Mini Moke returns with modern creature comforts

Moke International has revived and improved the classic Mini Moke with a range of chassis tweaks and a fresh, emissions friendly engine. The revamped model is available to order now, with prices starting from £20,000. Production will be strictly limited to just 56 units.

When the Moke first went on sale to the public in 1964, it was fitted with the same carbureted 848cc four-cylinder A-Series engine used by the original Mini. However, to keep in-line with current emissions regulations, the revised Moke features an all-new 1.1-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, with double overhead cams and modern fuel injection.

In addition to lower emissions, the modern unit makes more power: output soars from the original 34bhp and 60Nm of torque to 67bhp and 93Nm. The Moke’s original four-speed manual gearbox has gone, too – in its place resides a fresh four-speed automatic. Drive still goes to the front wheels, though, with the new powertrain offering a top speed of 68mph and a fuel economy figure of 34mpg.

The Moke’s chassis has also been given a thorough overhaul. The classic Mini-sourced cone-spring suspension from the original model has been swapped for modern MacPherson struts up front. The rear still features the old car’s trailing arm setup – although the rubber cones have been swapped for more durable metal springs.

There’s a also few more creature comforts inside. The original Moke came with pedals, a headlight switch and a steering wheel – and that was about it. But, this revamped model features a two-speaker USB radio, a heated windscreen, a three-clock gauge cluster with a tachometer and sliding waterproof seats with in-built headrests.

Buyers have their choice of 14 paint finishes – and each example will come with a set of 13-inch Minilite alloy wheels, chrome windscreen rails, a chrome radiator grille, an Union Flag badge mounted on the front wings and a numbered plaque for the bonnet.

The Moke was designed by Sir Alec Issigonis in the late 1950s and early 1960s. It was penned as a lightweight, air-transportable military vehicle – although, after a brief trial period, the army rejected it due to its low ground clearance. However, the Royal Air Force did show some interest in the Moke as a vehicle for use on the decks of its aircraft carriers.

To recoup some of the car’s development costs, BMC repurposed the Moke into a civilian vehicle. It found popularity as a recreational vehicle – eventually becoming a cult icon. To date, the Moke has appeared in four James Bond films and is championed by the likes of Bridgette Bardot and Kate Moss.

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