The veddy British Mini model, which had a dedicated following in the UK and worldwide for more than a half-century, has folded its split rear “barn doors” for the last time. The ultimate Clubman — presuming there will be no sequel, as Mini has stated — rolled off the production line Monday at Mini Plant Oxford in England.
The Clubman’s — and most Minis’ — history is worth remembering since the brand has engendered so much devotion among its customers.
One has to go back to the early 1960s, when Mini’s owner, British Motor Corporation (BMC), released two estate variants of the original Mini: the Austin Seven Countryman and the Morris Mini Traveller.
Last year, Mini released the “Final Edition” of the car, which had a distinctive grille and alloy wheels and was limited to 1,969 copies to commemorate the original’s launch year.
The BMW Group plans to invest approximately $750 million over the next four years in realigning the Oxford factory to allow assembly space for the incoming electric Aceman crossover and new Cooper versions later this year.
