Roy Haynes joined BMC after he's completed the Ford Cortina MkII, and created the Mini Clubman as an 'upmarket' Mini to replace the big-booted Elf and Hornet. Only the new front end was approved, and the Haynes extended rear with hatchback got left on the drawing table. Launched in October 1969 at the same time as the MkIII Minis, the Clubmans were given the same trim as the previous Super Deluxe, and had the 998cc engine as standard. The 1275GT was also launched in October 1969, not strictly as a 'Clubman' but using the same body. Replacing the Mini Cooper, though not the Cooper S which continued for 2years, the 1275 GT was not as powerful as the Cooper. Run flat Denovo Dunlop tyres received their world debut on the Mini 1275GT, but the 1275GT gave way to the Austin Metro in 1980. Clubman models were revamped in 1975 acquiring the 1098cc engine, and in 1976 a new grille and painted side stripes on the Clubman Estate. The Clubmans stopped production in 1980 as the Metro was launched, but the Estate continued to be sold as the Mini HL Estate until 1982.
Mini Clubman 1970 - badge on bootlid
Mini Clubman 1979 Estate - decal on rear door
Mini Clubman 1970. The Clubman models replaced the Riley Elf and Wolseley Hornet in 1969.A 998cc engine was standard.
Mini Clubman 1979 Estate. The 'cross' banded grille was given in a minor facelift in 1976
Mini HL Estate
Mini 1275 GT. The 1275 GT took the place of the Cooper S, although it only had a single carb 59bhp engine.
Mini 1275 GT. Introduced to replace the Hornet and Elf models, the 1275 GT was the fastest of the Clubmans - but no Cooper S. The Clubman models ran from 1969 to 1980.
Mini 1275 GT 1973. The Riley Elf and Wolseley Hornet models were phased out during 1969 and a new Clubman model took their place. Available as 2-door saloon , estate or 1275 GT models the new Clubman had a large square front, designed by Roy Haynes, who had also intended to replace the Hornet boot with a hatchback but was denied this chance.
Mini 1275 GT 1973. The 1275 GT was the top model of the new Clubman models in 1969. Roy Haynes intended that the Clubman models would be given a hatchback, but production models had the same boot panels as other Minis.
Mini Clubman 1970. The square front was designed by Roy Haynes and resembled the front of the Austin Maxi
Mini Clubman 1970. Despite the new front end, Clubmans were the same at the rear to other Minis.
Mini Clubman 1978 Estate. The Mini Traveller and Countryman were replaced in 1969 by the Clubman Estate
Mini Clubman 1979 Estate. Despite rebranding and graphics, the Mini Clubman Estate betrays its origins as a Van when seen from the rear.
Mini Clubman Estate 1972. The Clubman was launched with 998cc engine, and the Estate gained wood effect trim
Mini Clubman Estate 1972. The wood effect side bars refer back to the wood finished Mini Traveller.
Mini Clubman Estate 1979, with 1,098cc A-series engine
Mini HL Estate. A revised grille was given to the Estate as it lost is 'Clubman' name in 1980, and had its 1098cc engine reduced to 998cc to be sold as the 'HL Estate until 1982.
Mini HL Estate. Painted sidestripes were given to the Clubman Estate in 1975, the Clubman name changed to 'Mini HL' from 1980-82.
Mini Clubman Estate 1972. Applique 'wood' side stripes were worn by the Clubman until 1975.
Mini HL Estate. From 1980-82 Clubman Estates were sold as 'Mini HL' estates
