Designed by Sir Alec Issigonis at the same time as the Mini saloon, the Moke used an identical engine, transmission and suspension parts.

Although the pre-production prototype came out in 1959, full-scale production did not start until 1964.

It may seem strange to design and build a vehicle with no clear idea what you are going to do with it, but this was BMC in the 1960s.

It was initially mooted as a parachute-dropped utility vehicle for the British Army, but this notion failed at the first hurdle when they rejected it due to its low ground clearance.

It was then decided that it would make an excellent tool for farmers and as a light commercial vehicle.

This was partially scuppered yet again when it was rated as a passenger car and therefore subject to Purchase Tax.

It did, however, gain a strong following and became a cult-classic after featuring in the TV series, The Prisoner , and eventually found its true role as a low-maintenance recreational vehicle, at which it excelled....