At the dawn of the Seychelles’ tourism industry and with the opening of the first car rental companies in the mid 70s, the Mini Moke became a common sight on our roads. Mostly driven by tourists, the small convertible British-made vehicles painted in different bright colours could not go around Mahé and Praslin unnoticed.

While many will remember a famous publicity slogan which said that ‘moking is not a wealth hazard’, the Mini Moke era lasted for only about a quarter of a century. By the end of the 90s, the cabriolet had unfortunately almost disappeared from the roads. Until recently, only a few which had survived the years could be seen braving time, the elements as well as some misfortunes it had faced.

Some enthusiasts have talked about frequent brake failures or water entering the distributor, with no qualified mechanics to repair them. Transport history will remember Mini Mokes and their sister version of the Mini, stranded on the road sides as a real sight of rainy days!

But the functions of the small car without doors had in the mean time drastically changed from a tourist favourite while happily spending their holiday, to a collector’s item owned by a few real Moke fanatics. At least one car rental company, City Cars of Anse Aux Pins, had managed to keep a few in its fleet. It goes without saying that they are very popular with tourists.

Signs however remained that the Moke would not completely disappear from the Seychelles’ landscape: While a few imported some years back seem

 not to have survived, the Mini has meanwhile made a successful return with the Mini Cooper. There was also news that while assembly plants had been set up in China and Australia, it was still being manufactured in Portugal. This seemed to be confirmed by the cute little car’s presence on European highways during summer.

Back in Seychelles, though ‘the return of the Moke’ could be the title of a feature film, it is now rather a reality. Moke Seychelles, of which mother company is called GN Motors Pty Ltd, is now selling Mini Mokes at the Providence Industrial Estate. Owned by Gregory Albert and Nichol Chetty, two young Seychellois entrepreneurs, the company was officially launched at the Espace Building on Friday evening. It took the opportunity to proudly display the newly imported Mini Mokes of which some features have logically changed from the original design dating back in 1960.

The round central dash board has for example been replaced by a rectangular one, better positioned in front of the driver. The central space has made way for a modern music system with USB port. Other novelties include power steering transmission, weather proof bucket seat with headrest and alloy wheels. If the vehicle is now only available in the manual version, the company has promised that the automatic, electric and pick-up versions will be coming.

Messrs Albert and Chetty who have given the first letters of their respective first names to their company, explain that as they are both car lovers, it was when the brakes on their own Mini Moke stopped working that they decided to revive the model in Seychelles. With  Audrey Lau-Tee of ALT Engineering chosen to service and repair the Mokes they say that they are hopeful of the success of the new venture. And with power assisted brakes, there is really no chance that they will now fail!

“We’ve got the best to give you the best. The quality as well as the after sale service is there. We offer a big potential not only for car hirers, but also for individual clients,” Mr Albert has ensured.

During Friday’s ceremony, Peter Pomroy as well as Camec and Scenic Car Hire were the first buyers of the new Moke version to receive their keys from Marco Francis, chairperson of the Seychelles Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI).

As the dealers further boast, “this iconic small car sets the standard for a carefree lifestyle, with the wind in your hair and the sun on your face”.

So do not hesitate to become the centre of attention and the envy of your friends while getting back to the basics and enjoying your life. Place your order for a brand new Mini Moke at www.mokeseychelles.com or sales@gnmotors.sc. Please hurry, as those imported have already been sold.

Forrás: www.nation.sc