Is the MINI Moke Making a Comeback?

Deborah Sep 29th, 2004 Link

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

Gabe Sep 29th, 2004 Link

The above article was updated and now includes the original MINI sketch from a few years back.

Vanwall Sep 30th, 2004 Link

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!

     BCNU,
   Rob in Dago

KLF23 Sep 30th, 2004 Link

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!

Ben Kenderdine Sep 30th, 2004 Link

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 Sep 30th, 2004 Link

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…

Victoria Sep 30th, 2004 Link

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.

Gabe Sep 30th, 2004 Link

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 Sep 30th, 2004 Link

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 Sep 30th, 2004 Link

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?

Josh Wardell Sep 30th, 2004 Link

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 Sep 30th, 2004 Link

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.

Dean Davies Sep 30th, 2004 Link

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.

Rocketboy Sep 30th, 2004 Link

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 Sep 30th, 2004 Link

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.

Dillon Sep 30th, 2004 Link

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

…I hope that they clean up the lines better.

Ben Kenderdine Oct 1st, 2004 Link

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

Mike Burn Oct 1st, 2004 Link

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.

MiniKay Oct 1st, 2004 Link

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

I rest my case!

Mini Cabrio (the real one!) Oct 17th, 2004 Link

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 Apr 11th, 2005 Link

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 Aug 6th, 2005 Link

Needs to be more square or it defeats the puurpose of the moke

Wally Morgan Nov 22nd, 2005 Link

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. May 26th, 2007 Link

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…….