MOKE International raises £450,000 for The Blue Marine Foundation by donating two special edition Electric MOKEs to auction at the Monaco Yacht Show
Moke Highlights
- MOKE International raises £450,000 for The Blue Marine Foundation by donating two special edition vehicles to auction at the Monaco Yacht Show
- Special edition Blue Marine Electric MOKE was created by Steve Edge Design and features unique ‘Blue Marine’ blue paint job with exclusive coral pattern, reclaimed wood in the interior, plus many more exclusive features
- A second bespoke vehicle will be made to commission with all funds raised going towards Blue Marine Foundation’s vital work in restoring the world’s oceans back to health
- New Electric MOKE is a reinvigoration of 1960s Mini Moke which has been synonymous with some of the world’s most pristine and beautiful places since its birth
- Helping to keep these places clean through emissions-free technology is a key mission of MOKE International and the foundation of its partnership with Blue Marine
Bespoke for charity
Two bespoke Electric MOKEs raised £450,000 (€500,000) at auction at Monaco Yacht Show yesterday (Sept 28th), with all funds going to support the crucial efforts of the Blue Marine Foundation in restoring the world’s oceans back to health.
On display at the auction was the first of the two special editions, which was conceived and directed by world-famous designer and brand expert Steve Edge, founder and creative director of Steve Edge Design. It features a new ‘Blue Marine’ exterior paint job and a coral design used throughout the car, both of which pay tribute to the oceans that the foundation is working so hard to protect and restore. Other bespoke features include custom painted wheels with exclusive wheel covers, a contrasting white grille and a unique Bimini cover and full weather-proof canopy.
The interior of the car is just as special, with hand stitched Blue Marine upholstery across the seats and steering wheel, a one-off Blue Marine dashboard with the Blue Marine logo, and reclaimed wooden entry strips that replicate boat decking. A second special edition will be designed and built to commission, with the two one-off cars raising €250,000 each, making a combined total of €500,000 (£450,000).
“Having the opportunity to work on the Electric MOKE was a dream come true. Whether it’s Bond in The Caribbean or Bardot in St Tropez, its iconic form is, for me, ever associated with fun and glamour. So, forget your Bentleys, the Electric MOKE is the new benchmark for luxury. Working with The Blue Marine Foundation was always a no brainer, a charity that strives to protect our blue planet and, more importantly, a charity that truly delivers on its promise.”
Steve Edge, founder and creative director, Steve Edge Design
Electric MOKE
The new Electric MOKE is a reinvigoration of the 1964 Mini Moke, created by the father of the Mini, Sir Alec Issigonis. It quickly became an emblem of the Swinging ‘60s and found armies of fans in coastal resorts and glamourous locations around the world, as well as a number of celebrity admirers, including The Beatles and The Beach Boys. Reinvented as a zero-emissions vehicle, helping to improve the air quality in some of the world’s most beautiful locations is key to the mission.
As the ideal ‘villa to beach’ buggy, MOKE’s spiritual home has always been the Mediterranean, which is why supporting Blue Marine’s conservation work in places like Greece is such a natural fit. All money raised by the auction is going towards supporting Blue Marine’s efforts to restore the world’s oceans back to health. Blue Marine aims to ensure the protection of at least 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030, restoring damaged marine habitats and developing models of sustainable fishing.
“Blue Marine is thrilled that MOKE and Steve Edge design have created this ocean-inspired, custom-designed Electric MOKE. Funds raised through the sale of these special ocean MOKEs will go towards our vital work in the Mediterranean, securing marine protected areas and protecting endangered species such as monk seals. Huge thanks to MOKE for your generosity.”
Clare Brook, CEO, Blue Marine Foundation
The new Electric MOKE is built in the UK, remaining true to its roots, at a state-of- the-art facility in Northamptonshire. The flagship ‘Casa MOKE’ store was recently opened in Saint-Tropez where customers can build and order their car in the Electric MOKE’s natural home – by the sea. Alternatively, customers can also visit the new MOKE International website where they can pay a £990 reservation fee to secure their place in the queue for production slots.
The Electric MOKE has a range of up to 120kms on a single charge, enough for four round trips from Cap-Ferrat to Monaco, and a top speed of 80kph. A charge of 80% of range takes four hours on a standard Type 2 European charger. As a fully electric vehicle it still provides the fun and freedom that made the original Mini Moke such a hit, but it does so with zero emissions, doing its bit for a new sustainable era.
“The Blue Marine Foundation is the perfect charity partner for us. Just as we’re doing our best to the keep the most beautiful beach destinations free of air pollution, they are restoring life to the sea. We are delighted to welcome people to our community that recognise the appeal of the MOKE, but are also generous enough to give something back at the same time.”
Isobel Dando, CEO, MOKE International
About MOKE International
MOKE and the MOKE logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of MOKE International Limited in the European Union and other territories and is the only manufacturer of genuine MOKE vehicles worldwide.
The mark was acquired from Casti S.p.A. and derives from the original 1964 British Motor Corporation registration. The MOKE is a revitalised, re-engineered version of the iconic Mini Moke that was originally designed by the legendary Sir Alec Issigonis, the designer of the 1959 Mini, and launched in 1964.
The Mini Moke was created as a low-cost and easy to maintain recreational and utility vehicle, but it quickly gained cult status in fashionable resorts such as the French Riviera and the Caribbean.
It has been driven by Beatles, Bridget Bardot and James Bond alike. MOKE International has brought the Mini Moke into the modern age by integrating up-to-date driving technologies, including full electric power, while remaining faithful to the iconic design which made it a global hit in the 1960s.
True to its heritage, MOKEs today are engineered and built in Northamptonshire, England. Production takes place at a 500,000sq ft state-of-the-art facility owned and operated by British automotive manufacturing services company, Fablink Group.