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OK, like the title says, I am looking for a Mini Clubman for a feature in TME.
Now, before you all start putting your hand up, let me explain a few details.
Although 99.9% of the population refers to any square-nosed Mini as a Clubman, there was in fact only one model in Australia known correctly by the name "Mini Clubman", and it only existed from 1971 to 1973.
The Clubman GT is not the model I am referring to.
The Leyland Mini (all Minis post April 1973 were Leyland Minis) is not what I am referring to.
When the Clubman range was launched on 16 August 1971, there were three models available, but only one was correctly referred to as the Mini Clubman. The others were the Mini 1100 and the Clubman GT.
Most people are familiar with the Clubman GT, and we had a bit of detail on it and the Mini 1100 in Issue 19 of TME.
The Mini Clubman was effectively a square-nosed Mini K, in that it had the 1098cc engine, hydrolastic suspension, twin gauges (directly in front of the driver), and better seats and trim than the base model (Mini 1100). I think it also had carpet, but I'm not sure at the moment.
The Clubman GT was discontinued in January 1973 (with possibly the last 200 or so going to NZ). In April that year an up-market Mini, the Mini S, was released. It appears the very first of these were in fact Mini Clubman S, but certainly within a month the Clubman name was gone completely and the Leyland Mini and Leyland Mini S were the two remaining models (the Mini 1100 also being discontinued).
So, what I am after is a proper Mini Clubman, built between August 1971 and April 1973, which has two-gauge dash, hydro suspension and 1098cc engine. Up to December 1971 had low-back seats. Later cars had adjustable headrests. It was also January 1972 that the steering lock/ignition switch was introduced.
FYI, the front cover Mini in Issue 20 is a 1974 Leyland Mini, not a Mini Clubman.
Also, the Mini 1100 that we featured briefly in Issue 19 was in a fairly sad state, so we would like to get hold of one in good condition to photograph. This would have the 1098cc engine, single, central speedo and dry suspension.
Finally, if anyone has a UK Mini Clubman (not a 1275GT) in Australia, then I would like to photograph that for the same feature, for comparison.
So, now you can put your hand up if your Mini truly meets these requirements.
Pleas contact me if you or someone you know has a suitable car.
I am planning on doing the story within the next 6 months or so.
Cheers,
Watto.
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