Maximum Mini: Is Crayford Mini Mojito a Beach Car replica?

Tuesday, 6 June 2023

Is Crayford Mini Mojito a Beach Car replica?

Hey! A brand new Mini based car to be unveiled, that's been a while hasn't it?

You may or may not have noted that the Crayford name was revived recently and they now unveil their first new car during the London concours that has just opened its doors at the gardens of the Honourable Artillery Company’s headquarters in central London. Ladies and gentleman: the Crayford Mini Mojito.

There seems to be little doubt about the Beach Car inspiration, although there are several differences, too. A full floating canopy roof in the first place, which only one of the original Beach Cars had ...plus the one-off Crayford Carnival, which was made in 1980. You also won't find wicker furniture inside but leather instead and a floor made of teak wood. There is also 'An optional fully-electric powertrain that’s been designed and built in the UK and neatly packaged under the bonnet'. Crayford’s director Kent Thirley told Classic Driver: “The Mojito is built for today’s market and meets the expectations that come with that. It drives and handles as well as it looks – pretty special". Is it a Beach Car replica? More or less than Mengers' Beach Mini, which was unveiled a year ago?

Thirley further adds: “For me, Crayford is an icon of British motoring and we’ve spent the last two years assembling a team to revive the brand in a way that remains loyal to its 64-year heritage and creative spirit. The original mission statement penned by the founders of Crayford in the early 1960s was ‘to design and build cars that are unique, to redefine what’s possible when you harness devotion and innovation'". No price has yet been mentioned, further information can be found here.