LEYLAND MOKE CALIFORNIAN
BODY & CHASSIS
Panel gaps as such don’t exist when inspecting a Moke but you can check the floors and side-pods for signs of previous repair and the windscreen mounts to ensure they are solid. If you’ve got a car that doesn’t have the galvanized body, check seams, floor pans, the petrol tank and rear-suspension mounting points for rust. Also inspect the battery carrier which hides in the right-hand side pod for corrosion. Reproduction bodies in galvanised steel are available and some prices (US$30004000) look too cheap for a prudent buyer to consider. But no one really knows until one of these has spent some time exposed to the elements.
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
Mini motors are reliable provided normal maintenance is observed. Short stroke 998cc engines fare best for longevity but 1275cc units offer superior performance and greater scope for modification. Engine numbers for genuine `1275’ Mokes start with 12G or 12YG. Plastic fan blades are prone to breaking but steel replacements can injure the radiator core if worn mounts lallow excessive engine movement. Normal Mini transmission problems – noise, worn synchromesh and noise – are amplified by the Moke structure. Severe whine or difficult gear selection indicate impending expense and reco transmissions cost around $1500 plus fitting. Clutch shudder can be a symptom of wear or disintegrating engine mounts. Driveshafts will break if subjected to harsh use but replacements are available.
SUSPENSION & BRAKES
Not much to worry about here, provided the structure is straight and the rear suspension mounting points are crack-free . Locating pins for the rear suspension trailing arms wear and can even break if seriously neglected. Replacement pin kits cost less than $60 per side but if the mounting holes are damaged, remedial welding will be needed. Brake drums can become misshapen and new replacements cost around $100 each. Disc front brake conversions using later-model components are available from $1000 plus labour.
INTERIOR & ELECTRICS
Replacement hoods and sidescreens in vinyl are available at $900-1200 but the paisley-pattern and denim tops fitted to some cars are very scarce. Instruments and control knobs can be found secondhand from Clubs or specialist Mini wreckers. To improve wet weather reliability, underbonnet electrical components need to be protected from moisture so moulded shields are available from Mini specialists. Owners also recommend a Silastic seal between the distributor cap and base. If you go to the USA and outlay considerable money, a specialty business will even transform your Moke into an electric vehicle.
PRODUCTION: 26,142 ( total built in Australia 1966-82) BODY: Open-top, unitar y construction ENGINE : 9 9 8 or 1275cc inline four cylinder with overhead valves and single downdraf t carburet tor POWER & TORQUE: 37Kw @ 5100rpm, 81Nm @ 2 5 0 0rpm ( 9 9 8cc) TRANSMISSION: 4 speed manual PERFORMANCE: 0-10 0km /h: 24.5 seconds (est. ) 0-4 0 0 metres: 21.9 seconds ( 9 9 8cc) SUSPENSION: Independent with wishbones, rubber cone springs and telescopic shocks (f) independent with trailing arms, rubber cone springs and telescopic shocks (r) BRAKES: Drum or disc (f) drum (r) (unassisted) TYRES: 155SR13 radial