The Mini Moke is one of the most loved beach cars ever built. Originally designed for the British military, the Moke would eventually find its true calling as the ultimate shuttle for stylish beachgoers around the world. However, for some, the Mini Moke was just too… big. No we’re not talking about JRR Tolkien’s dwarves or inhabitants of Lilliput island, actual people actually looked at the Moke and thought, “Bit big, isn’t it?”. So we present to you the ultimate micro machine for the seaside-obsessed petrol head: the mighty Schmitt Truck.
Despite its rather comical appearance, this diminutive automobile’s origin story starts at the hallowed grounds of the Circuit de La Sarthe. Its designer, a man called Jean Claude Hrubon, had already successfully entered prototypes in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and had (we assume) grown tired of challenging major manufacturers at the world’s most famous endurance race. Instead, he saw the success of the Mini Moke, and decided he wanted to produce something similar, albeit in France.
Originally named the Hrubon after its creator, the Schmitt Truck went into production in 1981, with manufacturing handled by Alsatian craftsmen Schmitt Automobiles. The Schmitt differentiates itself from the Moke with its much shorter wheelbase, and as such can only accommodate two adults and less luggage than the comparatively long wheel base Moke. However, what you lose in carrying capacity, you arguably gain back in spades in terms of cuteness. Powered by a British Leyland 4 cylinder from an Austin Mini, the Schmitt develops a whopping 39 horsepower at 5,900rpm, which should prove to be more than sufficient in such a tiny car. So, if you’re a fan of micro machines, or if you’re a little vertically challenged, this superb 1981 Schmitt could be your ultimate holiday car.
