Mini Clubman

In 1969 British Leyland took the bold step of launching an "improved" Mini. Leyland hoped the Clubman would replace the standard car, which was really only a slightly changed version of the original 1959 car, thankfully it failed (as did the 2nd attempt, the Metro!). The main change with the Clubman was to the front panelwork, this now meant a squared off bonnet and front wings. The purpose of these sheet metal changes was to allow more under bonnet room for larger power units.

To make the most of this extra space the Clubman came with a 998cc A-series (later sold as the 1000HL) and from 1975 a 1100 version became available (the old faithful 1098cc A-series). The Clubman came in either Saloon or Estate versions, the Estate came complete with hideous looking, fake "wood" exterior trim panels and Dry-cone suspension. As already mentioned above the Clubman failed to replace the original Mini and was eventually replaced by the Metro in 1980.