Chassis No. A-AB1L-825909

Sir Alec Issigonis and John Sheppard originally conceived the Mini Moke as a lightweight, parachute-deployable military vehicle, inspired by Issigonis's earlier design, the Nuffield Guppy, from the 1940s. The idea was to create a versatile off-road vehicle, though the Mini's low ground clearance of 6.5 inches posed a significant challenge. Despite attempts to compensate by having soldiers carry the vehicle over obstacles, the British Armed Forces never adopted it. However, the Moke saw some use by British forces during the Falklands War, and it was adopted by the Royal New Zealand Navy, with one issued to each of their larger ships for shore use. In light of not being adopted by the British Armed Forces, the Moke gained popularity as a fun-loving vehicle, used in sun-soaked destinations around the world, such as St. Tropez, Barbados, and Australia's Magnetic Island, as the ideal yacht tender for onshore transportation.

Mass production was made possible by the Moke's simple design, with the engine and gearbox mounted transversely in a flat steel chassis. The interior was minimalist, with optional fabric tops for weather protection. Built on 7 December 1965 in Spruce Green with a Green interior, this car was dispatched on 22 December to Southern California. The list of equipment was brief, noting a low-compression engine, U.S.A. specification lights, and no heater.

The consignor notes that the car was completely restored in 2019 by DJ's Mini Parts of Wesley Chapel, Florida. The bodywork was refinished during the restoration in its current shade of pearl white with matching 10-inch steel wheels. The seats were refinished in blue cloth with white piping and a matching convertible top and carpeting. Performance has been improved with a larger, 998-cc engine installed, while the front drum brakes were upgraded to discs. Additional work includes restoring the suspension, front sub frame, and installing an upgraded aluminum radiator. Today, this 1966 Austin Mini Moke remains a charming example of a fun-loving and fully road-legal car that will continue to elicit joy from those who travel within it wherever it may go.