Is the MINI Moke Making a Comeback?

Sections: Uncategorized Sep 29th, 2004 24 Comments

Update: It now seems the answer is, probably not. Apparently Mr Houghton-Berry himself emailed sales managers across the UK to specifically say there is no substance to the following story from AutoExpress and that the Moke won't ever make it into production. So please read the following AutoExpress story with that in mind! Here's an excerpt of the original piece:

We've been receiving 'Moke' signals for a while, and now the main man at MINI has admitted that the firm has plans to build a new version, true to the style of the original.

Speaking at a conference to mark half a million MINIs being built at Cowley, boss Trevor Houghton-Berry said: “Additional models will be part of the second-generation production plan, and these could include a two-seater cabriolet, a retro-style Countryman estate and I would really love to build a MINI Moke.”

We've learned that the car will be a full four-seater, based on the Cabriolet. According to inside sources, prototype versions of the Moke are already being tested, and the new model could appear in showrooms in less than three years. The newcomer will sit on a front-wheel-drive platform, but the ride height will be increased by two inches to allow for better ground clearance.

The doors will be cut low, as on the original, while it will also feature van-style access at the rear and cut-out panels in the side to give it a rugged look. Chunky black plastic bumpers and sill protectors will add to the appearance, as will a small chrome nudge bar up front to protect the radiator grille.
…The newcomer is expected to go on sale in 2007, but a concept version could be seen at a motor show as early as next year. This would help gauge public opinion and confirm whether or not a production model would be a viable proposition. Assuming it will get the green light, which seems more than likely given the immense popularity of other MINI variants since the model's 2001 launch, it will cost about £1,000 more than the equivalent MINI Cabriolet.

You can read the entire article here. AutoExpress is available throughout the UK and at various bookstores in the rest of Europe and the US.

BTW here's the official MINI Moke sketch referenced in the article. It was released several years ago and dates back quite a few years in total. It was first posted on MotoringFile almost two years ago… [Moke Concept].

Top photo courtesy of AutoExpress. And yes that is a Photoshop job based on an official publicity photo from MINI.

Written By: MF Staff

Deborah

I want to see more of the spy shots! Anybody know if the design sketches for the Moke are online anywhere?

An earlier article they wrote on this stated they were talking about having the diesel engine and a 90 bhp gas engine… with maybe a “Cooper” performance enginer… Maybe? American definitely needs the performance version. A
http://www.motoringfile.com/ Gabe

The above article was updated and now includes the original MINI sketch from a few years back.
Vanwall
Yay! A Moke is comin'! Boy do I miss driving one. You don't quite sit in a Moke, as much as you perch on one. I never owned one, but a number of friends did over the years, and there is nothing like it. I'm sure the modern iteration will be more civilized for sure, and certainly more acceptable to a wider range of drivers! ;-) Curiously, the old Moke was inspired somewhat by the Jeep as far as looks, so I'm hoping the quasi-Hummer look isn't in this new equation. It won't be the same, tho – driving a Moke with the top down was an unique experience, 'specially cornering – you're downright upright sittin' on a shingle with roller-skate wheels, flat-(and I do mean flat)-out!
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KLF23

YES!!! the return of the MOKE! (it would have to be all capitals wouldn't it?)

BUT I much prefer the MOKE concept from two years ago to the picture above. The original moke had no doors. I new that safety restrictions would mean that they couldn't go the whole 'no door' route, but I liked the way they had got around this in the concept. Still, the lower door would give a slightly more open feeling.

As far as the unpainted bumpers go, they just look unfinished. At least put a bit of colour on them as in the concept.

Also, I never thought of the moke as a “small SUV” (not that they had the term SUV back then), but more of a utilitarian beach buggy. What's with the higher ride height as well? I used to be able to reach out and touch the road whie driving in my moke. Still, I wouldn't mind seeing those rear lights. They sound great.

Long Live The MOKE!
http://www.hexagon-mini.co.uk Ben Kenderdine

Unfortunately not true, as much as MINI would like to build a MOKE we won't be seeing one – I can confirm this as Sales Manager of a MINI Franchise in the UK.
Frank

That thing is SO COOL!! Man, I would never taught I would say something like this about a MINI Moke prototype. I never really cared for the classic Moke and I am not into Jeeps of 4WD vehicles, but that low beltline cut side door and higher ground stance make the car look really interesting.

I very reliable source told me that MINI is seriously considering putting this baby into production…
http://www.chicagominiclub.com Victoria

I have only fond feelings for the Moke after driving one during our honeymoon, though I'm not sure I'd be as comfortable with the no-doors/no-roof/no-nothing in Chicago; we had a guy literally leap into the backseat while we were in the city, and I doubt the outcome would have been as benign had that happened here. Cute concept, though not quite as rugged as I'd hope. I'm still holding out for the Countryman, of course.
http://www.motoringfile.com/ Gabe

Ben – have you spoken with anyone at the plant about this or heard anything specific to this rumor? Just curious if there's more to this story than AutoExpress is reporting…
dgszweda

I don't think it will ever sell well here. It is great for a few die hard enthusiasts, but do you really think the public is going to buy this?

Also, with so many new models potentially coming out, will Mini rethink their distribution plans? Right now they seem crammed into BMW dealerships, which works partially because there is only one model. With expanded models and more room needed, does anyone see the idea of stand alone showrooms.
ChrisLW

For those of us over here in USA not entirely familiar with this, can someone clarify how this car would be positioned in the MINI line?

Is it at the “lower end”, a la the One, or “upper end” of the line?

Reading the description, I recall the VW “Thing” which was an open air canvas top car in the 70's. Is this the correct analogy?
http://www.jwardell.com/mini/ Josh Wardell

Very cool… but I think people will still go for the regular convertible unless they make it AWD. The extra height should allow for that. AWD+extra height will guarantee it success like the subaru outback.
Apex

dgszweda- There are a few stand alone dealerships being built right now. For example Sandia MINI in Albuquerque NM is under construction on the same property as Sandia BMW but is a seperate building with its own showroom, parts store, and workshop. There will be more stores like this in the comming years.
http://www.rsp-cooper-register.co.uk Dean Davies

Another bastardisation of a British Classic, when will BMW learn that you can't just buy a classic name ? You have to earn classic staus on it's own merits. That hideous creation bares absolutely ne resemblence to the real Moke, it's way too fat and heavy to be considered as having the title “MINI”, Maxi would be more appropriate.
http://users.adelphia.net/~rocketboy/index.html Rocketboy

DD gets an official yawn.

But boy did autoweek get this one wrong.. either that, or MINI is in stealth mode about the Moke. Personally, I hope to see them come out with a MOKE. I just hope it's not as Cooper-esque as the 'prototype sketch'.
Dave Carroll

The most compelling aspect of this concept is the “chrome nudge bar up front to protect the radiator grille”.

In urban environments where parallel parking is required, this nudge bar would offer outstanding protection against the painful and expensive denting of the MINI's hood by vans and SUVs. I write from experience, sadly.
http://leftthis.com Dillon

…the sketch looks like a slightly uglier,larger verison of the SMART sports car.

…I hope that they clean up the lines better.
http://www.hexagon-mini.co.uk Ben Kenderdine

Looks like I was wrong, sorry about that, although not officially confirmed yet there are possibilities for 2007.
Mike Burn

Well, it succeeds in one thing…. making it's overweight, bulbous, cash-in cousin look pretty in comparison.

How can this be a moke? It isn't an abandoned military project, it doesn't replace a small family car monocoque body with a purely functional open shell..,. it's a styling exercise and a cash in.

There should be no doors. Rear passengers should be granted access without the need for front passenger/driver to get out of their seat, the body structure should only have one opening/closing part, the bonnet.

If BMW want to continually cash in on the Heritage of the British motor industry then perhaps it would be adviseable to do a better job.

If derivatives of the new MINI HAVE to be made, and are going to be named based on derivatives of the real mini, then the very least they could do is put in a proper effort.

It looks more like those old WWII German military runabouts based on beetle mechanicals really.

As for a bull bar… these things KILL… unacceptable on any vehicle not being used where there are lots of bulls around.

Try a smaller car… mine's 10ft and half an inch long and fits in all kinds of spaces, giving those on either side ample space!

If any admin has a problem with the comments I've posted, please recall your page here invited them. They are negative, but they are civil:

Quote: I reserve the right to edit or delete any post for any reason. There won't be any problems as long as people stay civil. Unquote.

If you only want positive comments, why bother asking.
http://www.minikay.co.uk MiniKay

These are real Mokes: http://www.minikay.co.uk/images/imm2004/slides/DSCF0152.JPG

I rest my case!
Mini Cabrio (the real one!)

I totally agree with the above two posts! Mini's are BMC not BMW!!! I have a 1985 City turned Cabrio. Brill drive. My good friend has a BMW Midi (Mini) and when I drove it it was like a bus! Not just that, he has had more problems with a 2 year old car than I have with a 19 year old! Go figure!
Charles Scarborough

Help Help. I need bows, the folding support for the top for my 1957 Moke. Some idiot stole mine. Also need two back seats. Help. Stranded in Seattle
Jamie Clements

Needs to be more square or it defeats the puurpose of the moke
http://www.hotmoke.com Wally Morgan

I found this site looking for a font for the Californian MOKE logos. That rounded escape machine is cute but it sure could never be called a Moke – a Max, someone wrote AND with AWD? Fun in its own right of course.

Ah, the nostalgia of the real thing restored and modified at http://www.hotmoke.com!

Wally Morgan – webmaster for Geoff Morgan
Eliza Lee.

Hello Hello…. I have it on good sources that the good old “MOKE” WILL RETURN..! Was given some web sites, but could lot get info yet, Think they will be ready soon… http://www.moke.com.hk and: http://www.mokeparts.com

Eliza…….

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