Moke

I've been into Mokes since buying this one in March 1982. I met my wife Jayne in the Moke Owners Association in July 1983.

My Moke is like the grandfather's axe, three new handles and two new heads but still the same axe. It's on its second body, third or fourth roof and I don't know how many engines. Since buying it in March 1982 I've driven a SQUILLION miles in it. I'll never know the real figure as I didn't have a working odometer for nearly three years.

It's built for off-road use, but is still surprisingly standard in the mechanical department. I've always run standard 1100 engines, nice and reliable, but ensure good water and dust-proofing. Hi-Lo suspension at the front and jacked-up about two inches at the rear, there is also a set of heavy duty gas shockers on the front.

The new body, a 1981 galvanised shell, has been welded for strength and painted with a brush. From a few feet away it looks okay, but as the whole job cost $35.00 and the car gets very roughly treated, I don't complain.

I've driven the Moke to Cape York in Far North Queensland, Darwin, Perth and a few trips into the Australian Outback. It will cruise all day at 100 km/h on almost any road conditions so what more can I ask for? I'm not interested in travelling at warp speed but I want my Moke to get me to the kinds of places most people only dream about.

One problem I have is an inaccurate fuel gauge. I could write a book on the places I've run out of fuel. Carrying a 20 lt Jerry can is as much a necessity in the city as in the outback.

Unfortunately, the Moke has been off the road for about four years. It’s getting a full work-over, but not a restoration. Time has so far eluded me in getting it finished, but at least I have Easter 2006, the National Moke Muster in Shepparton, to aim for.

You can keep up with my Moke and Mini adventures in the pages of our new magazine, The Mini Experience.