MINI Clubman - Past and Present

Discussion in 'Clubman/Clubvan' started by Bartek S., Nov 11, 2007.

  1. Bartek S. Contributing Member

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    1. Countryman
    Launched in 1960 the original load-lugging Mini was called the Traveller if you bought a Morris, and Countryman if it was an Austin.

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    2. Swinging Sixties
    During the Sixties the Mini Wagon featured an ash wood framework at the rear. However, this wasn't structural - it was just for show.

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    3. Seventies style
    By the next decade the ash had been removed. In its place was a vinyl side stripe with fake wood grain. All models were badged British Leyland.

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    4. Clubman collection
    The Clubman name first appeared in 1969. Cute Mini front end was replaced with more angular nose. Available as saloon, wagon and hot 1275 GT.

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    5. Design sketches
    When the parent company BMW wanted a new MINI estate, it had something much more sporty than the original in mind.

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    6. Production line
    The new Clubman is built on a hi-tech production line at the Oxfordshire plant. A total of 230 robots are used in various roles around the factory.

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    7. Roof presses
    Humans are still important in getting fnished models out through the factory gates. Over 4,500 are employed at the Cowley facility.

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    8. MINI Clubman
    Nearly thirty years after the last of the original Clubmans rolled off the line, the MKII makes its debut.

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    9. Club door
    This is the controversial Club door design. The single rear opening means that passengers in RHD cars exit into the road.

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    10. Double rear doors
    Like the first Mini wagons, the 2007 version features a twin rear tailgate. It's practical but robs drivers of rear vision.

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    11. Interior sketches
    Initial sketches used wood decking for the floor - a nice nod to the ash exterior frame of the classic Sixties models.

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    12. Clubman interior
    The finished article was much more convential, using many parts already found in the standard hatchback version.
    http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/autoexpressnews/212358/mini_clubman.html#
  2. Habitual Speeder New Member

    I love the MINI (old & new), but I hate the Clubman (well, the new version of it, anyway)...

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  3. ateekt Well-Known Member

    ^^^ Some hard-core shit, Lmao :D...!

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