When a truck is not a truck: the MINI Moke [Photo of the Day]

MINI Moke 1
The MINI Moke is basically an original MINI’s brother as they share a majority of the same mechanical parts. Interestingly, the MINI Moke was designed to be a cheap, lightweight alternative to the Land Rover for the Royal Military. They even built a twin engined MINI Moke (one for the front wheels – one for the rear) to showcase as a lightweight military truck. Due to the low ground clearance and low power, the MINI Moke never made it as a military vehicles… with one exception: the Royal Navy used a few on aircraft carriers.
MINI Moke rear and int
Here’s where the MINI Moke truck was declassified to car: “The Moke was launched onto the British market in 1964. The British Customs and Excise department decided that the Moke should be classified as a passenger car rather than as a commercial vehicle, which meant that it attracted purchase tax, reducing sales in its intended commercial market” – Wikipedia

Still, it was a very utilitarian truck-let spawning many copycats. It was popular world-wide and was frequently used as a cheap rental on island holiday. The MINI Moke was built as late as 1993 in Portugal.

Mini Moke closeup

Imagine MINI building one today.

Speaking of small, front-wheel drive-based trucks…

Nathan Adlen brings an uncompromising passion and love for cars to TFLcar & Truck. Not only does Nathan add his talents to this website,he also works with Roman to review cars for the TFLcar & TFLTruck channel. Easily amused by anything with four wheels, Nathan Adlen reviews vehicles from the cheapest to the most prestigious. Wrecking yards, dealer lots, garages, racetracks, professional automotive testing and automotive journalism – Nathan has experienced a wide range of the automotive spectrum. Brought up in the California car culture and educated in theater, childhood education, film, journalism and history, Nathan now lives with his family in Denver, CO. His words, good humor and video are enjoyed worldwide.
Nathan Adlen brings an uncompromising passion and love for cars to TFLcar & Truck. Not only does Nathan add his talents to this website,he also works with Roman to review cars for the TFLcar & TFLTruck channel. Easily amused by anything with four wheels, Nathan Adlen reviews vehicles from the cheapest to the most prestigious. Wrecking yards, dealer lots, garages, racetracks, professional automotive testing and automotive journalism – Nathan has experienced a wide range of the automotive spectrum. Brought up in the California car culture and educated in theater, childhood education, film, journalism and history, Nathan now lives with his family in Denver, CO. His words, good humor and video are enjoyed worldwide.
Nathan Adlen
Easily amused by anything with four wheels, Nathan Adlen reviews vehicles from the cheapest to the most prestigious. Wrecking yards, dealer lots, garages, racetracks, professional automotive testing and automotive journalism - Nathan has experienced a wide range of the automotive spectrum. Brought up in the California car culture and educated in theater, childhood education, film, journalism and history, Nathan now lives with his family in Denver, CO. His words, good humor and video are enjoyed worldwide.