French Connection:

The Swinging Sixties have given birth to some of the most extraordinary vehicles ever built.

The Moke competed directly with the Fiat Jolly and the Citroen Mehari, yet provided a bigger engine and more power.

Mokes were at home at the French Rivera, often piloted by celebrities, and on ranches and the great outdoors. They are perfect vehicles for quick runs to the store or the day on the beach as well.

This 54-year-one is solid as a rock, runs and drives very well, and needs nothing but a new home.

Chassis *M-AB1-L/974728* was built on January 31, 1967 and dispatched to Paris France on February 1, 1967.

As the Heritage Certificate proves, the car is 100% matching numbers, still powered by the original engine, and painted in the original Old English White paint over a green viny interior.

The car comes with a voided French Certificate D'Immatriculation, a.k.a. the Carte Grise, nicknamed after its gray color.

It was first registered for road use on May 9, 1967, and remained with the original owner until 1982, when it was sold to the second owner, also a Paris resident who kept the car until 1994, when it was sold to the third owner, a good friend of mine, who resides near the Palm Springs area in California.

Power comes from the original 848cc A-series inline-4 engine that puts out 34 horsepower at 5,500 rpm, sufficient to propel the 850-lbs. lightweight to cruising speed.

The engine is healthy as the proverbial ox. It doesn't smoke, leak any fluids (seriously, none!), and doesn't display any untoward noises either.

The engine number *680* is confirmed by the Heritage Certificate to be the original engine this Moke was born with.

Above: engine closeups.

Not only does this car come with a genuine convertible top in fine fettle, but also a set of custom-made side curtains, which, comgined with the rare heater unit, turn this Moke into an all weather vehicle. Personally, we have never seen a Moke with side curtains!

Each of the four side curtains can be rolled up individually . . .

. . . or be removed entirely.

The top itself is older but without any damage, so there are no rips or tears to be found.

A treat of the special kind are the gold-colored alloys with polished lip which give the car a sporty appearance.

With the top folded back and down, the Moke turns into a fully open funmobile.

Moke's dash layout is simple, with a large storage shelf to the left and the instrument pod in the center.

Note sport steering wheel.

Accessory heater unit is mounted under the instrument pod. Engine turned dash plate shows a vintage auto club badge.

Removable front seat cushons have been newly re-upholstered in marine-grade green viny.

Auxilary rear bench seat provides space for two additional passengers.

Bags for side curtains, factory jacking equipment, European foldable emergency triangle.

Undercarriage is solid as a rock.