The final Clubman model has been produced at the Mini Plant Oxford, 55 years after the model’s debut in 1969.
The Clubman is one of Mini’s most iconic vehicles with its signature rear split doors and has become a staple on British roads over recent decades.
It is expected that the vehicle will make way for the new electric Aceman, which has been touted as its indirect replacement.
The historic British brand has produced more than 1.1 million Clubman models, with half being made at Mini’s factory in Oxford.
Mini produced more than 1.1 million Clubman models over the last 55 years
Mini
Models have been exported to more than 50 countries across the world, with owners diverting away from the rest of the nation’s favourite colour – grey – and instead choosing Midnight Black.
Mini said the end of the Clubman signifies a “closing chapter” while the brand moves forward with its aims to roll out new electric vehicles.
Dr. Markus Grüneisl, CEO of Plants Oxford and Swindon, said “We are incredibly proud to have built the Mini Clubman at Plants Oxford and Swindon over the last 18 years for customers all over the world.
“With its departure, we look ahead to welcoming members of the new Mini family to our Oxford and Swindon lines, including a new convertible model which we will start to produce at the end of this year.”
The final Clubman being driven off the Mini production line
Mini
Mini referred to the third generation of the Clubman as “our masterpiece” thanks to “new standards of high quality and refinement”.
Despite the popularity of the vehicle, Mini’s engineers had a mountain to climb in developing a vehicle that was stylish and suitable which also made it road legal.
Lead Quality Engineer Guy Elliott was part of the development team for Door Systems at the time and spoke of the design complexities involved in the Clubman.
He said: “We needed to ensure that both doors would always open fully without obscuring the rear lights, which was a legal requirement.
The three Clubman generations
Mini
“Achieving this required fine tuning and developing the gas strut system to ensure the doors functioned correctly in all climatic conditions.”
The Mini Aceman is set to take the helm as one of Mini’s most popular vehicles in the coming years with the Crossover SUV set to become a fan favourite.
A reveal for the Aceman is set to take place on April 24 with limited details already known about the new electric vehicle.
It will feature a 54.2kWh battery pack which could have a range of around 250 miles, as well as estimates showing it will hit the market from around £38,000.
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Guy Elliott beside the first modern Mini Clubman
Mini
Experts have already compared the electric Aceman to other popular small SUVs including the Hyundai Kona, Renault Megan E-Tech and Smart #1.
Pictures circulated by Mini show the new EV clad in colourful designs of what appears to be noughts and crosses, although drivers will likely have a number of choices available at the point of purchase.
