Descripción
The Mini Clubman story starts in 1967 when BMC embarked on trying to improve profitability, despite the Mini success story and high sales volumes, margins were thin.
Fresh from designing the Ford Cortina MK11, Roy Haynes was poached from Ford to head the Clubman design program. He was also instrumental in designing the Austin Maxi which shared frontal styling cues with the Clubman and Cortina. The first production Mini Clubman Estates were assembled in September 1969, four months after assembly of the saloon variant.
The car was sold at a premium to the standard Mini and was more of a case of style over function, the only real benefit of the longer nose was easier engine access, and it was in fact aerodynamically inferior to that of the original. The revised interior offered more creature comforts to the original and was subsequently fitted to all Mini’s post Metro introduction.
The Clubman Estate production continued until 1982, nearly 2 years after the saloon production finished.
This particular Clubman, finished in Russet Brown with Beige cloth upholstery was built on the 17th January, 1979 and subsequently supplied new by Taylors Garage Limited in Falmouth to its first owner on the 21st February 1979. The car was registered in Taunton, Somerset where it remained for 43 years.
The original Austin Morris range brochure illustrates the total price paid of £2870. 48 with an additional £37 being paid for dealer fitted under seal. The car was kept safely garaged with modest use until January 2005 and bestowed to a close family friend, the mileage at this point being marginally over 9, 500 miles.
The car was kept by its second owner for a further 17 years, in which time it was barely driven, safely dry stored, covering less than 1, 000 miles.
The car is beautifully preserved and highly original, the dealer fitted underseal keeping the underside in tip top condition. The spare wheel and jack and tools have never been used and it even retains its original battery cover which is rare to see. This is one very special car and would sit perfectly in any car collection.
A comprehensive service along with full replacement of brake linings and wheel cylinders has been conducted and the car will come with a new MOT prior to sale.
Looking to sell your Classic? Our commission sales – Sale or Return option is a great way to utilise our services and achieve the best possible price for your vehicle without the pitfalls of selling privately.
If you would like to discuss further, please get in touch and speak to Andrew.
