Production of the Clubman model at Mini’s Oxford plant in the UK concluded this week, as scheduled. The final unit was celebrated in a ceremony attended by plant workers and the original Clubman model.
Introduced in 1969, the Clubman has seen over 1.1 million units produced over 55 years, with half of them manufactured at the Oxford plant.
Originally developed as one of two station-wagon variants of the basic Mini model by the British Motor Corporation (BMC), alongside the Morris Mini Traveller and the Austin Seven Countryman, the Clubman was redesigned by Roy Haynes.
It eventually led to the Clubman Saloon and remained in production until 1982, with almost 600,000 units built.
Revived in 2007 under BMW’s ownership of the Mini brand, the Clubman maintained its signature split rear doors despite challenges in meeting modern safety standards.
The third generation of the Clubman arrived in 2015, growing in size along with the addition of a four-door Mini Cooper hardtop model to the lineup.
However, the Clubman faced challenges in differentiating itself from other models within the Mini range, particularly the four-door Cooper hardtop, while also being relatively expensive. Mini released a Final Edition in 2023, paying tribute to its inaugural year with limited production.
With the end of Clubman production, questions arise about the future of the nameplate and the traditional Mini layout.
Mini’s electric plans include introducing new models with different body styles, such as the electric Cooper and Countryman, and the upcoming Aceman model, set to launch later this year.
Previewed in concept form in 2022, the Aceman will fill a similar spot in the lineup as the Clubman but without split-opening doors.
Expected to offer a range of around 250 miles and various motor layouts, the Aceman will be revealed in production form this spring, serving as a replacement for the Clubman. However, it will not have a gas-engine variant, aligning with Mini’s focus on electric vehicles.
Mini’s future lineup may also include a new crossover model in the small-car segment, possibly inspired by the Urbanaut concept of 2021, though details remain scarce.
Markus Grüneisl, CEO of Plants Oxford and Swindon, expressed pride in producing the Mini Clubman for customers worldwide over the past 18 years.