Colin-on-Cars – Mini Moke relaunched

Like Arnie, it’s baaaack! Beloved by sunseekers from Cannes to Cape Town, the Mini Moke is back in production in the UK.

“Moke is an iconic British brand that has always evoked feelings of fun and freedom. The Beatles, The Beach Boys and Brigitte Bardot have all been captivated by the personality and unique styling of these iconic cars. We’re excited to relaunch the brand into a new era and introduce Moke to the next generation,” says Isobel Dando, CEO, Moke International Limited.

From today, UK customers will be able to order one of 56 limited edition Mokes, an allocation selected to signify the number of years since the Mini Moke first appeared in Britain in 1964. Order books also open for Mokes in standard configuration, confirming the permanent return of the brand.

Moke International revives a quintessentially British design that has charmed for more than half a century. Brigitte Bardot epitomised Riviera chic in her Moke. The brand has since been enjoyed and championed by fun-seekers including Kate Moss and DJ Khalid. To date the car has also appeared in four James Bond films.

The original Moke was designed in the 1960s by Sir Alec Issigonis, the architect of the Austin Mini. It was first specified as a military vehicle engineered to be robust enough for deployment behind enemy lines by aeroplane. The original shared components including suspension and chassis with the Mini.

The Moke soon became one of the best-loved symbols of the 1960s. Becoming the mode of travel for the inhabitants of the most exclusive coastal resorts in Europe, the Caribbean, US and Asia. To this day it remains the beachhouse-to-waterfront shuttle of choice.

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.

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.” 

Today’s Mokes remain true to the look and feel of the original, with a particular focus on maintaining the sense of fun and freedom that has endeared the car to so many for more than five decades. Updates include a new 4-cylinder, fuel injection engine, uprated suspension, braking and the option for either automatic transmission or manual for the more engaged driver.

The vehicle is also slightly larger to provide more cabin space. Features previously viewed as a luxury such as power steering and heated windscreen now, of course, come as standard. 

Still going strong

SPECIFICATIONS 

Transmission: 4-speed Automatic 

Engine: 4 cylinder, 1 083 cc 

Fuel Economy: 6,9 l/100 km 

Emissions standard: Euro 4 

Top Speed: 105 km/h 

Power:  50 kW at 6 000 r/min  

Torque: 93 Nm at 3 500–4 500 r/min  

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