A genuine piece of television history will cross the auction block next month.
Listed for the Silverstone Auctions NEC Classic Motor Show Sale, it is said to be the world’s most famous Mini Moke.
The car’s celebrity status stems from being one of two remaining examples that appeared on the classic Patrick McGoohan show, The Prisoner.
”I am not a number!”
Filmed between 1966 and 1968, The Prisoner saw McGoohan take on the role of former spy, Number Six. With the elaborate Portmeirion village used as a setting, the show revelled in 1960s counterculture and psychological tension.
Along with the Lotus Seven driven by McGoohan’s character, Mini Mokes played a key role in the series.
A total of four Mokes were used during production of The Prisoner, acting as taxis in the mysterious Village resort.
This particular Moke, with the registration HLT 709C, was seen extensively on screen. McGoohan himself drove it in several episodes, adding to its significance for fans of the programme.
“I am a free man!”
Following filming, HLT 709C spent time in Sheffield, before being discovered in a Dutch barn in 2011. With dilapidated bodywork and its Mini Cooper engine out of action, extensive restoration work was needed.
The chassis was acid-dipped, with repairs undertaken to the rotten bodywork and structural elements.
Phil Caunt, who discovered the Moke, wanted to preserve as much of its originality as possible when doing the work. This included replicating the unique faux wood trim, along with recreating the striped seat covers and roof fabric.
The original Penny Farthing motif added for filming remains on the bonnet, albeit faded.
“Be seeing you”
The restoration process was documented extensively, and saw the Moke star on the cover of Mini World magazine in September 2018. After the work was completed, its first outing was to Portmeirion for a 50th anniversary event.
Given the cult status of The Prisoner, the car should appeal to a wide range of collectors.
The Moke will be auctioned as part of the NEC Classic Motor Show sale, and is set to cross the auction block on Saturday 13 November.
Other vehicles listed for sale include a collection of Jaguar E-Types and a one-off Dowsetts Comet.
ALSO READ:
LAMBORGHINI COUNTACH PROJECT CAR SELLS FOR OVER £250K
