The Mini Clubman
When Alec Issigonis first designed the Mini, he had
in mind to create a simple design vehicle for the purpose of transporting
people from A to B as cheaply and easily as possible. Little did
he know that his little economical shoe-box of a car would become
an icon of automotive history.The production of the Austin Mini
already began in 1959, and although the manufacturer of the little
car changed name more than once, the basic same vehicle - with few
changes - was produced for over 40 years! The Mini derived from
the original Austin Mini Seven concept. Minis especially prepped
by Cooper Racing went on to win every major Rally in the world (at
least once, but often for repeat performances) during the 1960s,
making such an impact that the cute little car became commonly known
as the Mini Cooper all over the world.
Despite their compact size the Minis established in the world of
Motorsport a reputation as the "Giant Killers," and giant
killers they were, often turning in faster lap times at Brands Hatch
than the big Fords, or out-running much more powerful Citroens during
the Rally Monte Carlo . The secret to their Motorsport
success is easily found. Of lightweight construction, with a low
center of gravity and excellent, go-kart style maneuverability,
Minis can drive circles around almost anything else out there on
the road.Citizens and celebrities alike fell in love with the little
cars, and they soon were seen everywhere. Literally, they were being
driven down stairways and through shopping centers in select movies.
The base model became the car of choice for British television comic
character Mr. Bean, and the newest version of the heavily face-lifted
MINI, now manufactured by BMW, stars in the latest Austin Powers
movie "GOLDMEMBER". It seemed that everyone who came in
contact with the little car got infected and simply fell in love
with it, and why shouldn't they?After all, how many cars are less
than 5 feet wide, 10 feet long, seat 4-5 adults, and have the potential
to outperform much bigger and more powerful cars? Even drivers like
myself with a 6'5" frame fit easily and sit surprisingly comfortable
in this car thanks to recently redone reclining front seats, and
that not only on short distance commutes.
Inside our Mini the driving experience becomes all business! Once
seated, a simple 2-gauge cluster is located right in front of you,
atop the typical open tray design dashboard, that all Minis have
become well known for. The gauges contain the speedometer to the
right, next to the fuel and water temperature gauge combination
instrument that also houses control lights to inform about the charge
status and the oil pressure. Controls include two levers on the
steering column that activate wipers, horn, signals, and high beam.
A switch assembly below the center of the dashboard houses the main
light switch as well as miscellaneous accessory switches and the
heater controls. The matching rear bench seat is easily accessible
by tilting forward either front seat to grant access to passengers
for the back row. While kids and small adults will feel right at
home in the back, taller passenger may feel somehow in a tight spot
back there.Anyone's first impression when seeing this car is to
think small, but once you have taken a look inside you will have
to reconsider, as the Mini Clubman comes literally with a huge advantage
over any regular size Mini Cooper.Accessible through 2 barn style
doors in the back you will find an abundance of storage space in
addition to the already amazing seating capacity.
The trunk area behind the rear seat converts in no time to match
the capacity of a small delivery van, suggesting the use for anything
from an extended vacation-trip-mobil to commercial use in your local
delivery service. The latter most likely with huge impact on recognizabilty
and free advertising for your business. No matter how you use this
little space wonder, it is big enough for many purposes, and if
it is merely to provide room for the ENTIRE family.
Despite the vintage of its design, the overall driving experience
is still hard to top. The car has satisfactory acceleration potential
for its size, and is easily shifted through the gears. It corners
superbly, unlike anything you might have experienced before and
the brakes provide sufficient stopping power to slow down the Clubman.
This type of effortless handling is what a Mini is all about and
it will surely put a big smile also on your face. Size does matter
after all . . . The Mini Clubman is equipped with the 998cc engine,
which cranks out nearly 40 hp, providing this compact wagon with
enough power to get you around town famously. Freeway traffic poses
no challenge to the little car either, as speeds even in excess
of 120km/h (75mph) are achievable.Regardless of where you go it
is almost for certain that people will point out the car to friends,
also putting a smile on everyone else's face, I guarantee it ! Cars
in traffic actually change lanes to get a better look at this one,
so make sure you are up to it.
Be warned! If you are a low profile type of person, the Mini may
just not be the car for you!While 40 hp might not sound like an
abundance of power, it is still absolutely amazing how much fun
the little car is able to generate when driven, while fuel consumption
is still kept in moderation, as originally intended by the designer.
With fuel prices at record heights you will certainly appreciate
this feature most when driving up to the pump at the gas station.So
how thrifty is this little critter?
Depending on your driving style, consumption between 40 and 45 miles
to the gallon should be achievable. Spend $12 bucks on gas per week,
drive as much as you like, almost like 30 years ago!Just like Chevy's
legendary small block, the 4 cylinder heart beating under the hood
is a creation that was designed more than 40 years ago. Constantly
improved upon over the years, it is bulletproof and destined to
live forever. Just imagine cutting your gas bill (and parking space
problems as well) to less than half, while driving such fun car.
Since the original Mini is no longer produced these cars retain
their value remarkable well and have certainly a realistic appreciation
potential.
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"DAILY DRIVER"
A "Daily Driver" is a mini, that will start, run, not
break down and be reasonable to purchase and be easy to look at.
This is one full step ahead of a "project mini" which
is usually an entry level mini, that takes a lot of time, money
and work to put on the road.
1977 mini 1275 - Sold in Michigan - A typical
daily driver
A pair of daily drivers
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