Lot 021: Mini Clubman 1100

In 1969, under the ownership of British Leyland, the Mini was given a facelift by stylist Roy Haynes, who had previously worked for Ford. The restyled version was called the Mini Clubman and sported a more square frontal look, similar to that of the much larger Austin Maxi. Compared to the classic 1959 'round-front' design, the long-nose Clubman offered better crash safety, was better equipped and had vastly better under-bonnet access, but was more expensive. It was also the first vehicle to use a flexi printed-circuit board behind the dash instruments (universal nowadays, but technically advanced for 1969). It was replaced in 1980 by the new hatchback Austin Metro, though production of the original round-front mini design continued for another 20 years. This 1977 Clubman 1100 has had just two owners from new, the first of whom owned it right up until 1998. Complete with every tax disc from new, it has covered just 18,719 miles and is in outstanding condition throughout. Said to drive perfectly, it has been used as a showroom exhibit for the last several years. Looking particularly fetching in the nice period shade Limeflower, it must surely be as fine an example as you could ever wish to find.