Description: John Wayne and the Catalina Island Mini Moke #22 - In 1966, Catalina Island received 58 Mini Mokes to be used as rental cars. The vehicles proved to be very popular as they offered 360 degree views of the picturesque coastline and lush interior, they stayed in operation till the late 1980's. One person who used the mokes was John Wayne. He would sail his boat "The Wild Goose", a converted WWll mine sweeper, between filming, from Newport Beach to the port of Avalon, and to get around the island he or his captain, Bert Minshall, would hire Mokes. In the fall of 1976, after filming for the Shootist finished, John Wayne was pictured lifting #22 Mini Moke as it needed a tire change.
#22, a British built 1966 MK1 Moke, was restored saving as much of the original car as possible, to bring the vehicle back to how it would have been seen on Catalina Island. This Austin Mini Moke is finished in pastel seafoam green and has a new cream vinyl top. The body is immaculate and the paint work is excellent. It is in original condition as it left the factory, therefore the specification includes: drum brakes all round with all new parts, new KYB shocks and refurbished cream original steel wheels, with new hub caps and tires.
The 850cc engine, carburation and transmission have all been overhauled and tuned. The Moke sounds great with a new exhaust, accelerates well and starts first time with a new battery. All the details of the Moke are factory correct. Correct single speed wiper, correct speedo, correct steering wheel, original wheels, original metal seats all around and, correct seat cushions. This English built MK1 1966 Mini Moke is an ex-Catalina rental vehicle #22 and it is believed to be the best example of these cars still on the road - it is museum quality.
The Moke was photograph on the island with John Wayne in 1976 and that photo has been authenticated by the Wayne family. The Duke was born in 1907 and so 2027 will be his 120th anniversary. The Moke comes with an official factory heritage certificate, showing the Moke was built as a LHD for the North American market and it confirms all the numbers on the vehicle are correct. This is a very interesting and impressive Austin Mini Moke in awesome condition that is now looking for a new home. This car would look great in any automobile collection or a museum. It could be of interest to a John Wayne or Catalina Island fan enthusiast or as a special talking point vehicle. Viewing welcomed in Wesley Chapel, Florida.
