Mini Clubman

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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).

Available either as a saloon or an estate, complete with fake wood trim, it was finally replaced in 1980 by the new hatchback Austin Metro, though production of the original round-front Mini design continued for another 20 years.

Dating from the last year of production, this bright red Clubman saloon is showing less than 28,300 miles on the clock, a total which the vendor believes may be genuine although there is no paperwork to back this up. A Mini enthusiast, he considers it to be unusually straight and sound and reports that it drives very well, feeling as taut as you would hope from such a low indicated mileage. MOTd until October 2015 and due to be driven some 40 miles to the sale, it is only reluctantly being sold due to an impending house move and consequent loss of storage. 

Once somewhat unloved, the Clubman has staged a comeback of late and its neat, boxy lines are increasingly appreciated, hence the recent upsurge in values.