MOKE International Limited has announced the return of one of Britain’s quirkiest automotive icons.
UK customers can now order one of 56 limited edition MOKEs, an allocation selected to signify the number of years since the Mini MOKE first appeared in Britain in 1964. Order books also open for MOKEs in standard configuration, confirming the permanent return of the brand.
MOKE International revives a quintessentially British design that has charmed for more than half a century. Brigitte Bardot epitomized Riviera chic in her MOKE. The brand has since been enjoyed and championed by fun-seekers including Kate Moss and DJ Khalid. To date the car has also appeared in four James Bond films.
The original MOKE was designed in the 1960s by Sir Alec Issigonis, the architect of the Austin Mini. It was first specified as a military vehicle engineered to be robust enough for deployment behind enemy lines by aeroplane. The original shared components including suspension and chassis with the Mini.
The MOKE soon became one of the best-loved symbols of the 1960s. Becoming the mode of travel for the inhabitants of the most exclusive coastal resorts in Europe, the Caribbean, U.S. and Asia. To this day it remains the beachhouse-to-waterfront shuttle of choice.
The original MOKE trademark was acquired in 2015 and is now owned by MOKE International Limited. The initial focus has been on meeting demand in the Caribbean market where MOKE is popular with both private buyers and luxury resorts and hotels. Following UK regulatory approval, MOKEs are now available to purchase across the United Kingdom and Ireland. Additional models will be launched across Europe, the USA and beyond in 2021.
In reviving the brand, MOKE International has gathered a team from some of the most celebrated names in the industry. Isobel Dando, leads the board of management with an automotive career that spans two decades. This includes senior commercial and product leadership roles at Jaguar Land Rover and the BMW Group.
56 CARS FOR 56 YEARS
MOKE will mark its homecoming with a strictly limited run of 56 cars, built for sale exclusively in the United Kingdom. Each is available in a choice of 14 colors and the Limited Edition ‘MOKE 56’ comes with the front grille and windscreen rails in chrome, a discrete union jack badge on the front wings, and a numbered plaque on the bonnet.
Today’s MOKEs remain true to the look and feel of the original, with a particular focus on maintaining the sense of fun and freedom that has endeared the car to so many for more than five decades. Updates include a new 4 cylinder, fuel injection engine, uprated suspension, braking and the option for either automatic transmission or manual for the more engaged driver.
The vehicle is also slightly larger to provide more cabin space. Features previously viewed as a luxury, like power steering and heated windscreen, now come as standard.
UK buyers will be invited to order either the limited edition ’MOKE 56’ or the standard MOKE Classic, which begins full production. Indicative pricing starts at £20,000 excluding local taxes and delivery.
for more information visit www.mokeinternational.com
SPECIFICATIONS
Transmission: 4-speed Automatic
Engine: 4 cylinder, 1083cc
Fuel Economy: 34 mpg
Emissions standard: Euro 4
Top Speed: 68mph
Power: 67hp (50Kw) @ 6000 rpm
Torque: 93Nm @ 3500–4500 rpm
