MOKE International Limited has announced the return of one of Britain’s great automotive icons.

UK customers will be able to order one of 56 limited edition MOKEs, an allocation selected to signify the number of years since the Mini MOKE first appeared in Britain in 1964.

Order books also open for MOKEs in standard configuration, confirming the permanent return of the brand.

MOKE International revives a quintessentially British design that has charmed for more than half a century. Brigitte Bardot epitomised Riviera chic in her MOKE.

The brand has since been enjoyed and championed by fun-seekers including Kate Moss and DJ Khalid.

To date the car has also appeared in four James Bond films.

The original MOKE was designed in the 1960s by Sir Alec Issigonis, the architect of the Austin Mini, as a military vehicle engineered to be robust enough for deployment behind enemy lines by aeroplane. The original shared components including suspension and chassis with the Mini.

The MOKE soon became one of the best-loved symbols of the 1960s to become the mode of travel for the inhabitants of the most exclusive coastal resorts in Europe, the Caribbean, US and Asia.

Today’s MOKEs remain true to the look and feel of the original, with a particular focus on maintaining the sense of fun and freedom that has endeared the car to so many for more than five decades.

Updates include a new four-cylinder, fuel injection engine, uprated suspension, braking and the option for either automatic transmission or manual for the more engaged driver.

MOKE will mark its homecoming with a strictly-limited run of 56 cars, built for sale exclusively in the UK. Each is available in a choice of 14 colours and the Limited Edition ‘MOKE 56’ comes with the front grille and windscreen rails in chrome, a discrete Union Jack badge on the front wings, and a numbered plaque on the bonnet.

New MOKE is powered by a four cylinder 1083cc 67hp petrol engine mated to four-speed automatic transmission, giving it a top speed of 68mph and fuel economy of around 34mpg.

Waiting lists are filling fast with resorts and private buyers in English coastal hotspots taking particular interest.

UK buyers will be invited to order either the limited edition ’MOKE 56’ or the standard MOKE Classic, which begins full production.

Indicative pricing starts at £20,000 excluding local taxes and delivery.

Interested buyers should register their interest at https://mokeinternational.com/customise