put into storage. In 2019 a full professional ‘nut and bolt’ restoration commenced, which turned out to be a 2-year process. The car was totally rebuilt with just about everything renewed, including a new Zinctec paneled shell. Essentially this motor retains just the original bulkhead, engine inner wings and rear panel – thus satisfying DVLA with original body stamped chassis numbers, so the correct age-related registration could be issued.

The shell was sent to SPL in Dudley where it was fully dipped and electrophorically coated to modern car standards. It then had anti-stone chip coating applied in all vulnerable areas; it was expertly resprayed in 2k paint, fully Dinitrol treated and then wet wax injected - so should be good for 15+ years without worrying corrosion. The shell and preparation alone cost over £10k. The underside is as shiny as the top.

The rest of the car was professionally rebuilt and finished close to the original Portuguese specification, with 95% new or refurbished parts. There were modern upgrades applied, so now this Moke has servo brakes, heater, electronic ignition and alloy wheels. It has covered fewer than 100 miles since rebuild and it is being offered with a new MoT, DVLA authorisation, HMRC validation documentation, Moke Club certification, matching numbers, extensive photo record and history.

Amongst new parts fitted are:

• Front suspension, hubs, tie bars, bearings, seals, discs, calipers pads and 4 tyres
• Driveshafts, joints, covers plus front & rear shocks, rack, joints, rack ends & later arms
• Rear subframe, suspension, bearings, brake cylinders, handbrake mechanisms & shoes
• Engine/ gearbox rebuilt with all new gaskets & seals
• Windscreen, frame, seals, side glass seals, wiper motor, wiper arms & blades
• New auto belts, piped seats and foams ( work carried out by Aldridge Ltd)
• New instruments, column stalks, full loom, fuse box, alternator & battery
• Fuel tank, sender, filter, pump, carburetor and all lines
• Exhaust, radiator, water pump and all hoses
• Master cylinders, slaves and hydraulic pipes
• Wet weather fleece lined storage cover

This is an absolutely genuine vehicle and essentially a new car which is being offered at a price below the cost of restoration.

The Moke comes in a vibrant and eye-catching green contrasted with VW red roll bumper and front grille, with black roll bars to add to its playful and fun-loving character. It is a boxy open-top utility vehicle that exudes a charming and distinctive appearance, with a simple yet robust design. The Moke has a compact size, with a length of around 3.1 meters (10 feet) and a width of approximately 1.4 meters (4.5 feet). It has a short wheelbase and minimal overhangs, giving it an agile look. In place of a conventional roof, it has a tubular roll bar structure, which provides some protection and allows for a unique driving experience.

The minimalist front fascia has a rounded front grille with horizontal slats and a small Moke emblem in the centre above it. The headlights are circular and positioned near the outer edges, giving it a friendly and playful appearance. To the side, the wheel arches add a touch of ruggedness to its overall look, accommodating the vehicle's wider track, enhancing its off-road capability. At the rear, the Moke features a straightforward design and features a rear-mounted spare tyre on the rear door. The VW red rear bumper contrasts nicely against the green paintwork.

Despite its compact exterior dimensions, the Moke offers a surprisingly spacious cabin that can accommodate four passengers. The absence of a fixed roof provides an open feel to the interior. The seats are covered in black vinyl with red piping. The minimalist dashboard houses essential and functional controls, including basic gauges for speed, fuel level, and engine temperature and a few toggle switches and buttons to operate lights, wipers, and other essential functions. It has a small steering wheel and the gear stick is located on the floor, within easy reach of the driver.

Just like the rest of the car, under the bonnet is exceptionally clean. The Moke is front-wheel drive and features a 4-cylinder, 998cc engine, which is mated to a 4-speed manual gearbox. The engine employs a carburetor-based fuel system which delivers a 60-horsepower displacement. The engine, engine bay and underside are in lovely order throughout; there is no evidence of leakage and everything looks to be in its right and proper place.

The car comes with a certificate from the Mini Mote Club to verify that the car was manufactured in January 1989. It has an active MoT that runs through to June 2024. The V5c states there has been no prior keepers because it was registered in Barbados. It comes with the original registration number but when the car came to the UK none of the original documents were released, so the DVLA shows this car as having no prior keepers. The car is being sold with two car keys.

The Moke (and Mini) is such a popular collector car, and a whole industry exists to keep them on the road. Reproduction parts are available and there’s plenty of second-hand bits and pieces available from specialist suppliers. This is a real beauty and that’s why we think a prospective buyer will have to part with somewhere between £15,000-£20,000 to take this car home, which is good value considering the nut and bolt restoration it’s had.

Viewing is always encouraged. The car is located with the vendor in Guildford, Surrey and to arrange an appointment please use the ‘Contact Seller’ button at the top of the listing to make an appointment. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’