Moke Makes a Return

The original Mini Moke was launched, believe it or not, fifty-six years ago. It took all the clever engineering and packaging of the Mini and put it in a little, rugged shell that had all manner of practical applications. BMC initially had hopes of selling the Moke to the military, but while it was a rugged take on the Mini, it wasn’t quite rugged enough for any sort of military application. As such, bosses at the British company instead aimed it at the civilian market, with farmers and light commercial buyers firmly in mind. 

However, BMC underestimated the appeal of the Moke, which soon gained cult status as a trendy, funky and no frills vehicle for urbanites and commuters. Bonkers when you think about it, but we love a cheap and cheerful car here in the UK. 

Now, fifty-six years after the launch of the Mini Moke, MOKE International Limited is bringing the legendary little vehicle back. So if you’re looking for something cool, something funky and something classic, this is it. 

The original MOKE trademark was acquired in 2015 and is now owned by MOKE International Limited. The initial focus has been on meeting demand in the Caribbean market where MOKE is popular with both private buyers and luxury resorts and hotels. Following UK regulatory approval, MOKEs are now available to purchase across the United Kingdom and Ireland. Additional models will be launched across Europe, the USA and beyond in 2021.

In reviving the brand, MOKE International has gathered a team from some of the most celebrated names in the industry. Isobel Dando, leads the board of management with an automotive career that spans two decades. This includes senior commercial and product leadership roles at Jaguar Land Rover and the BMW Group.

MOKE International will stay true to its British and Continental roots through its strategic approach to manufacturing and engineering. All MOKE bodies will be engineered and sub-assembled in the centre of Britain’s globally-renowned specialist automotive hub, the Midlands before being shipped to Cerizay, France for final assembly.  

Mark Truman leads MOKE’s engineering and production functions having held senior technical roles at Aston Martin, Ford and Jaguar Land Rover. 

“My role at MOKE is to preserve the integrity and spirit of the original MOKE whilst incorporating the very best of today’s technologies that match the requirements of a new generation.”

The new MOKE features a slightly larger design, a more modern fuel-injected four-cylinder engine, modern suspension, power steering, disc brakes and even a heated windscreen. What luxury! The original Moke could only dream of such things!

Priced at a not unreasonable £20,000 plus any associated taxes and tariffs, the new MOKE is available to order now. However, you need to be quick, as only fifty-six, so in keeping with the launch date, are being built. As such, these MOKE models will be one of the most exclusive cars of 2020/21. Get one ordered though, and you’ll have a brilliant car that will never fail to put a smile on your face. Unless it’s raining, obviously. 

SPECIFICATIONS 

Transmission: 4-speed Automatic 

Engine: 4 cylinder, 1083cc 

Fuel Economy: 34 mpg 

Emissions standard: Euro 4 

Top Speed: 68mph 

Power:  67hp (50Kw) @ 6000 rpm 

Torque: 93Nm @ 3500–4500 rpm