Mini: Car wind tunnel

Mini's Beachcomber. Photo / Supplied

It may be summer, but the Mini Beachcomber might not fit the NZ beach lifestyle - let alone an English one. For its funky looks omit the roof and doors.

The Mini Moke's spiritual successor will be presented at the Detroit Motor Show next week, and previews the new Countryman with its four doors, 1.6-litre turbocharged engine and all-wheel-drive. But the Beachcomber has an open cabin ideal, says Mini, "for a spontaneous and active experience of freedom".

Interactive, maybe. The original Mini Moke used little more than a floorpan, side sills, bonnet and windscreen with a folding roof to protect from sunburn or intermittent rain.

The Beachcomber features a more robust frame and a high-riding stance but completely open sides through which the four passengers access their raised seats. Those less keen on a spontaneous experience with flying bees can fit a soft tonneau-style roof, with lightweight transparent plastic inserts at the side and rear to serve as windows.

Removable plastic panels are also available, while other features include a lateral support with cutouts spelling the brand name which doubles as a surf board rack, and a spare wheel holder. It's a tad redundant given the run-flat tyres but serves as a secure boot for towels, togs and valuables. The Moke achieved some limited success in sunny Australia and Portugal, which continued production after UK build ceased in 1968. A 1963 prototype even had four-wheel-drive via two engines, one each driving the front and rear.

But safety regs mean the Beachcomber will not be built, despite a stiff body structure with clearly defined impact energy-load paths, and reinforced A and D-pillars.

However the Countryman, to be revealed at the Geneva Show in March, could benefit from some of its features, like the full-length fabric roof. Other variants to include a GTI, with Prodrive allegedly working on it with the World Rally Championship in mind.