Detroit sees some MINI excess

DETROIT – Remember the Mini Moke, that open air beach car of the 1960s? Well, BMW certainly does and the purveyors of the modern Mini unveiled the Moke’s successor here at the 2009 North American International auto Show.

Called the Beachcomber, it’s a concept vehicle based on the new Mini Crossover that will go on sale in Europe this year and in North America in 2011.

For its world premiere here, the Beachcomber was introduced by a troupe of dancers dressed as surfer boys – one of the few examples of razzle dazzle at this subdued auto show, once known for its wretched excess. Before the recession, automakers always were trying to top one another at their NAIAS presentations; today they’re all just hoping to stay afloat.

The Beachcomber is doorless and roofless, although a soft top and lightweight doors can be added if the weather turns nasty. It uses the Crossover’s AWD system.

Whether it goes into production or stays simply a show car remains to be seen.