1967 Austin Mini Moke
Provided by Hemmings

Sometimes a failure in one area leads to success in another. Such was the case with the Austin Mini Moke, a small four-seat utility-type vehicle produced from 1964 to 1992 by various British Leyland automobile companies in several countries. Designed by Alec Issigonis, creator of the famed Mini (now being revived by BMW), the Mini Moke came about in the late 1950s and early 1960s proposal for the British military, which was seeking a lightweight utility vehicle that could easily be airlifted and parachuted into the field. Though its diminutive size enabled it to meet the criteria for ease of air transportation, its small ten-inch wheels and subsequent minimal level of ground clearance caused the British army to turn it down for field use. It was also tested by the U.S. military, but met with the same reception. Rather than eliminate this quirky little creation outright, the Mini Moke was put into production in 1964 as a civilian offering, and quickly gained a devoted following.

Advertised as the "rugged run-about with a thousand uses," (Austin) the bare bones four-seater, was built by Austin and Morris around Austin Mini/Morris Mini Minor chassis components and drivetrain. Really little more than a doorless open sheet-metal tub, to which independent front and rear suspension systems and an engine were bolted, the Mokes were affordable and simple to maintain. Production ceased in England in 1968, but carried on in Australia from 1966 to 1981. The ground clearance issue was somewhat resolved with the introduction of 13-inch wheels in 1968; and a Californian version was created for the U.S. market in 1972. This version tapped into the "flower-power" look of the era, featuring wagon-spoke-style wheels, nerf bars, and both paisley and flower-printed fabric tops as well as denim fabric for seats and tops.

After Australian production ceased, the Moke was picked up by British Leyland's Automoveis firm in Portugul and offered its version of the Moke until 1992. After that, automaker Cagvia of Italy built another 1,500 Mokes, bringing the total production run of Mokes to about 50,000. Refinements were made to the Moke's design throughout its production life, with larger engines (the original was an 848-cc Mini powerplant) being fitted (the final versions offered 1,275-cc four-cylinders); better seats (initially seats were optional!); suspension improvements and larger wheels, making the Moke more suitable for its original utilitarian design.

Today, the Mini Moke enjoys "cult car" status with enthusiasts worldwide. The Moke even enjoyed more than its fifteen minutes of fame, being used in the 1960s television British spy/thriller series "The Prisoner." Though it's not the car one would consider driving about on inclement weather days or on high-speed highways, Moke owners enjoy them any chance they can get. For more information about North American Mokes, visit the North American Mini Moke Registry website hosted at Hemmings.com's Car Club Central.