1982 British Leyland Mini

Austin Mini Clubman (Saloon/Estate), 1969-1982

The Austin Mini Clubman was in production from 1969 until 1981. Styled in house by Roy Haynes, it is a front-engine, front wheel drive saloon/estate range seating four adults.

The Mini Clubman was British Leyland's attempt not only to bring a new corporate face to the Mini, but to unify its upmarket models under one brand. Intended as a replacement for the Riley Elf and Wolseley Hornet, it would also encompass the estate and the replacement for the Cooper, giving Mini a new look for all but the entry level models. The new face bore a resemblance not only to the Maxi but the Mk2 Cortina - a simplicity introduced by Haynes and one which flew in the face of BMC's 1960s engineering-led philosophy. As the 1970s passed, the Clubman saloon would lose its expensive Hydrolastic suspension in favour of a return to rubber cones, and the standard 998cc engine would grow to 1098cc. Estate models had never received Hydrolastic. Phased out in 1980 as the Metro was launched, the estate would receive a final facelift and a 998cc A+ engine from the Metro. Badged the HL Estate, this would be the final Clubman model.

583863 Clubman models were built, of which 197606 were estates and 110673 were the Cooper-replacing 1275GT model. Today, they're better value than the equivalent "traditional" Mini, though interest in the 1275GT has strengthened. The best value is the saloon; given the extra practicality the estate has its own legion of fans, while the saloon has been somewhat left behind by collectors. An interesting curiosity would be a pre-1971 saloon model equipped with Hydrolastic suspension, but these are rare today.

Alternatives to the Austin Mini Clubman then and now would include the standard Austin Mini, though its traditional nose makes it more valuable. The Riley Elf and Wolseley Hornet were technically replaced by the Clubman, though their charm is different. A Metro makes an alternative to the estate, as do superminis such as the Renault 5 and Ford Fiesta. For fans of 1970s styling, the Austin Allegro might make a similarly amusing classic choice.