View source for Mini Moke

{{short description|British small utility vehicle}}
{{distinguish|text = the [[Moke (revival)|MOKE]] recreational vehicle (2013–present)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2017}}
{{Use British English|date=October 2017}}
{{Infobox automobile
| sp = uk
| image = Moke02.png
| name = Mini Moke
| aka = {{plainlist|
*Austin Mini Moke
*Morris Mini Moke
*BMC Mini Moke (military version)<ref>{{cite web | url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/aussiefordadverts/7574477048/ | title=1966 BMC Mini Moke (military version)| format= brochure | publisher= BMC | via= flickr.com| date= 15 July 2012| accessdate = 30 April 2013}}</ref>
*Leyland Moke (Australia)<ref>Leyland Moke brochure, Leyland Australia, July 1975</ref>}}
| manufacturer = {{plainlist|
*[[British Motor Corporation|BMC]] (1964–1968)
*[[British Motor Corporation (Australia)|Leyland Australia]] (1966–1981)
*[[British Leyland Motor Corporation|British Leyland Portugal]] (1980–1989)
*[[Cagiva]] (1990–1993)
}}
| production = 1964–1993
| assembly = {{plainlist|
*United Kingdom: [[Longbridge]], [[Birmingham]] ([[Longbridge plant]])
*Portugal: [[Vendas Novas]] 
*Portugal: [[Setúbal]]
*Australia: [[Zetland, New South Wales]] 
*Malaysia: [[Alor Setar]]
*Rhodesia: [[Umtali]]<ref>{{cite web | url= http://www.baragwanath.co.za/moke |title= African Mokes |date= | website = baragwanath.co.za| accessdate = 5 February 2011}}</ref>
*South Africa: [[Cape Town]]<ref>{{cite web | url= http://www.baragwanath.co.za/moke/AfricaMoke1.JPG| title = Moke Register| website= baragwanath.co.za | date= | accessdate = 28 June 2015}}</ref> }}
| class = [[Utility vehicle]]<ref>{{cite web | url= http://www.australiaforeveryone.com.au/world/classic_morris_mini.htm | title = Mini Moke| website = australiafor everyone.com.au | archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20120330161600/http://www.australiaforeveryone.com.au/world/classic_morris_mini.htm |archivedate= 2012-03-30 |accessdate = 23 August 2012}}</ref>
| body_style = {{plainlist|
*4 seat [[convertible (car)|convertible]]
*2-seat [[Pickup truck|pickup]]}}
| engine = {{ubl
  | 848&nbsp;cc ''[[BMC A-Series engine|A-series]]'' [[Straight-four engine|I4]]
  | 998&nbsp;cc ''A-series'' I4
  | 1098&nbsp;cc ''A-series'' I4
  | 1275&nbsp;cc ''A-series'' I4
  }}
| transmission = 4-speed [[Manual transmission|manual]]
| wheelbase = {{cvt|2020|mm|1}}<ref name="handbook">{{cite book |title= Mini-Moke Driver's Handbook Supplement}}</ref>
| length = {{cvt|3050|mm|1}}
| width = {{cvt|1300|mm|1}}
| height = {{cvt|1400|mm|1}} (with cloth roof and windshield raised)
| weight = {{plainlist|
*{{cvt|406|kg|lb|lk=on}}&nbsp;(early models)
*{{cvt|578|kg|lb}}&nbsp;(later models)}}
| designer = [[Alec Issigonis|Sir Alec Issigonis]]<br>[[John Sheppard (car designer)|John Sheppard]]
| related = [[Moke (revival)|MOKE revival]]
| layout = [[FF layout]]
}}

The '''Mini Moke''' is a small, [[front-wheel-drive]] utility and recreational [[convertible]], conceived and manufactured as a lightweight military vehicle by [[British Motor Corporation]] (BMC), and subsequently marketed for civilian use under the [[Austin Motor Company|Austin]], [[Morris Motors|Morris]], [[British Leyland|Leyland]], and Moke brands. The name "Mini Moke" combines ''[[mini]]'' with [[moke (slang)|''moke'']], an archaic term for a [[mule]].<ref name="rees01">{{cite book |last=Rees |first=Chris |title= Complete Classic Mini 1959–2000 |year=2003 |publisher=Motor Racing |isbn=1-899870-60-1}}</ref><ref name="nuttall1">{{cite book |last= Nuttall |first=Tim |title=Mini Moke 1964–1989 |date=December 1989 |publisher= Brooklands Books |isbn=1-870642-94-5}}</ref><ref name="clarke3" /><ref>{{Wiktionary-inline|moke}}</ref> The Moke is known for its simple, straightforward, doorless design and for its adaptability.

BMC's [[Cowley, Oxfordshire|Cowley]] plant started building Mokes in January 1964, with 14,518 produced in the UK between 1964 and 1968; 26,000 were manufactured in Australia between 1966 and 1981; and 10,000 in Portugal between 1980 and 1993 when, after a nearly 30-year run, production ended.<ref name="rees1">{{cite book |last= Rees |first=Chris |title=Complete Classic Mini 1959–2000 |year=2003 |publisher=Motor Racing |isbn=1-899870-60-1 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QtE6EAAAQBAJ|title=Classic Mini: Essential Transport|first=Henry|last=Hirst|date=30 July 2021|publisher=Character-19|via=Google Books}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Mainland |first1=Keith |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=_xNzCgAAQBAJ |title=Classic Mini Specials and Moke |date=31 July 2015 |publisher=Crowood |isbn= 9781785000027 |location=Ramsbury, Wiltshire |quote=The first batch of ten Mokes was built in January 1964, badged Austin and sent to Papua New Guinea and Singapore. The next batch of Austin Mokes was built in June and Morris-badged Mokes first appeared in July. |access-date=19 July 2023}} 
</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Chapman |first1=Giles |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=DW2QDwAAQBAJ |title=Mini: 60 Years |date=30 April 2019 |publisher= Motorbooks |isbn=9780760363997 |location=Beverly, Massachusetts |page=73 |chapter=A World of Different Minis |quote=In October 1968, British manufacture ended after 14,518 had been built (all but 1,467 exported), and the entire Moke tooling was shipped to Sydney, Australia. |access-date=19 July 2023}} 
</ref>

In 2013, in a joint venture with [[Jaguar Land Rover]], Chinese automaker [[Chery Automobile]] started production in China of a [[Moke (2013)|new car called Moke]].<ref name="Hemmings">{{Cite web |title= Chinese automaker Chery restarts Moke production |url= https://www.hemmings.com/stories/2013/10/10/chinese-automaker-chery-restarts-moke-production |access-date=2022-09-23 |website= hemmings.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=2012-12-10 |title=CHINA: Chery JV plans Mini Moke revival |url=https://www.just-auto.com/news/china-chery-jv-plans-mini-moke-revival/ |access-date= 2023-07-10 |website=JustAuto.com |language=en-US}}</ref> This evocation of the design is assembled and distributed by a number of companies in several countries including England, France, and the US, although ownership of the Moke trademark is disputed.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jahner |first=Kyle |date=9 May 2024 |title=Dueling 'Moke' Sellers Tell 4th Cir. Trademark Isn't Generic |url=https://news.bloomberglaw.com/ip-law/dueling-moke-sellers-tell-4th-cir-trademark-isnt-generic |access-date=2024-05-26 |website=news.bloomberglaw.com |language=en}}</ref>

==History==
The original Moke was designed by [[Alec Issigonis|Sir Alec Issigonis]]<ref name="issigbio">{{cite book |last=Wood |first=Jonathan |title=Alec Issigonis: The Man Who Made the Mini |publisher=Breedon Books Publishing |year=2005 |isbn=1-85983-449-3}}</ref> and [[John Sheppard (car designer)|John Sheppard]].<ref>[https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/11597676/John-Sheppard-car-designer-obituary.html John Sheppard, car designer – obituary.] ''[[The Daily Telegraph|The Telegraph]]'', 11 May 2015. Retrieved 15 May 2015</ref> When Issigonis designed the [[Mini]], he planned another vehicle to share the Mini's mechanical parts, but with a more rugged body shell. This was an attempt to take a portion of the military vehicle business from [[Land Rover]]. Issigonis had previously designed the [[Nuffield Guppy]] in a failed attempt to break into that market. By 1959, BMC had working prototypes of what was codenamed "The Buckboard", later to become the Mini Moke. These prototypes were shown to the [[British Army]] as a [[airdrop|parachute-droppable]] vehicle, but poor ground clearance and a low-powered engine did not meet the most basic requirements for an off-road vehicle. Only the [[Royal Navy]] showed any interest in the Buckboard, as a vehicle for use on the decks of [[aircraft carrier]]s.<ref name="rees1" />

Early promotional material made much of the lightness of the vehicle, showing four soldiers travelling in the Moke off-road, then picking it up by its tubular [[Bumper (automobile)|bumper]]s and carrying it when (inevitably) its low ground-clearance proved inadequate.{{Citation needed|date=September 2022|reason=It would be helpful to see this "promotional material".}}

In a further attempt to make a viable military vehicle, a few [[four-wheel drive]] Mokes were made. This was accomplished by the addition of a second engine and transmission at the back of the vehicle with linked [[clutch]]es and [[gear stick|gear shifters]],<ref>''Motor Sport'', February 1963, Page 102.</ref> which did nothing for the ground-clearance problems. This vehicle was called "The Twini" and was shown to the [[United States Army|US Army]]—again with no success.<ref name="nuttall1"/> The added mechanical complexity and lack of interest by the military discouraged development beyond the prototype stage.<ref name="clarke1" /><ref name="clarke2" />

Three of these vehicles were used by the [[Brazilian Army]] after being captured during the 1969 [[Rupununi Uprising|Rupununi Rebellion]] from [[Guyana|Guyanese]] rebels, who had crossed the border into Brazil.<ref name="ecsbdefsa">{{cite web |last=Bastos |first=Carlos Stephani |title=Austin Mini-Moke: No Exército Brasileiro um desconhecido |trans-title=Austin Mini-Moke: An unknown in the Brazilian Army |language=pt |url=http://www.ecsbdefesa.com.br/defesa/fts/MOKEEB.pdf |publisher=Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora |access-date=2015-08-20 |archive-date=30 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120330213506/http://www.ecsbdefesa.com.br/defesa/fts/MOKEEB.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>

During the [[Rhodesian Bush War]] there was an attempt by the [[Rhodesian Security Forces]] to create an ''Armoured Moke'' as an [[improvised fighting vehicle]], which was seemingly unsuccessful.

Originally prototyped using the [[BMC A-Series engine|engine]], [[transmission (mechanics)|transmission]] and [[suspension (vehicle)|suspension]] parts from the [[Mini#Mini Van (1960–1983)|Mini Van]],<ref name="clarke1">{{cite book |last= Clarke |first= R. M. |title=Mini Moke Ultimate Portfolio |date=18 September 2005 |publisher= Brooklands Books Limited |isbn=1-85520-690-0}}</ref><ref name="clarke2">{{cite book |last1= Clarke |first1=R. M. |last2=Nuttall |first2=Tim |title=Mini Moke, 1964–1994 |isbn=1-85520-240-9}}</ref> the design's small wheels and low [[ride height|ground clearance]] made it unsuitable as an [[off-road vehicle|off-road]] military vehicle. The design was subsequently adapted and sold globally for general use as a low-cost, easily maintained, lightweight recreational and [[utility vehicle]].

<gallery widths="220px" heights="150px">
File:'67 Austin Mini Moke (Ottawa British Car Show '10).jpg|left|1965 Austin Mini Moke BMC UK for the North American market
File:Austin Moke interior.jpg|Austin Mini Moke interior
File:Leyland Moke Californian (15525867453).jpg|"MOKE" Logo
File:1962 Austin Mini 'Twini' Moke 850cc Rear.jpg|1962 Austin Mini "Twini" Moke 850cc
File:Austin Mini Moke 1967.JPG|right|1967 Austin Mini Moke
File:Leyland Mini Moke (5637363126).jpg|Australian Military Moke ([[The Army Museum Bandiana|Army Museum Bandiana]])
</gallery>

===British Mokes===
[[File:Moke01.png|thumb|left|An early British Moke]]

When BMC gave up on the idea of selling the Moke to the military, in 1963 they marketed it as a civilian vehicle, targeting farmers and [[light industry|light commercial]] applications. Several prototypes were built in 1963, one of which is still known to exist in Pinner just outside London, England. The Moke was launched onto the British market in 1964. The British [[Her Majesty's Customs and Excise|Customs and Excise department]] decided that the Moke should be [[car classification|classified]] as a passenger car rather than as a [[commercial vehicle]], which meant that it attracted [[purchase tax]], reducing sales in its intended commercial market.<ref name="golding">{{cite book |last=Golding |first=Rob |title=Mini |year=1979 |publisher=Osprey Publishing |isbn=0-85045-314-3}}</ref>

British-made Mokes were fitted with a low-end 848&nbsp;cc transverse [[inline-four engine]], detuned to use low-[[octane]] fuel. They used the same suspension, gearbox and 10&nbsp;inch wheels as the standard Mini.<ref name="imp">{{cite book | title=All Time Greats Group 5 Number 109 |publisher=International Masters Publishers AB |year=1968}}</ref> Originally, passenger seats, grab handles, heater, windscreen washer and a removable canvas top were optional equipment, installed by the owner.<ref name="clarke1" /> The base price was [[Pound sterling|£]] 405.<ref name="chapman1">{{cite web|url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4158/is_20040907/ai_n12797855 |first=Giles |last=Chapman |date=7 September 2004 |access-date=2 February 2007 |publisher=The London Independent |title=Mini Moke: The obstinate pony |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080130181230/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4158/is_20040907/ai_n12797855 |archive-date=30 January 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The "Mk I" Mokes had a single [[windscreen wiper]] and a floor-mounted [[Headlamp#Beam aim control|headlight dip switch]], and the only colour available was "Spruce Green". In 1967, the "Mk II" Moke added a passenger-side wiper. Horn and headlight controls were moved onto the indicator stalk. These later British Mokes were also available in white.<ref name="mokeclub">{{cite book |author=The Mini Moke Club |title=A Guide to Mini Mokes |year=1997 |publisher=Butterworth & Pilkington}}</ref>

The [[John Player & Sons]] cigarette company ran a team of Mokes in [[autocross]] competitions on grass tracks through 1968.<ref name="clarke3">{{cite book |last=Clarke |first=R. M. |title=Mini-Cooper 1961–1970 |year=1980 |publisher=Brooklands Book Distribution |isbn=0-907073-17-4}}</ref> These vehicles were equipped with rollover protection and used the [[Mini#Mini Cooper and Cooper S: 1961–1971; 1990–2000|Mini Cooper S]] 1275&nbsp;cc engine.

Despite the lack of success in selling the Mini Moke to the British Armed Forces, an unknown number (unlikely to have been more than a handful) of examples were apparently used by [[British ground forces in the Falklands War|Land Forces Falkland Islands]] during the [[Falklands War]] and its immediate aftermath; the source of these vehicles is unclear. At least one commandeered civilian Mini Moke was also used by the [[Argentine ground forces in the Falklands War#Theatre of Operations in the Falkland Islands (April 7 – June 14)|Argentinian Forces]] during their occupation of the islands.

The original Moke was made in Britain until 1968.<ref name="rees1" />

===Australian Mokes===
Starting in 1966, the Moke was built in Australia where it was originally marketed as the Morris Mini Moke, and from 1973 as the Leyland Moke.<ref>Wheels magazine New Car Prices, 1966 to 1981</ref> Initially Australian Mokes had the same 10-inch wheels as British Mokes and Mini [[sedan (car)|saloons]] but in 1968 these were replaced by 13-inch wheels with longer rear trailing arms, which made them more practical for gentle off-road or beach use than the British version. There was also a widening piece welded to the wheel arches, front and rear to allow for wider tyres and rims. The solid metal seats of the British Mokes were replaced with tubular-framed "deck-chair" seats.<ref name="mokeclub"/> This variant started with a 998&nbsp;cc engine, which was switched mid-production to 1,098&nbsp;cc. In 1976, with the advent of new [[emission standard|anti-pollution requirements]] (Australian Design Rule 27A), the locally manufactured 1,098&nbsp;cc motor was replaced by an imported version of the 998&nbsp;cc motor with an air pump and [[exhaust gas recirculation]], which had been developed to meet UK (US?){{Citation needed|date=October 2022}} anti-pollution requirements.

For a brief period around 1971, Leyland Australia produced a variant referred to in Leyland literature as "Moke, special export", but commonly called a "Californian", which had a 1,275&nbsp;cc engine and was fitted with [[Automotive lighting#Side marker lights and reflectors|side marker lamps]] and different rear lights to conform to US [[FMVSS]] standards. The fuel tank from the [[Austin-Healey Sprite|Austin Sprite]] or [[MG Midget]] was fitted beneath the rear load area, replacing the standard tank mounted in the left sidebox. The export Californian was readily recognisable by its roof and seats, trimmed in "Op-pop verve" black and white tiger-striped vinyl or "Orange Bali" vinyl, which looked rather like a fruit salad,<ref name="Special Export Moke/"> {{cite web |title=Morris Marina/Ital: E-Series powered in Australia |url=http://www.aronline.co.uk/blogs/cars/morris/marina-ital/morris-marinaital-e-series-powered-in-australia/ |first=Merv |last=Sheather |access-date=16 September 2007}}</ref> and was briefly marketed to the "[[flower power]]" culture in the United States.
[[File:1980 Leyand Mini Moke (4659029714).jpg|thumb|left|Leyand Mini Moke "Californian"]]

The name "Californian" and the 1275&nbsp;cc motor were resurrected in 1977 for Australian market Mokes with [[denim]] seat covers, more comfortable seats (which concealed the same basic frame within), spoked wheels<ref name="clarke2"/> and complex tubular bumpers (known as "[[bullbar|roo bars]]").<ref name="mokeclub"/>

Australian Mokes were exported to many countries and pioneered large-scale exports of Australian-made vehicles. Leyland Australia made much of these exports in its advertising. The use of Australian-made Mokes by the [[Israel Defense Forces|Israeli Army]] (complete with a machine-gun tripod mounted in the rear) attracted controversy and media attention.<ref name="rees1"/><ref name="clarke1"/>

From 1975, a [[pickup truck|pickup]] version of the Moke was produced, with a 1.45&nbsp;x&nbsp;1.50&nbsp;metre (55&nbsp;x&nbsp;59&nbsp;in) drop-sided [[Pickup truck#Pickup bed styles|bed]] which protruded behind the back of the vehicle, and a cloth top over the cab area.<ref name="clarke2"/>
[[File:Leyland Moke Pick-up.JPG|thumb|left|Leyland Moke pick-up with after-market wheels]]
At least two [[four-wheel drive]] Moke prototypes were manufactured by Leyland Australia in the late 1970s, but unlike the British version, these used just one engine. Leyland were planning to market this version, but Moke production in Australia ended in 1981 and all that remains of the project is one of the prototypes which is now owned by an enthusiast in [[Western Australia]]<ref name="clarke1"/><ref name="clarke2"/> and a modified differential crownwheel with gearteeth cut in the side to drive the rear tailshaft, in the personal collection of a [[Melbourne]] Mini specialist.

In 1977, a 1275&nbsp;cc Cooper S-engined Moke (sponsored by [[Coca-Cola]]) was entered into the [[Singapore Airlines]] [[London-Sydney Marathon]]. The car was driven over {{convert|30000|km|abbr=in}} over 30 days and finished in 35th place.<ref name="nuttall1"/>

Australian production of the Moke ended in 1981.<ref name="rees1" />
{{Clear}}

===Portuguese Mokes===
As Australian Moke production wound down, manufacturing was transferred to [[British Leyland Motor Corporation|British Leyland]]'s subsidiary in Portugal, which made 8,500 of the "Californian" Mokes in the [[Setúbal]] IMA plant between 1980 and 1984. In 1984 production was transferred to the [[Vendas Novas]] plant. Initially these Mokes were identical to late-model Australian Mokes; very soon, however, they were altered to use then-current British production Mini saloon components, including the standard-length Mini rear trailing arms and the 12–in wheels with modern low-profile tyres, which the saloon had acquired during the Moke's absence from Europe.

In April 1990, British Leyland (by then called [[Austin Rover Group|Rover Group]]) sold the "Moke" name to [[Cagiva]], a [[motorcycle]] manufacturer in [[Bologna]], Italy.<ref name=Mhist5>{{cite web | url = http://www.m-parts.co.uk/index.php?route=information/mokehistory&mokehistory_id=5 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180705004423/http://www.m-parts.co.uk/index.php?route=information%2Fmokehistory&mokehistory_id=5 | archive-date = 5 July 2018 | title = Cagiva Moke Production | publisher = M Parts | access-date = 24 April 2021 | url-status = live }}</ref> Production continued in Portugal under Cagiva's auspices until 1993, when Cagiva transferred the tooling to their own factory in Varese, Italy with the intention of restarting production there in 1995 — which they never did, although some unfinished cars were assembled in Italy. Cagiva was made to pay a considerably higher price for the Rover-made parts than had BL's Portuguese subsidiary, and the enterprise never made financial sense.<ref name=Mhist5/> The Cagiva-built Mokes have a new top with C-shaped openings, as well as plastic curve handles at the rear longitudinal elements of the rollover bar. Since Cagiva did not own the "Mini" name, the 2071 cars they built were sold simply as "Mokes".<ref name="rees1" /><ref name="clarke1" /> This brought the total production run of Mokes and Moke derivatives to about 50,000.

<gallery widths="220px" heights="150px">
File:1984 Mini Moke (Portuguese build) 1.0 Front.jpg|1984 British Leyland Moke, still using the Australian design with 13-inch wheels
File:1989 Mini Moke 25.jpg|1989 Austin Rover Moke 25, a limited edition of 250 cars celebrating the Mini Moke's 25th anniversary
File:Cagiva Moke in St. Tropez (FaceMePLS).jpg|1990–1993 Cagiva Moke
</gallery>

===MOKE International===
{{main|Moke (revival)}}
In 2012, MOKE International teamed up with designer [[Michael Young (industrial designer)|Michael Young]], [[Chery|Chery Automobile]], and Sicar Engineering<ref name="Hemmings" /> to design a new version of the Moke, styled MOKE, with the intention of releasing the car in Thailand, Australia, the Caribbean, the Seychelles and Mauritius, and Egypt by 2016.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-10-18 |title=Moke car by Michael Young |url=https://www.dezeen.com/2012/10/18/moke-by-michael-young/ |access-date=2022-09-21 |website=Dezeen |language=en}}</ref> In 2013, Chery Automobile began manufacturing the reimagined Moke in China.<ref name="Hemmings" /> The 2020 MOKE has a 1,083&nbsp;cc four-cylinder fuel injected petrol engine with either manual or automatic transmission and was also made in France.<ref name="MokeInt">{{cite web |title=About Us |url=http://mokeinternational.com/about-us/ |publisher=MOKE International Ltd.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=2020-09-21 |title=An all-new Moke is as readily defensible as oak and Coke and might be 3rd-time-lucky! |url=https://www.business-money.com/announcements/an-all-new-moke-is-as-readily-defensible-as-oak-and-coke-and-might-be-3rd-time-lucky/ |access-date=2022-10-28 |website=Business Money |language=en-US}}</ref> An electric version based on this design has been manufactured in Britain since 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Moke goes electric |url=https://www.fablink.co.uk/about-us/news/moke-goes-electric |access-date=2022-10-28 |website=Fablink Group Holdings |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |first=Jonathan | last = Bell |date=2022-11-10 |title=Revived cult classic all-electric Moke makes it to the States |url=https://www.wallpaper.com/transportation/electric-moke-californian-limited-edition |access-date=2022-11-13 |website=wallpaper.com |language=en}}</ref> The Moke brand was acquired by EV Technology Group<ref>{{Cite web |title=EVTG:CN (EV Technology Group Ltd.) |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/quote/EVTG:CN |access-date=2022-10-01 |website=Bloomberg}}</ref> in 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-07-22 |title=Maker of electric Moke sold to EV Technology Group |url=https://www.electrichybridvehicletechnology.com/news/oem-news/maker-of-electric-moke-sold-to-ev-technology-group.html |access-date=2022-09-21 |website=Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Technology International |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hill |first=Joshua S. |date=2022-07-21 |title=Moke maker bought by EV Technology to spur global expansion |url=https://thedriven.io/2022/07/21/moke-maker-bought-by-ev-technology-to-spur-global-expansion/ |access-date=2022-09-22 |website=The Driven |language=en-US}}</ref>

==Construction and maintenance==
{{see also|Mini}}
[[File:Moke03.png|thumb|right|Mokes retain their cult status, and there are many enthusiastic restorers.]]

The Moke's construction is simple. The body mainly consists of two [[hollow structural section|box-section]] "pontoons" or "sideboxes" running between the front and rear wheels and includes solid extensions running from the back of the car to the front. These are connected by the floor pan, the firewall and a sturdy lateral torque box that runs under the front seats and stiffens the body in torsion. The left-hand pontoon contains the [[fuel tank]]; the right-hand has a compartment for the [[car battery|battery]] and a small lockable storage area. The 1972 "Moke, Special Export", commonly referred to as a "Californian" Moke, has an [[Austin Sprite]]/[[MG Midget]] type fuel tank fitted beneath the rear floor area to meet the American [[FMVSS]] safety requirements of the time. Standard Mokes of the same period and later Californian Mokes use the conventional tank mounted in the left sidebox. Later Portuguese Mokes have additional lockable storage space at the rear of the vehicle. The optional cloth canopy has plastic side windows and is held up by a thin tubular structure that can easily be removed when not needed. In later versions this was replaced with a more solid [[roll cage]]. The [[windshield|windscreen]] can easily be unbolted and removed if not needed. There are just three curved panels in the Moke, the [[hood (vehicle)|bonnet]], the firewall and the floor, each of which is only curved in one direction. This makes it relatively straightforward to reproduce and replace Moke body components without access to sophisticated machine tools.<ref name="norman1">{{cite book | first = William Norman | last = Staton-Bevan | title=The book of the B.M.C. Minis: Austin and Morris Minis, Wolseley Hornet, Riley Elf, Cooper and Cooper "S" Models and the Mini-Moke | date = 1968 | publisher = Pitman's Motorist's Library | isbn=0-273-40695-7 }}</ref>

Because the Moke's [[BMC A-Series engine|A-Series engine]], [[manual gearbox]] and [[suspension (vehicle)|suspension]] are identical to those of a standard Mini (which was still in production up to October 2000), most spare parts are still readily available. The Moke has no [[chassis]], so the wheels, [[brake]] assemblies and suspension are attached to front and rear [[subframe]]s bolted straight onto the [[monocoque]] shell, just as with a standard Mini. Mokes tend to require much structural maintenance if they are to stay in good running order.<ref name="norman1"/>

==Kit cars, look-alikes, and customisations==
{{main|List of Mini-based cars}}

The true Mini Moke was never available as a [[kit car]], however as the basic Mini parts were easily available, many companies have assembled and marketed look-alikes, hybrid copies, and custom versions of the vehicle with names such as the Andersen "Mini-Cub", "Comet", Del Tech "Nomad", "Gecko", "Hobo", "[[Hustler (car)|Hustler]]", "Jimini", "Mini-Scout", "MPV" (a 6-wheeler), "Mule", "Navajo", "Ranger", "[[Mini Scamp]]", "Stimson", "Warrior", and the "Yak".<ref name="mokeclub"/> Unusual one-off custom versions of the Mini Moke have also been created inspired by the original design, including a 454&nbsp;hp Maserati V-8 powered example built by {{ill|Lazareth Auto-Moto|fr|Lazareth}}, and a three axle six-wheeler.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Walker |first=Howard |date=2020-04-02 |title=This Bonkers Custom Mini Moke Has a Maserati V-8 Under Its Hood |url=https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/lazareth-auto-moto-mini-v8-m-2910225/ |access-date=2023-06-29 |website=Robb Report |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=There's a six-wheeler invasion and this Mini Moke is leading the charge |url=https://www.classicdriver.com/en/article/cars/theres-a-six-wheeler-invasion-and-mini-moke-leading-charge |access-date=2023-06-29 |website=www.classicdriver.com |language=en-US}}</ref>

===Island Mokes===
[[File:mini moke.jpg|thumb|right|The Mini Moke is a popular rental car in the [[Seychelles]], [[Barbados]], [[Mauritius]] and many other tropical countries.]]

The Moke gained much popularity as a [[dune buggy|beach buggy]] and was often rented to tourists in tropical island resorts such as Mauritius and Barbados.

The car also found a market in [[Macau]], where it became the official transport for the local police; the Happy-Rent-a-Car company also owned 43 of the vehicles, which were made available for hire until February 2006 when they were outlawed by new car safety laws.<ref name="rees1"/><ref name="macaubusiness">{{cite web|title=No Moke |publisher=Macau Business |date=1 March 2006 |url=http://www.macaubusiness.com/index.php?id=411 |access-date=2 February 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927201415/http://www.macaubusiness.com/index.php?id=411 |archive-date=27 September 2007 }}</ref> The Macau branch of the car rental company [[Avis Rent A Car System|Avis]] ran a fleet of Moke look-alike "[[CUB (car)|CUBs]]" until July 2007. The CUB, although it resembled the Moke, was designed by Charles Andersen of [[Liverpool]], England and used a 1275 cc version of the [[BMC A-Series engine|A-Series engine]].<ref name="andersen">{{cite web|title=Andersen Cub |publisher=Mini Marcos Owners Club |url=http://www.minimarcos.org.uk/altpics/cub.html |access-date=2 February 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928001617/http://www.minimarcos.org.uk/altpics/cub.html |archive-date=28 September 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

On [[Magnetic Island]], off Australia's [[Queensland]] coast, ''Moke Magnetic'' still operate a large fleet of Australian-made Mokes for hire to tourists.<ref name="mokemagnetic">{{cite web|title=Moke Magnetic |publisher=Moke Magnetic |url=http://www.mokemagnetic.com |access-date=2 February 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070213232352/http://www.mokemagnetic.com/ |archive-date=13 February 2007 }}</ref>

The Mini Moke can still be seen around the town of [[Victoria, Seychelles|Victoria]], [[Seychelles]], as it is still a popular mode of transport for tourists and can seat four people in relative comfort.

In the early 1970s, a Mini Moke was the first motor vehicle to be driven on [[Pitcairn Islands|Pitcairn Island]] and thereby became the most remote vehicle on Earth. It was chosen because it was the only off-road vehicle that could be lifted by the island's only crane—there being no dock or airstrip at Pitcairn. However, the rough terrain and heavy rainfall proved too much for the Moke and it soon broke down. Eventually, a second and later a third Moke were sent to the island, and by cannibalising the three for spares, the island's sole vehicle remained running until at least 1988.<ref name="clarke2"/>

===Railway Mokes===
{{see also|Draisine|Road–rail vehicle}}
The Moke was identified as an ideal conversion for use in railway service.

Two differing modifications were made: one using backing plates and spacers, the other a more conventional road-rail system.

[[Tasmanian Government Railways]] ran a fleet, estimated at 16,<ref name= poll >{{cite web |url=http://www.moke.com.au/special-interest-mokes/working-mokes/19-tasmanian-railway-mokes |title=Mokewerx – Tasmanian Railway Mokes |access-date=1 August 2010}}</ref> of hard-topped Mokes for inspection and maintenance service on its narrow-gauge network. These Mokes had slightly modified suspension, and used spacers and backing plates so that the wheels sat on and tracked on {{RailGauge|3ft6in}} gauge track.<ref>{{citation | author = Editorial Staff | title = Mini-Mokes Converted for Rail Inspection Duties | work = Railway Transportation | date = October 1967 | page = 21 }}</ref> Similarly, the Federal Government, through either its [[Commonwealth Railways]] or [[Australian National Railways Commission]], ran at least two similarly set up Mokes on its [[Central Australia Railway]]. At least one of these Mokes also operated on the isolated [[Eyre Peninsula Railway|Eyre Peninsula network]].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://nicdoncaster.com/sectioncars/types/tgrmm.htm | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190204230109/http://nicdoncaster.com/sectioncars/types/tgrmm.htm | archive-date = 2019-02-04 | title = Road-rail Mini Mokes | date = June 2003 | first = Nic | last = Doncaster }}</ref>

George E Moss and Co (trading as GEMCO) developed a road-rail system based on a [[Western Australian Government Railways]] design which was fitted to at least two Mokes: one used by the District Engineer, Perth, and the other by the District Engineer, Northam.<ref>{{citation | author = Editorial Staff | title = Mini-Mokes Equipped for Rail/Road Operations | work = Railway Transportation | date = May 1970 | page = 26 }}</ref>

==={{anchor|Electric|eMoke}} Electric Mokes===
[[File:Electromoke.jpg|thumb|left|Electromoke on static display at the Museum of Vehicle Evolution]]
In 1981, [[Melbourne]] engineering firm [[Peter Johns|Johns Perry]] developed the "Electromoke", as part of a [[Victoria State Government|Victorian State Government]] trial investigating energy conservation. Four Leyland Mokes were produced without engines or wipers, and then fitted with elevator motors and car batteries. The rear suspension had to be upgraded due to the battery weight. The vehicles were tested by [[Australia Post]], the [[State Electricity Commission of Victoria]] and the [[Electricity Commission of New South Wales]]. A [[1982 Victorian state election|change of government]], high cost, poor performance, and the demise of the Leyland factory meant the project went no further. The one remaining Electromoke is on static display at the [[Museum of Vehicle Evolution]], [[Shepparton]].<ref>{{cite news |title=A plug-in Moke |url=https://www.sheppadviser.com.au/a-plug-in-moke/ |access-date=14 December 2021 |agency=The Shepparton Adviser |date=30 June 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Museum of Vehicle Evolution |url=https://www.moveshepparton.com.au/ |access-date=2022-09-22 |website=Museum of Vehicle Evolution |language=en}}</ref>

[[File:2019 Moke America eMoke, front left (Amagansett).jpg|thumb|The Moke America eMoke by Chery/MOKE International/Cruise Car]]
A [[Moke (2013)|new design]] inspired by the Mini Moke was developed by [[Chery]] subsidiary Sicar Engineering and MOKE International in around 2007. This Chinese-manufactured design is assembled and distributed by various small companies in France, England, and United States.

==Future Mokes==
While BMW-owned Mini has discussed other vehicles named after the Moke, no production has ever taken place.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.motortrend.com/future/future_vehicles/112_0703_future_minivans/photo_01.html|title=BMW Mini Moke concept car}}</ref><ref>[http://www.motortrend.com/future/future_vehicles/112_0703_future_minivans "Future Shock: Future Vans & Minivans"], ''Motor Trend''</ref> A concept car called the [[MINI Beachcomber]], which draws heavily on Moke styling, was used to build interest for the upcoming [[Mini Countryman]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Clark |first=Andrew |title=BMW surfs on Mini's sporty image with new Beachcomber model at Detroit motor show |newspaper=The Guardian |date=12 January 2010 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2010/jan/12/mini-bmw-detroit-motor-show-beachcomber |access-date=20 April 2010}}</ref>

==In popular culture==
[[File:The Prisoner (5631842525).jpg|thumb|left|Mini Moke taxi from ''[[The Prisoner]]'']]
The Moke attracted attention via media exposure, including the 1965 [[John Boorman]] film ''[[Catch Us If You Can (film)|Catch Us If You Can]]'' (in which a Moke is driven by [[the Dave Clark Five]]),<ref>{{Cite web |title=Reelstreets {{!}} Catch Us If You Can |url=https://www.reelstreets.com/films/catch-us-if-you-can/ |access-date=2022-10-06 |website=www.reelstreets.com}}</ref> many appearances in the television series ''[[The Prisoner]]'' starring [[Patrick McGoohan]] (1967–68),<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mullen |first=Enda |date=2020-09-18 |title=A 60s icon is reborn and being made in Nuneaton |url=https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/local-news/one-most-iconic-cars-1960s-18944803 |access-date=2022-10-06 |website=CoventryLive |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-10-09 |title=The Mini Moke From "The Prisoner" TV Series |url=https://silodrome.com/mini-moke-prisoner-tv/ |access-date=2023-02-08 |website=Silodrome |language=en-US}}</ref> as well as in popular songs such as the English rock group [[Traffic (band)|Traffic]]'s recording of "[[Berkshire Poppies]]".<ref name="white1">{{cite book |last1=White |first1=Matthew |url=https://archive.org/details/officialprisoner00whit |title=The Official Prisoner Companion |last2=Jaffer |first2=Ali |date=July 1988 |publisher=Grand Central |isbn=0-446-38744-4 |url-access=registration}}</ref> The Moke also features in four [[James Bond]] movies: [[You Only Live Twice (film)|''You Only Live Twice'']], [[Live and Let Die (film)|''Live and Let Die'']], [[The Spy Who Loved Me (film)|''The Spy Who Loved Me'']], and [[Moonraker (film)|''Moonraker'']],<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-05-20 |title=The Moke Is the Other James Bond Car |url=https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a40062523/moke-60-years-of-bond-edition/ |access-date=2022-09-25 |website=Car and Driver |language=en-us}}</ref> as well as the films ''[[Emmanuelle (1974 film)|Emmanuelle]]'', ''[[Carry on Camping]]'' and the Doctor Who story ''[[Fury from the Deep]].'' In total, the Moke has made cameo appearances in over 70 films.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sleath |first=Darryl |date=2022-09-15 |title=Meet the Moke, the Mini's Simple Country Cousin |url=https://www.motorpunk.co.uk/carclub-18-30/the-cars/meet-moke-minis-simple-country-cousin/ |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20221008003414/https://www.motorpunk.co.uk/carclub-18-30/the-cars/meet-moke-minis-simple-country-cousin/ | archive-date=2022-10-08 |website=MotorPunk |language=en-UK }}</ref> The [[The Beatles|Beatles]] and the [[The Beach Boys|Beach Boys]] were also photographed behind the wheel of a Moke.<ref name="Sawer-2021" /> Despite these cultural references and celebrity associations, only about a tenth of the 14,500 British produced Mokes were sold in the United Kingdom, although Mokes continued to be made in Britain until 1968.<ref name="rees1" />

The Moke met with renewed success in the 1980s after French actress and model [[Brigitte Bardot]] was pictured driving a Moke with her dogs in [[Saint-Tropez|St. Tropez]], France.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-05-18/moke-jeeps-made-famous-by-brigitte-bardot-come-to-u-s|title=Moke Jeeps, Made Famous by Brigitte Bardot, Come to the U.S.|date=18 May 2017|via=www.bloomberg.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=French actress, Brigitte Bardot with her dogs, driving a Mini Moke in France, 1980 (08/2019). |url=https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/photo/detail/P90362116/French-actress-Brigitte-Bardot-with-her-dogs-driving-a-Mini-Moke-in-France-1980-08-2019 |access-date=2022-09-21 |website=www.press.bmwgroup.com |language=en}}</ref><ref name="Sawer-2021">{{Cite news |last=Sawer |first=Patrick |date=2021-07-23 |title=Mini Moke: Sixties icon drives back to the future with modern-day makeover |language=en-GB |work=The Telegraph |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2021/07/23/mini-moke-sixties-icon-drives-back-future-modern-day-makeover/ |access-date=2022-09-25 |issn=0307-1235}}</ref>

In 1982, the [[Seychelles]] issued a commemorative "Transportation" postage stamp featuring the Mini Moke. 
[[File:Stamp_of_Seychelles_-_1982_-_Colnect_910112_-_Car_-_Mini_Moke.jpeg|right|frameless]]
In 2016, the Moke was included in an exhibition titled "AL(L) Projects with Aluminum", curated by [[Maria Cristina Didero]] at the [[Grand-Hornu]] in Belgium. The show explored experimentation with aluminium in art, design, and industry.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Magazine |first=Wallpaper* |date=2016-02-02 |title=Metallic moments: Michael Young presents the evolution of aluminium |url=https://www.wallpaper.com/design/michael-young-all-projects-in-aluminium-CID-brussels |access-date=2022-09-27 |website=Wallpaper*}}</ref>

A "Panorama Mokes" event was held In October 2016 which brought together a group of Mini Mokes alongside their "tin top" cousins the "Classic Minis" which met at Bathurst, New South Wales, Australia. Alongside the Minis, the MOKE also celebrated 50 years since production in Australia and participated in a four-day event with everyone arriving on cue to the 2016 [[Supercheap Auto]] [[Bathurst 1000]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Facebook events: Moke Panorama |url=https://www.facebook.com/events/1102142313160151/ |access-date=2018-06-24 |publisher=Facebook.com}}</ref>

In 2021, the Moke that featured in ''The Prisoner'' sold at auction for £69,750.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Silverstone Auctions |url=https://www.silverstoneauctions.com/ |access-date=2022-09-25 |website=www.silverstoneauctions.com |language=en-gb}}</ref> The last petrol powered [[Moke (revival)|Moke revival]] was sold at the [[Blenheim Palace]] Ball auction in 2022. The proceeds of the event were donated to the charity [[Starlight Children's Foundation|Starlight UK]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Burgos |first=Matthew |date=2022-05-24 |title=from gasoline to electric: MOKE auctioned off last petrol vehicle for charity |url=https://www.designboom.com/technology/moke-auctioned-off-last-petrol-vehicle-05-24-2022/ |access-date=8 August 2023 |website=designboom {{!}} architecture & design magazine |language=en}}</ref>

In 2024, a red Mini Moke is seen being driven by the principal character Mackenzie Clarke (played by [[Anna Samson]]) in the series [[Return to Paradise (2024 TV series)|Return to Paradise]].{{CN|date=September 2024}}

==See also==
* {{anl|Citroën Méhari}}
* {{anl|Fiat 500#iat 500 Jolly Ghia|Fiat 500 Jolly}}
* {{anl|Meyers Manx}}
* {{anl|Renault Rodeo}}
* {{anl|Volkswagen Type 181}}

==References==
{{reflist|30em}}

==Further reading==
*{{cite web|last=Adams |first=Keith |url=http://www.austin-rover.co.uk/ |title=The Unofficial Austin Rover Web Resource |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100930044607/http://austin-rover.co.uk/ |archive-date=2010-09-30 }}

==External links==
{{commons category|Mini Moke}}
* [http://www.baragwanath.co.za/moke Mokes produced in Africa, particularly those in Zimbabwe (Rhodesia)]
* [http://www.austinmemories.com Austin Memories] – history of Austin and Longbridge

{{Mini cars}}
{{British Leyland}}
{{Automobiles made by BMC, BL and Rover Group companies, post-1945}}
{{British Motor Holdings and British Leyland cars, 1966-1986}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Mini Moke}}
[[Category:BMC vehicles]]
[[Category:1960s cars]]
[[Category:1970s cars]]
[[Category:1980s cars]]
[[Category:1990s cars]]
[[Category:Vehicles introduced in 1964]]
[[Category:British Leyland vehicles]]
[[Category:Front-wheel-drive vehicles]]
[[Category:Off-road vehicles]]
[[Category:Mini vehicles|Moke]]
[[Category:Issigonis vehicles]]
[[Category:British design]]
[[Category:Cars of Portugal]]
[[Category:Brands that became generic]]