2023 MOKE International Black & Gold Special Edition – One of Three

Registration: HF73 DLU
Chassis: SD8MANUK2MB000039
Odometer: 2,021
Transmission: Manual
MOT: October 2026 (First MOT)

• 1 of 3 Black & Gold Special Editions created by Hendy Performance
• One of the final petrol-powered Mokes produced before the marque's transition to electric power
• Just 2,021 miles from new and presented in superb, near-new condition

Few vehicles have managed to reinvent themselves quite as successfully as the Moke. Originally conceived in the late 1950s when Alec Issigonis was tasked with developing a lightweight, air-transportable military vehicle using Mini mechanical components, the design ultimately found its true calling away from the battlefield. Its simple construction, completely open body and unmistakable appearance turned the Moke into one of the great lifestyle vehicles of the 1960s and beyond, becoming particularly associated with resorts and coastal destinations around the world.

The modern revival of the Moke sought to preserve that unmistakable character while making the car considerably more usable. MOKE International reintroduced the model to the UK, with Hendy appointed as its UK dealer. The revived petrol cars retained the familiar open four-seat layout but benefited from uprated suspension and brakes, power steering and a modern 1.1-litre four-cylinder engine, with both manual and automatic transmissions available.

There is, however, rather more to the story of this car than that of a conventional modern Moke.

This car started life as one of MOKE International's Military Edition models, a series deliberately created as a nod to the Moke's original military brief. The Military Edition was offered in three appropriately named colours, Army Green, Air Force Blue and Special Ops Black, with Hendy's contemporary material describing colour-matched detailing, tactical front lighting and a number of military-inspired features designed to reference the utilitarian origins of the original Moke.

This vehicle was originally one of those Special Ops Black examples before subsequently becoming something considerably rarer.

Hendy Performance transformed just three examples into the striking Black & Gold Special Edition specification seen here. Against the deep gloss black bodywork are contrasting gold details, including the gold-finished alloy wheels, bonnet stripes, lower body graphics and Union Flag-inspired side treatment. The result is a Moke which retains the purposeful appearance of the Special Ops Black car from which it originated but gives it a much more distinctive and luxurious character.

Look more closely and much of the Military Edition identity remains evident. The exposed structure, auxiliary front lighting, black tubular protection and open four-seat cabin give the car an intentionally rugged appearance, while the Black & Gold detailing creates a particularly effective contrast. It is certainly not a specification likely to be confused with a standard production Moke.

Its rarity is only part of its appeal. This car also comes from an important point in the modern history of the marque, being among the final petrol-powered Mokes produced before production moved to electric power. By 2023 Hendy was already describing the electric MOKE as the centrepiece of its showroom offering, underlining just how close this example sits to the end of the combustion-engined chapter.

For an enthusiast, that makes this example particularly interesting. Rather than the electric drivetrain fitted to today's cars, this has a conventional petrol engine coupled to a manual gearbox, giving it the simple, mechanical character traditionally associated with the Moke. It therefore represents an unusual meeting point between the model's past and present. The unmistakable Moke design in modern form, but still powered in the traditional manner.

Having covered just 2,021 miles from new, this example has seen remarkably little use. It presents in superb, near-new condition throughout, with the Black & Gold exterior remaining particularly striking and the open cabin showing equally little evidence of its age or mileage.

Importantly, it isn't simply a car that has been preserved for display. On the road it is reported to drive exceptionally well, delivering exactly the light-hearted, open-air driving experience for which the Moke became famous. Its first MOT will be due in October 2026.

The combination here is difficult to replicate: a modern petrol-powered Moke, originally produced in the desirable Special Ops Black Military Edition specification, subsequently transformed by Hendy Performance into one of only three Black & Gold Special Editions, and now offered having covered little more than 2,000 miles.

With petrol-powered production now belonging to a completed chapter of the modern Moke story, this vehicle has considerably more provenance than its playful appearance might initially suggest. Its Military Edition origins, three-car Black & Gold production run, exceptionally low mileage and position among the final combustion-engined Mokes make this a fascinating example of the reborn British icon.