Description
The “Mini” is a British icon from the 1960’s with Alec Issigonis space cheating design and legendary road holding the car really did bend the rules and straighten the bends.
Introduced in October 1969, the Mini Clubman was penned by ex-Ford product planner and stylist Roy Haynes. The newcomer boasted better frontal crash protection, improved under-bonnet access and was powered by a 998cc or 1098cc four-cylinder A-series engine. Its suspension system, a fusion of independent front and interconnected hydrolastic rear set-ups, achieved a balance between comfort and handling, emblematic of the industry's drive for enhanced driving dynamics at this time.
Milestone Classics are delighted to market one of the earliest surviving, and most original, Mini Clubman saloons that you could wish to own. Built on 2nd February 1970 and despatched to G E Evans (rally driver Gwyndaf Evans father), BMC dealer in Snowdonia the car is a truely remarkable survivor.
Mechanics:
Still running on its original 998cc engine it’s fitted with the early AP1 4-speed auto gearbox, hydrolastic suspension, ‘elephant -trunk’ airbox intake and Coventry Radiator rad capping with the bonnet stay on the right-hand side of the bonnet.
The car drives down the road really well having covered just 41k miles from new. It is standard apart from the Minilite-style wheels (the original steel wheels and hubcaps are included in the sale), a Cooper freeflow manifold, RC40 and alloy inlet manifold.
Bodywork:
The Clubman was owned by the first owner/ her family until 2017 when the last keeper bought the car. On purchase the underside was wired brushed and everything was found to be very solid - the only panels replaced were the sills, drivers 'A' panel and one floor panel. As much of the original paint as possible was retained (around 80%) and the car wears her originality with genuine pride.
Interior:
The Clubman has one of the most original interiors you could wish to find. She retains her chrome switches, OE black vinyl trim/ door cards and original Kangol safety belts. Only the carpets were replaced (Newton Commercial) during the re-commissioning process.
History:
The original owner bought the car in 1970 and it passed to her grandson in the late 1980's, when she hung up her driving gloves. He ran the car happily until 2007, at which point she was tucked away in storage. The third owner carried out recommissioning/ conservation work (photographic record on file) and the car featured in an extended article in Mini World (May/ June 2020)
The history folder contains the original order form, bill of sale, correspondence from G. E. Evans, original drivers handbook & envelope, passport to service, old MOT's, lots of invoices and photographs from the recommissioning, Heritage certificate etc.
Summary:
The Clubman is exactly the type of car we drive 1000's of miles each year to find for our discerning customers. Ready to use and enjoy, we recommend early viewing and a test drive in order to fully appreciate this charming classic.
