High Bid: $ 16,500

Have you ever felt like you needed a Jeep, but wanted it to be only a few inches off the ground and a hell of a lot less practical? Enter the Mini Moke, the infinitely likable cult classic that’s as simple and rugged as it is charming. The genius behind the original Mini, Alec Issigonis, came up with the idea of a sturdier Mini for potential military use, and for several years BMC built prototypes and tried to entice both the British and US armed forces into putting their rough and ready version of the Mini into service. Proposals didn’t get very far, however, as the car had no ground clearance, very little power, and no four-wheel- drive. BMC then gave up on the idea and put a civilian version into the market for 1964, and that is where the new Mini Moke then found its true calling. More suited to cruising the beaches rather than storming them, the Mini Moke was a great runabout vehicle in the nicer climates of the world. This car, located in California, is a very nice quality Moke. These cars were built under contract in Australia and Portugal, and a late British-built example and therefore one of the most collectible. It’s very nicely presented both inside and out, and really only the engine bay shows any noticeable imperfection. Part of the Mini Moke’s appeal is its incredible simplicity. From the utilitarian interior to the very common A-Series running gear, there’s just not all that much to go wrong and the big issue with these. More usable, way cheaper and just as charming as something like a Fiat Jolly, this roller skate of a car would brighten up anybody’s life. The season is almost here, so give this thing a look.