“Clubman Estate” to return to the roads after 27 year break.

At the International Automobile Salon in Geneva, MINI
confirmed that the next derivative in its model range will be called
MINI Clubman. Based on a concept first shown in Frankfurt in 2005 (shown below), a
‘Shooting Brake’ body-styled car will be on sale before the end of 2007. BMW promises the new car will be distinctive, yet authentically embody the MINI character. Offering more versatility without compromising the chassis of current Hatch models.

Historically, ‘Shooting Brake’ models are so-called due to a combination of premium two-door styling, with added interior flexibility for owners leading active lifestyles.

The official press release states the new car takes inspiration and styling cues from the Morris Mini Traveller, which experienced widespread success between 1960-69, however this doesn’t paint a very full picture of the Traveller, Countryman and Clubman Estate history the new MINI model is hoping to recapture some of it’s spirit from.

A Little History for You.

The first estate Minis were launched in 1960 as the Austin Se7en Countryman and the Morris Mini-Traveller. The original estate Minis were based on the “De Luxe” saloon specification, and also included an extensive (?!) options list which included items such as an interior rear view mirror. The estate Minis could complete the 0-60mph sprint in a smidge under 34 seconds.

In 1962, the Austin Se7en Countryman became the Austin Mini Countryman, and they continued with these monicurs until 1967, when with the introduction of the MkII Minis, they became simply the Austin Mini Countryman and Morris Mini-Traveller. These models only lasted two years. Just over 200,000 estate Minis were produced from 1960 to ‘69.

The “Clubman Estate” Is Born.

In 1969 the Mini Clubman was born. Intended as the new range topping Mini, with a front end designed by Roy Haynes, formerly of Ford, who had been responsible for penning the MkII Ford Cortina. The Clubman was largely a marketing exercise and it only lasted 11 years until the both the Clubman Saloon and Estate were put to rest. The Clubman Estate proved almost as popular as it’s Mini predecessors, selling just under 200,000 Clubman Estates during this time.

In 1977 the Clubman Estate lost it’s mock-wood trim panels (shown above) in exchange for full length body stripes down the side of the vehicle. Who knows if either will become a styling option on the new MINI Clubman. However we feel certain an interior rear view mirror will be standard across the range!

Original Mini data sourced from “The Complete Mini” by Chris Rees