The little red apple of his eye
More than 500 work hours and five years later, the little Moke has been restored to its original glory
Sometimes the smallest things can be the most eye catching – which is the case with Charles Herrington’s beautifully restored 1968 Morris Mini Moke.
Driving around Ballito in his little red Moke, Herrington told The Courier he gets approached by total strangers to compliment him on the beautiful vehicle – and even to ask him if it’s for sale.
Herrington and his wife Rinie have lived on the Dolphin Coast for the past 18 years. Originally from Mpumalanga, Herrington said restoring old cars is one of his passions.
“My father Charlie taught me how to work on cars,” he said.
Herrington’s Moke is one of only 451 built in Blackheath in Cape Town.
“The Moke’s were originally built for military police and to shuttle pilots to their aircraft. They only became available to the public in 1975.”
He bought his Moke six years ago from the army in Bloemfontein.
“Everything ran when I bought it – but it was rusted beyond all belief.”
His wife Rinie jokingly said that if you braked too hard, “it would be like an episode of the Flintstones.”
More than 500 work hours and five years later, the little Moke has been restored to its original glory and with its attention grabbing new colour is looking better than ever.
“Many of the parts were not available in SA so I had to import a fair amount to finish it.”
Herrington said the Moke is worth anywhere between R80 000 and R120 000, compared to its original value of R1 600 when it came off the line.
“My little Moke really is something unique, which is why I have such a passion for it.”
He said his next restoration project will be a 1971 Morris Mini Pickup. Herrington has entered his Moke in Cars in the Park in Pietermaritzburg on May, 21.
So, the next time you see a stunning little red ‘jeep’ come past you on the Dolphin Coast, give a hoot to Charles Herrington and his one-of-a-kind ride.
>> Expect to find the latest trends in Health, Wellness and Beauty in Ballito.
>> Meet the top players in the North Coast property industry. See our Property People feature.
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