MINI Moke based on MINI Beachcomber planned?

The MINI Beachcomber - are MINI planning a new MINI Moke?

The rumour-mill believes that MINI are planning a production version of the MINI Beachcomber Concept – a 21st century MINI Moke.

I know, in this elf ‘n’ safety obsessed world in which we live the whole idea of a car without doors seems barking mad. But this is MINI we’re talking about here – masters of the model range and Limited Edition – so although it seems unlikely there is every chance there’s some truth in it.

The man in charge of MINI development – Dr Wolfgang Armbrecht – has stated that with such a strong response from the public and hacks alike MINI has to look at the viability of a new MINI Moke based on the MINI Beachcomber, which is itself based on the soon to launch MINI Countryman.

Which doesn’t of course mean it will happen. There are the safety issues to overcome and any production model would no doubt have to have a set of doors – even if they were removable for off-road use – and either a fabric or lightweight removable panel for the roof.

But the new MINI Moke isn’t just round the corner, even if it does get the green light. First the Countryman has to launch and we still have the MINI Roadster and the MINI Coupe to come. So it’s going to be at least 2012 or later – if it happens.

But don’t bet against it.