Moke makes a comeback
The classic Mini Moke has been revived and relaunched in the UK, 56 years after it was first released.
Moke International Limited announced the retro-styled roadster’s revival in September, with a limited-edition version to lead the Moke’s return as a small volume production model.
The UK is the focus initially, with plans for Europe, the US and other markets in 2021. Those other markets may include Australia, although our ADRs will have a say in whether the new Moke comes here.
Moke International Ltd boasts some experienced personnel in its leadership, including CEO Isobel Dando, who has held senior commercial and product leadership roles at Jaguar Land Rover and the BMW Group, while Lead Engineer Mark Truman brings experience from Aston Martin, Ford and Jaguar Land Rover.
Second – or Third - Coming
The new Moke is broadly similar to a unit was announced back in 2013 as a joint venture between an Australian startup and China’s Chery Motors. That venture spoke of an Australian launch in 2014, but went silent soon after.
Moke International Ltd acquired the Moke trademark in 2015. Presumably, they also acquired the specs and tooling of the stillborn Sino-Australian effort, as most of the new Moke’s features appear to be taken directly from that vehicle. The powerplant appears to be the same Chery ‘QQ6’ four-cylinder motor, with the body and styling virtually identical, too.
The motor is a 1.1-litre petrol four-cylinder, with dual overhead camshafts, 16 valves and fuel injection. Listed output is 50kW at 6000rpm and 93Nm at 3500-4500rpm. Able to propel the new Moke to a top speed of 110km/h, this engine will be Euro4 emissions compliant and available with either a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission, driving the front wheels like the original Moke.
On the styling, while it appears to be a clone of the original Moke from 1964, the new version is actually wider and longer, primarily to offer more interior space.
Moke aficionados will spot other differences, starting with the grille shape and size, as well as the fact that the grille itself sits proud of the front guards. Bumper bars and details in the sponsons are different, too, although these still hold the fuel tank and battery. An “Aussie” feature that’s carried over from Australian-manufactured versions of the original Moke is the kickback on the rear guards that was originally introduced to allow the fitment of larger wheels.
While the original Moke never came with a fixed rollbar, the 2013 revival did and this has carried over to the 2020 version. Braced across the top, the ‘double’ rollbar also serves as the mounting point for the lap-sash seat belts that are fitted to the front and rear bucket seats. The seats themselves are high-backed and made from a weatherproof material.
In-cabin appointments are minimal, consisting of a retro-look radio with USB input and two speakers, a 12V outlet, sports-style steering wheel and that modern automobile essential – cup holders. Instrumentation is a three-gauge affair, with fuel and engine temp gauges flanking a large analogue speedometer that also carries a digital odometer and all warning lights. Reflecting Moke International Ltd’s multi-market intentions, the speedo is in both mph and kph.
The dash and cabin are the main points of difference between the 2013 and 2020 Moke, as the 2013 version had storage pockets in place of the new Moke’s speakers, a different gauge cluster, different steering wheel and modified treatment of the gear shifter and central console.
Beyond the seatbelts and rollbar, there are no safety features – no airbags, ABS or driver-assistance technologies - which has not stopped the new Moke's release in Great Britain, but will prove a major hurdle for the Australian market.
56 for 56
The new Moke has launched with a limited-edition of 56 units exclusively for the UK market. The total reflects the amount of years since the Moke was introduced to the public in 1964.
Available in a choice of 14 colours that will also be offered on the regular production Moke, the ‘Moke 56’ limited-edition adds a chromed grille and windscreen surround, Union Jack badging on the bonnet sides and a numbered plaque on the dash.
According to Moke International Ltd, waiting lists for the limited-edition were filling fast, with resorts and private buyers in English coastal hotspots taking particular interest.
Pricing is listed at £20,000 (AU$35,000 approx.), but whether this refers to the Moke 56 or standard model is unclear.
An announcement on when (or perhaps if) the new Moke is coming to Australia is expected in 2021.
Moke – a Brief History
The Moke had its origins in Mini creator, Sir Alec Issigonis’s attempt to adapt the Mini to military use, using a bespoke platform and the Austin/BMC 848cc A-Series engine.
When the British Army rejected the design, BMC pitched it to the civilian market instead, with the ‘Moke’ (an archaic term for a donkey) released in 1964.
In Britain’s wet and wintry climate, such a “open” vehicle was a hard sell, even with a fold-down hood and side curtains added. Nevertheless, the Moke did enjoy a cult following in the UK until production ended there in 1968.
Australian manufacture of the Moke commenced in 1966 and would continue until 1981. A number of improvements were made in that time, including the shift from 10-inch to 13-inch wheels, a standard sump guard and strengthened body. Australian-made BMC/Leyland Mokes ran a 998cc engine from the outset, with a 1098cc engine standard from 1969. The ‘Californian’ model with the 1275cc Cooper engine was released in 1972 and a utility version with a dropside tray was offered from 1975.
Although it had off-roader looks, the Moke never really had the ability to back it up, so local development of a four-wheel drive variant began and was close to completion when Leyland’s Australian operations were closed down.
From Australia, production moved to Portugal in 1983, incorporating many of the improvements introduced on the Australian Moke. Initially under British Leyland control, then transferred to Italian ownership, the last original Mokes were produced in 1993.
Several Moke revivals have been attempted since, including electric-powered versions, but none have achieved regular or large volume production.
