Mini Clubman
ENGINE 1098cc/4-cyl/OHV POWER 46bhp@5250rpm TORQUE 56lb ft@2700rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 87mph 0-60MPH 17sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 28-36mpg TRANSMISSION FWD, four-speed manual MoT 12 months from sale ODOMETER 31,436 miles
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
This has to be one of the best driving Minis out there. Response at all speeds is brilliant, with the A-series engine in this Clubman offering strong acceleration. There’s also rocksteady handling – this example really does feel glued to the road, with little roll through the bends from the fairly firm ride. This allows it to remain confidence-inspiring right up to a tested 60mph, though there’s the usual Mini bounciness. The direct steering gives instant response with no judder or play and there are no rattles from the car out on the road. The brakes are very good, ensuring that the car stops quickly in a straight line. The gears are easy to select; the gate is a tad rubbery, but all feels normal for a typical Mini.
BODYWORK CHECK
This Mini was bare metal restored some years ago, but has been dry stored with little use since. The green paint is near flawless with a lovely finish and no visible chips. The quality continues below the car as the underside also shows clean, bright paint. There are no dents or any sort of corrosion to speak of. The brightwork is in superb shape, and the bumpers look very good, with just some very fine microblistering in the chrome finish. There are Dunlop alloy wheels fitted, each of which is shod with new-looking Falken 145/80 10in tyres that have plenty of tread remaining.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
The interior appears to be in original, but fabulous condition, commensurate with the very low mileage. The seats have almost no wear, with just slight wrinkling of the fabric covers. The carpets are extremely good and the headlining is like new. The aftermarket leather steering wheel is a nice touch, likewise the MW/LW radio fitted on the passenger side of the dashboard. There are inertia reel seatbelts in the front, but none in the rear – something to bear in mind if you’re hoping to get the whole family involved.
UNDER THE BONNET
The fresh green paint continues in the engine bay. There is no corrosion or accident damage on the inner wings or bulkhead and everything appears to be clean and free from leaks. There are lots of new parts, new brake lines and an alloy rocker cover, suggesting that this Clubman has been fastidiously maintained, regardless of the few miles that it has seen on the road.
THE CCW VIEW
This Mini is not just in fantastic condition, but it drives as well as it looks. The eye-catching green paint goes perfectly with the black alloys, even if the colour combination might upset some purists. Someone has spent a considerable sum on the body and mechanical restoration of this car, so it’s an almost new car waiting to be enjoyed. Matt Richardson
EXTERIOR Bare metal resto, perfect finish Dunlop alloy wheels INTERIOR Original, but unworn Good seats and carpets MECHANICALS Strong engine Drives well