The Prisoner TV Show 1965 Mini Moke Going To Auction
I love the TV series the Prisoner, the Portmeirion location, the bizzare plots and the Mini Mike Taxis. Just like the show itself, the Moke is very much of its time. Like a Mini skirt version of, well a Mini, reduced to only the essential parts to make it qualify.
This could only be the product of the 1960s, I was born far too late, but it’s something I think I could have appreciated in period. So, what is it that makes the Moke such a 60s icon, maybe The Prisoner helped.
The Mini Moke was conceived by Sir Alec Issigonis back in 1959 for use with the army and went through a period of changes until finalised in 1963 with civilian versions launching in 1964.
UK production ceased in 1967 when the Moke cost £413. Of course, they looked basic, but the list of extras was fairly extensive. This was due to everything being an option, passenger seats and the essential grab handles for example.
Production moved to Australia in 1968 when the design was changed, an 1100 cc engine, galvanised body and 13″ wheels. This continued to 1982 when it was Portugal’s turn and then in 1991 to Italy with Cagiva.
Of course, the Moke was vehicle of choice for the fictional island in the series. In reality Portmeirion is in Wales and there were more places to drive than the village with the world’s shortest taxi rides.
There were four Mokes used in the series, though the one that can be confirmed to have been used is HLT 709C. This Moke was the one driven in the first episode, much of the taxi tour and the beach escape where it wore its own registration instead of the taxi plates.
The Mokes were customised by Wood and Pickett in the summer of 1966 and were ready for use by the September of that year.
After filming the car disappeared and was rediscovered in Holland in 20122 in quite a bad state and was purchased by the vendor and restored whereas much of the car was preserved as possible. this restoration has been documented and the car has been the subject of a six page article in Classic & Sportscar and a feature in Mini World.
The car is part of the NEC Classic Motor Show sale on the 12th to 14th November 2021.
Gary Dunne Sales Controller for Silverstone Auctions added “We are now in the final week for entering your classic car, motorcycle or piece of automobilia. We are once again thrilled with the growing lot list we have consigned for our final sale of 2021. The 1965 Mini Moke really is a credit and privilege to offer as the official auction partner for The NEC Classic Motor Show Sale!”
You can see the car and register to bid at; www.silverstoneauctions.com
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