It's a Mini Moke. It had its origins as an ultra-lightweight, air-portable, parachute-droppable vehicle for the army. All the running gear is direct from the mini. That was part of its downfall too. Alec Issigonis' original mini, released in 1959, had ten inch wheels. The moke, on ten inch wheels and mini suspension, just didn't have enough ground clearance to hack it in the army.
Mind you, four squaddies could lift it up and reposition it easy enough.
More success was found in hotter climes though, and production moved to australia, where it got bigger wheels, more powerful engine, and 'roo bars.
You'll see them in the caribbean, as beach cars, hire cars, in Sri Lanka, apparently, but relatively few remain in England. This one's a recently finished rebuild.
The colour's not to my taste, otherwise, I can't help smiling when I see one.
Note the grab handles for passengers!
(Moke: archaic name for a donkey.)
Great idea spoiled only by increasing wealth leading to better cars, and rain being quite constant here.
ReplyDeleteI can see a 14yr old Soubry lusting for a mini-donkey. But purple ??? What is it with car enthusiasts re-painting classic cars purple? Did I miss something in the world of design??? I's be thinking steel seats would be rather hot on the bum as well ... I confess my only car lust has been for a '62 red truck with white bumpers and rims; but i'd take any vintage truck happily (as long as I can paint it red!)
ReplyDeletexxx
Adullamite, I'm not sure modern cars are better. More reliable, safer, more comfortable, perhaps, but where's the fun?
ReplyDeleteOlder cars need skill to go quickly. The moke's top speed, depending on version was between 65 and 72 mph, but as you're sitting on a tea-tray with your arse only a few inches off the ground, it seems a lot faster.
RDG: If that Moke was mine, it would be painted either British Racing Green (a dark-ish green) or sage green. Or maybe, a deep maroon.
ReplyDeleteSage green, on reflection, yes.