Eight of the very first Mokes produced for the home market in July 1964 went to the Devon County Fire Brigade where they were used to carry portable pumps and to maintain and repaint the fire hydrants in Exeter and Plymouth.
Amazingly, six of these original eight Mokes have survived and plans are underway to organise a 50th anniversary reunion for the remaining six in Devon and possibly at some of the other major Mini shows next year. We have been in touch with all the owners and all of them are keen to participate. Back in 1964 the story of these Mokes appeared in the local and national press and they even featured in one of the Sunday supplements. We anticipate quite a lot of interest from the press next year and wonder if their reunion may even appear on local TV.
After being sold off in 1974, these Mokes have ended up all round the country as far apart as Staffordshire, Essex and Lincolnshire. One of them is still in Devon but the logistics of getting all them back in one place is proving to be quite difficult. Quite understandably, some of the owners do not relish the thought of driving a 50 year old Mini Moke for five or six hours without sidescreens and with a detuned 850cc engine. Speaking from experience, driving an English Moke on a busy motorway is no fun at all.
So we are wondering whether anyone can recommend a company that could help with their transportation to and from these events. Maybe a recovery company or someone who has a car transporter. If you have a suitable car trailer and fancy a trip down to deepest Devon with the promise of a Devon cream tea, then please get in touch. Any suggestions would be welcomed.
Many thanks
Roger Hill, on behalf of Chris Naish - Chairman of the Mini Moke Club.
