The Moke is coming back!

Chinese automaker Chery restarts Moke production | Hemmings Daily

This was sent to me a few days ago, I had a Moke until 5 yrs ago for 25 years with a worked 1330cc motor in it, the bloody thing went like stink, didn't like to stop (like my S2a), handled like a go kart and was a lot of fun to drive, we used to drive over sand dunes until we got bogged, then we just lifted it out and kept going. Do J turns in the middle of the road, and other stupid things as well. There is a logistics place next to my work that acts as a storage place for a guy who brings in 1300cc fuel injected motors, bodies, and all the bits you would require (from China) to build a moke. This bloke then sells them for 25k. Dont know how he gets them through rego as a new car though.

Chery have every right to re-launch the Moke, after all they own the rights to the Austin-Rover heritage (just not the Rover name or viking logo).

The pommys always loved their 998cc Mokes with little wheels so it may be a goer.

Lead and water!

Right. I'm home now and I have been thinking of this thread for most of the day. I have a few things to say about Mokes.
I sold a Moke last year. I really regret selling it but I had to. Yes Alien, I still haven't gotten over it.
Mokes are fun little jiggers.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/
I miss my Moke.

The last of the Mokes were made in 1982. Current prices are about $25k for a restored late model ('81 or '82) 1275 Californian, $15k for that model in good condition or $5k for that model as a restorers delight. An earlier model restorers delight you could pick up for aroung $1.5k. A lot of the parts are being reproduced in China and are easy to source. If you fixed up an Australian Moke, you will be able to get it registered as it must conform to the ADR's at the time of manufacture. I think bacicat is right when he says the new Moke probably won't conform to todays ADR's but I hope he is proved wrong.

The last of the 1272 Californians were sold for about $5.5k new. $20k - $30k would not be unreasonable for a new one today. These will be a niche market in Australia. Probably only selling to rental businesses on the northern coast and islands with a few being sold to die hard enthusiasts.

One of the most memorable times I had with Moke ownership was when I lived up near Corowa. I used to drive around at night with the top down getting a moon tan. Driving along the Murray Valley Highway at night was magic. Passing along the warm peaks and cool damp dips, my sense of smell was constantly assaulted with the aroma of fields of wheat. It was motoring joy.

I miss my Moke.



https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

I'm getting the distinct impression you miss your Moke Mick. I was going to buy one of these way back when I got my licence as a fun little weekend car. My Dad talked me out of it at the time...:(

I ended up with a Series IIA shorty instead...

Not sure if there is a moral to this story or not...:D

A moke was my first car. Used to spend every weekend pulling it apart and putting it back together again before I got my licence.

When I got my licence I had heaps of fun, including climbing Mt Canobolas in 15cm of snow. Had great snap oversteer on gravel roads when the rear let go :D

I still own it. It is a 1972 1275 "export" model.

It burnt a valve back in 1992 and was professionally reconditioned end-to-end. It was then parked in the shed at the farm where it has resided every since!

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

I have had it out recently and have got it going, it has a few timing issues left over from the engine rebuild.

Cool that they are being reintroduced, but I am stuffed if I know how you could get them complianced in this day and age.

Cheers,

A friend of mine has one as a daily drive, & I remember you could hire them up in Cairns, not sure about now. Also, my late brother in law & wife used one to regularly drive from Mt Isa to Karumba, to go fishing, in the 70's. He built a bit of a cabin on it though, to try to keep the dust out. Didn't work, Bob

Do you think Mick's missing his Moke??:angel:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by cjc_td5

A moke was my first car. Used to spend every weekend pulling it apart and putting it back together again before I got my licence.

When I got my licence I had heaps of fun, including climbing Mt Canobolas in 15cm of snow. Had great snap oversteer on gravel roads when the rear let go :D

I still own it. It is a 1972 1275 "export" model.

It burnt a valve back in 1992 and was professionally reconditioned end-to-end. It was then parked in the shed at the farm where it has resided every since!

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/attachment...1&d=1382006976

I have had it out recently and have got it going, it has a few timing issues left over from the engine rebuild.

Cool that they are being reintroduced, but I am stuffed if I know how you could get them complianced in this day and age.

Cheers,

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'72 export! That is a very rare thing. And in very good condition too.
First of the 1275's.
Look after it.

I must admit, I cant get my head around all the new models of Bini,

Ill stick with my 75' Clubman, just need to get my finger out and get it in one piece again

snip

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mick_Marsh

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/attachment...1&d=1381998533
I miss my Moke.
http://www.aulro.com/afvb/attachment...1&d=1381998614

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What's the vision like with that spare on the bonnet?