[ news excerpts from official web launch at http://www.minimokeusa.com/ ]
Based on the Mini, the Mini Moke was designed by Sir Alec Issigonis for the British Motor Corporation. The name “Moke” comes from a british slang term for “donkey”. The Moke was originally intended to be light military vehicle similar to the American Jeep, however, due to low ground clearance and small wheels the Mini Moke never quite made it as an offroad vehicle. After it was apparent that the military wasn’t interested, the Mini Moke was marketed to civilians as a low-cost utility vehicle. As a beach buggy, the Moke finally found it’s niche in the United States, tropical resorts in the Caribbean, and Australia.
Originally built at the Morris factory in Oxford, the Mini Moke production line moved to BMC’s Longbridge, Birmingham plant, and eventually the production line was moved overseas. Production ended in 1993 after approximately 50,000 Mokes were produced between the UK, Australia, and Portugal manufacturing lines.
Now in 2008, the Mini Moke is once again being manufactured! Through an exclusive contract with the manufacturer, Mini Mania, Inc. has obtained the rights to sell the Moke in kit form, or as a partially assembled kit. Don’t let this new chapter in the Moke history go by without participating in it! Visit their site often to read about new products, events, and information about Mini Mokes! Continue reading →
