Californian Mini Moke

Mini Mania has announced that the Californian Mini Moke will again be available in the USA. Originally built by British Motor Corporation at the Longbridge plant in Birmingham England, the manufacturing was ceased in 1968. The Australian plant for BMC that produced the Mini Moke continued in production from 1966 thru 1981. The first Californian Moke was produced in 1972.

My first Moke as an English version that was produced in 1966. I bought the car in Northern California in the early ‘70s with only about 2,000 miles on the odometer. The car was absolutely like new. Although I had several other Minis at the time, the Moke was my car of choice for the summer months. Despite it very small size and very petite motor, I and the Moke spent many miles on the California highway system. While the little 850cc engine as never designed for sustained speed of 65 or 70 MPH, this combination lasted a good number of years.

When I finally tired of being concerned that the motor would let loose any minute, I made the decision to upgrade. But not just any upgrade, I made the decision to use the Mini Moke as a rolling test bed for the latest creation from Mini Mania, a Supercharger. As I had an old 970cc Cooper S laying around, it was decided that we should use that. New +060 rod bearing and +.040 main bearing were installed first and all was ready to go! What a ride! This package again lasted for the next 10+ years and was still running great when I finally sold the car. While the top on the Moke had been replaced over the years the paint was still original when sold.

My next Moke for sure will be the current copy as made in China. These Californian Moke kits will be a popular off-road, fun run-a-round beach transportation.