The 40th anniversary of Australian Moke production is being celebrated with the first National Moke Muster. It will be conducted in Shepparton at Easter this year.

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 14th-17th April 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 supported by the Greater Shepparton City Council and negotiations are under way with the Guinness book of World Records to recognise the event.

Moke history:
The Moke was the result of 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.

The Moke 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 popular 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 848 cc BMC engine and tiny 10 inch wheels.

Australian production started at BMC's Zetland plant in Sydney during 1966 with cars only available in green and continued until November 1981, by which time the Moke had a galvanised steel body and came in a range of tropical colours, ran on 13 inch wheels and was powered by engines up to 1,275 cc capacity.

Total Australian Moke production over those 15 years was 26,142.

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