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The Mini Moke wasn’t exactly a raging success on these shores – it was never meant to be given its lack of doors and roof. But 56 years after it first hit British roads, the iconic Mini Moke has been given an update and will once again go on sale in the UK as part of a limited run.

A company named MOKE International Limited, which acquired the rights to the trademark back in 2015, has made the decision to bring the recreational vehicle back to where it all started after proving popular with resorts and private buyers in the Caribbean market.

MOKE is to produce an initial run of 56 vehicles in Britain, and people familiar with the Mini Moke of old will notice that the latest iteration hasn’t undergone much of a facelift.

The new Moke shares much of its chassis design with the original Austin Mini-based vehicle, but comes with enhanced suspension, a new 66bhp 1.1-litre four-cylinder engine, improved brakes and the option of a manual or auto gearbox.

The new incarnation of the Moke is slightly larger than the original to increase passenger space, because we’re bigger now than we were in the 1960s. Also, features such as power steering and a heated windscreen, which were optional extras in earlier models, are now fitted as standard. 

But that’s enough about the new Mini Moke – naturally, as a classic vehicle insurance provider, we’re staying faithful to the original which has enjoyed something of a colourful history. Here are some facts about the Mini Moke to explain what we mean by that…

1. It was designed by the man behind the Mini

The Mini Moke was designed by Sir Alec Issigonis, who was best known for developing the ground-breaking Mini, launched by the British Motor Corporation in 1959. 

Issigonis had the nickname of ‘the Greek god’ given to him by his contemporaries for reasons which should be obvious – he created one of the most influential cars of the 20th century.

He also played a big part in the design of the Morris Minor – in fact, this is said to be his most proud achievement, as he believed it to be a car that brought together many of the luxuries and conveniences of a good motor car with a price point that made it accessible for the working classes.

The Mini, on the other hand, was a “spartan mode of conveyance with everything cut to the bone.”

2. It failed as a military vehicle

The Mini Moke was originally designed to be a military vehicle – prototypes were presented to the British Army as a parachute-droppable jeep, but poor ground clearance and a low-powered engine meant that it fell short of requirements for an off-road vehicle.

Only the Royal Navy showed any interest in the prototype, believing they could use the vehicle on the decks of aircraft carriers.

3. It was advertised as weightless

In early advertising material, the Mini Moke was promoted as “weightless”. It showed soldiers taking the Moke off-road before picking it up by the bumpers and running off into the sunset with it. This was an attempt to get around its poor ground clearance, as an option for the army but it didn’t really hit the mark.

Later, several four-wheel-drive Mokes were produced by adding a second engine and transmission to the back of the car with linked clutches and gear shifters.

However, this didn't solve the ground-clearance issues, while mechanical problems also dogged its development, forcing the manufacturer to give up on the Moke as a military vehicle and just concentrate on the consumer market.

4. It proved a hit in sunnier climes

After failing as a military vehicle, the Mini Moke was subsequently repurposed into a civilian version as a low-cost, easily maintained utility vehicle.

Mokes came to life at the Morris factory in Oxford before switching to BMC's Longbridge, Birmingham plant, and eventually overseas. Production continued until late October 1968 when nearly 15,000 English Mokes had been produced.

However, despite being produced over here, its open-top design meant that it was never going to be big news on British roads – 90% of the cars produced were exported. That’s not to say, though, that they aren’t fun to drive (when it’s dry and warm).

5. It was never a kit car

The Mini Moke might look a bit like a kit car, but contrary to belief, they were never available in kit form. They have always been factory produced, be it in England, Australia or Portugal.

6. It was still in production in the 1980s

In 1983, production on the Mini Moke was restarted in Portugal by British Leyland. Initially the final Australian specification was used, but this was significantly revised in 1986 using 12-inch wheel sub-assemblies from the Mini City car. This Moke continued production under Austin-Rover Portugal until mid-1989.

7. It shared its DNA with the Mini

Perhaps it isn’t a surprise given who designed it, but the original Moke shared much of its DNA with the Mini.

As a result, most spare parts can be easily found today because the A-Series engine, suspension and manual gearbox are identical to that of a standard Mini.

With no chassis, the wheels of the Moke, brake assemblies and suspension are joined to front and rear subframes that are bolted right into the monocoque shell.

Protect your investment with classic car insurance

If the Mini Moke has intrigued you, you’ll need to find the right classic car insurance to protect it.

Whatever model you end up buying, we can offer cover to match. Lancaster is the classic car insurance broker of choice for owners across the country, from VW Golfs to MG Midgets and everything in between.

Like you, the team at Lancaster are passionate about classic cars and we know the kinds of benefits owners like to see from their insurance. Things like:

• Choice of repairer
• Free EU cover up to 90 days
• Laid Up Cover
• Limited Mileage Discounts

Get a quote for classic car insurance today.

Policy benefits, features and discounts offered may very between insurance schemes or cover selected and are subject to underwriting criteria. Information contained within this article is accurate at the time of publishing but may be subject to change.