The roar of Mighty Mini’s
View(s):The roads around Independence Square are busier than you’d expect for a Sunday morning. Cars slow and pedestrians cluster around a particular lane where around 30 Mini Mokes are parked along the curb. They’re about to head off for a day trip – picking up additional drivers along the way. By the time they get to Negombo, there will be about 60 cars and more than enough people to celebrate International Mini Moke Day.
Mini rainbow: Owners line up their colourful cars. Pix by Nilan Maligaspe
Sri Lanka’s Mighty Mini Club has some 400 odd members and events like these are much anticipated. David Todd, ex-President of the club, says Minis have quite a cult following. “About four milllion Minis were built but only 10,000 Mokes were built and that’s why they have the International Moke Day once a year.” This year they marked it on September 29.
Though these classic cars are typically fifty years old, they’re fetching premium prices on the market. (David estimates a good Moke would go for Rs.1.5 million on today’s market.)
Their small upgraded engines pack a punch and allow them to rival mainstream models in speed. Connoisseurs distinguish between the two types of Mokes – differences in the frame, engine power and suspension systems separate British and Australian built Mokes. However, these aren’t hard to keep in good shape says proud Moke owner Dr. Kesara Serasinghe. Kesara’s car doesn’t have a Moke emblem on it, instead it has his school’s. He even calls it Thora and says he drives it to all big S. Thomas’ events. Having bought the car five years ago, the body is an original dating back to 1966. “These are lovely little vehicles to own. Anybody looking at a Moke usually smiles,” he says.
Cars that make people smile: Dr. Kesara Serasinghe with his S. Thomas themed Mini Moke
Malinda Sirisena likes the cars so much that he’s owned no less than 28 of them in 10 years. The software professional currently owns four cars and has only had the one he drove over here for two months. In that time he’s done some extensive work on it. “We consider it a fashion icon, and really enjoy the drives,” says Malinda, praising the design, the handling and its innate “sexiness”. “The beauty is even after 50 years this car is still seen on the racetrack. That should tell you something.”
Saroopa Samaradivakara got her car as a birthday gift. She’s from a family of Mini lovers – both her father and brother drive their own car. “It’s more than just a car,” says Saroopa. The Mini community includes female racers says Saroopa, who feels completely at home amongst the drivers lining up today. Pointing out that there are people of all ages at the gathering she says, “Irrespective of age, we all have that passion for the car in common.”
Senaka Senanayake who is the Mighty Mini Club’s treasurer says there are events that run throughout the year. These include races and get-togethers all of which are designed to bring Mini Moke owners together and to give the cars a bit of a work out. Anyone interested in signing up can contact the club through their website www.mightymini.lk
-S.D