Mokes To Muster at Easter
Feb 28, 2006, 09:53 |
The 40th anniversary of Australian Moke production is being celebrated with the first National Moke Muster staged in Shepparton at Easter this year.
Sponsored by Shannons, the Muster is expected to gather up to 200 Mokes of all models from around Australia. More than 160 vehicles are already registered for the April 14-17 event from as far away as Western Australia, the Northern Territory, New Zealand and England.
Although Mokes have taken part in many shows and rallies over the years, this Muster will be the first exclusive national gathering by owners of these unique, utilitarian Mini derivatives to be held in Australia.
A recent rally in England celebrating 45 years since the beginning of Mini and Moke production attracted 80 Mokes and the Australian organisers are on target to out-do their British counterparts.
The Muster programme will include a public display and ‘Show & Shine’, with a range of trophies for various categories such as ‘Longest Distance Travelled’, ‘Oldest Moke’, ‘Best Modified’ and ‘People’s Choice’.
In keeping with Moke Owners’ Association tradition, there will be a wide variety of Driving ‘Games’ including a professional Motorkhana Demonstration.
Planned activities also include a tour of the Shepparton area and Echuca including a paddle steamer ride, during which time the cars will be on public display. The programme will conclude with a Presentation Dinner on the Sunday night.
The event is strongly supported by the Greater Shepparton City Council and negotiations are under way with the Guinness book of World Records to recognise the event.
Moke owners wanting to register or find out more should visit www.moke.com.au and click on the Muster logo, or go direct to www.moke.com.au/Muster/Pages/Muster.shtml
Moke history: The Moke was born in response to the British Army’s search for air transportable vehicles.
The general idea was to design a utility version of the Mini- a lighter weight Land-Rover capable of being packed into crates to be dropped from the sky with a parachute, or lowered by helicopter.
It was certainly light and compact, particularly with the windscreen down, but the Moke’s front wheel drive, small wheels and poor ground clearance did not give it sufficient mobility. The big military orders fell through but the Moke went on to become a cult car and a real classic.
The first production Mokes were built in England in 1964 through to 1968. They were very basic and had the 848cc mini engine and 10 inch wheels.
Australian production started in Sydney Australia in 1966 with cars only available in green and continued until November 1981, by which time the Moke had a galvanized steel body, came in a range of tropical colours, ran on 13 inch wheels and was powered by engines up to 1275cc capacity.
Total Australian Moke production over those 15 years was 26,142.
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