Mini Moke

Mini Moke

Specs Mentioned:

Make/ Model – Mini Moke Stretch (1969)

Engine – 998cc, in-line 4-cylinder

Power – 34bhp

0.60 mph – 21.8 seconds

Top speed – 65mph

The Mini Moke is based on the Mini and designed for the British Motor Corporation (BMC) by Sir Alec Issigonis.  The name comes from ‘Mini’- the car with which the Moke shares many parts and ‘Moke’ – an archaic dialect term for donkey.  The initial design was a prototype for a light military vehicle in the style of the American Jeep but its small wheels and low ground clearance made it impractical as an off-road vehicle.  It was subsequently offered in a civilian version as a low-cost, easily maintained utility vehicle. 

The first production Mokes were assembled in 1964, at Longsbridge Birmingham. From 1964 till 1968, there was a production of 14,518, and only 10% remained in England. Total production of these models was 9,096 Austin and 5,422 Morris Mokes. Overproduction in 1992 led to halting of manufacturing in the early 1993 and the closure of the factory in Portugal, with parts and tools being transferred to Italy and so the story of the great one ends here.

Such is the popularity of the Mini in Srilanka that The Mini Club is the largest motorcar club in the country with close to 450 members.