The story
A first prototype
AD 1959
In the late 1950s, the British Army required a lightweight, air-droppable utility vehicle.
A specification was sent and a prototype was developed. The British Motor Corporation's response was a vehicle codenamed «Buckboard».
Built under the supervision of Issigonis, it was presented to the Queen's troops in 1959. The first prototype did not pass inspection due to its low ground clearance and its small 848cc engine.
The Mini Moke
1962
Imperturbable, BMC made adjustments to its initial design and in 1962 introduced the Mini Moke (Moke being an archaic dialect term for a donkey).
The vehicle featured larger tyres, improved off-road capabilities and enhanced suspension. However, the military officials remained unimpressed.
To recoup the development costs of the car, the BMC decided to market a civilian version of the Moke. The new vehicle appeared in January 1964.
The original 848 cm³ engine has also been adapted to give the Mini Moke authentic 4x4 capabilities.
The Austin Mini, also designed by Sir Alec Issigonis, proved to be a great success thanks to its distinctive bubble car look. In 1964, the MINI MOKE therefore went from being a military vehicle to a rock star.
«George loved cars, as did all the Beatles. After the E-Type, he bought a silver Aston Martin DB5 and a Mini Moke, a small jeep-like car with no doors or roof, which was great fun in the summer. People used to cruise down the Kings Road in these cars, and George would often pick David and Boo up from the station in this car when they came to stay.
Pattie Boyd – Wonderful Tonight
George Harrison's Mini Moke.
MOKE CALIFORNIAN
The Beatles,BARDOT AND BOND
The British Motor Corporation (BMC) continued to produce variants of the MOKE, starting with the Morris Mini MOKE, in 1966, for the Australian market.
Throughout the 1960s, the MOKE established itself in popular culture by appearing in «cult» television series such as The Prisoner, starring Patrick McGoohan. In 2021, the MOKE with the striped canvas hood and upholstered seat, featured in The Prisoner, was auctioned for £69,750.
MOKE also appeared on the big screen in four James Bond films. (You Only Live Twice, Live and Let Die, The Spy Who Loved Me and Moonraker).
Throughout the 70s and 80s, the Californian MOKE, followed by the Portuguese BMC model, were spotted on the Mediterranean coast and in the Caribbean islands. From Paul McCartney to Brigitte Bardot, driving a MOKE was a form of counter-culture in relation to the frenetic celebrity lifestyle.
The last BMC Moke rolled off the production line in 1993. After this date, imitations were made in China and the USA.
100 % electric
2022
In 2022, MOKE International launched the Electric MOKE and became the first automotive brand from the 1960s to go fully electric. Designed and manufactured exclusively in the UK, MOKE is aimed at a global audience who take their time to savour life’s journey.
In 2023, MOKE International appointed Suncar SAS, led by Yann Ayache and Jeremy Pavis d’Escurac, as an official partner for MOKE International in France.
