Top Tips for Buying a Used Leyland Mini Clubman (1971-79)

Cliff Chambers
20 April 2025

Buyers Guides, Retro Rides Originals

British

Australia enthusiastically embraced the BMC Mini from the moment it first arrived in 1961. A decade later, the shape had changed somewhat and the spartan Mini became more habitable.

During the 1970s, Australia built numerous versions of the car called the Mini Clubman. Identifiable by their square-edged nose which provided extra under bonnet space and improved engine cooling, Clubmans were sold here in sedan and panel van body styles.

Ditched in conjunction with the short-lived Clubman GT was Hydrolastic suspension – a system that transferred fluid between the front and rear wheels to create a coordinated suspension response – which had been used since 1962 by various BMC models. Its passing was not mourned by Mini fans who welcomed a return to designer Alec Issigonis’ less problematic rubber cone design.

Financial trouble brought further downgrading of the Mini and when Leyland’s local manufacturing facility in the Sydney suburb of Zetland was sold in 1974, requiring production relocating to nearby Enfield, the 1.1-litre engine was replaced by a 29kW, 1.0-litre unit. Front disc brakes that had previously been fitted to ‘S’ versions were also downgraded to all-wheel drums.

1978 Leyland Mini Clubman 1275 LS — The 1275 LS was a uniquely Australian send-off in 1978, featuring metallic gold or silver paint and a 40kW engine (Image: Just Cars)

With the design heading for its 20th anniversary and Leyland UK committed to a new Metro model, Australia’s Clubman was ready for its swansong. After building 500 metallic blue SS cars with 1.0-litre engines during 1977, Leyland gave the model a fitting farewell with a uniquely Australian 1275 LS.

Built in gold or silver metallic colours and sold during late 1978, the LS had 12-inch pressed steel wheels, a 1275cc 40kW engine, front disc brakes, cloth trim and a 34-litre fuel tank.

Great handling was a trait that made the Mini worth owning, but early ones were quite strange to drive. The steering wheel in 1970s cars sat more upright than in BMC models but retained 2.3 turns lock-to-lock which helped when flicking the flying ‘Brick’ through tight bends.

Although prices have climbed significantly during the past decade, 1970s Minis remain relatively affordable. A 1.1-litre Clubman S in fair condition should cost $12,000, with high quality cars costing double that amount.

Rarer still are 1275 LS survivors, thanks to scarce specialised parts and high restoration costs. But if found, a very good car should achieve $30,000.

Leyland Mini Clubman Van — The Clubman Van was a unique product for the Australian and New Zealand markets, although the example seen here was imported to the US and fitted with rear side windows (Image: oldmotors.net)

Things To Watch Out for When Buying a Used Leyland Mini Clubman (1971-79)

Structural rust that can be uneconomic to repair
Engine overheating and contaminated oil
Gearbox noise and difficulty down-changing
Hydrolastic suspension failures in early cars
Movement of subframes due to rusted or worn mountings
Worn trim in an LS which is difficult to find
Faulty fuel gauge and broken indicator stalk

Valuation Timeline: Leyland Mini Clubman (1971-79)

1995: $4000
2005: $4000
2010: $6800
2014: $11,000
2019: $17,500
2024: $23,500 (Clubman S)

Retro Rides’ Investment Rating

5/10

Cliff Chambers

Writer & Head Valuer

At age 14, surrounded by stacks of motoring magazines from the local junk shop, Cliff Chambers was warned by a concerned mother that he would ‘Never get anywhere knowing a lot about old cars.’ Seventeen years later when his definitive book, Making Money From Collectable Cars was published, she was proud to be proven wrong.

That was in 1987, but Cliff’s life was already revolving around all things automotive. From working part time in a panel shop while at university, he moved to motor industry consultancy roles and managing a Championship winning rally team.

During the 1990s he joined the classic vehicle insurance industry, at the same time becoming a prolific writer for magazines and motoring websites. Then came his ongoing contribution as one of the country’s leading vehicle valuers.

Away from work, automotive events and objects remain prominent in Cliff’s world. He has owned more than 40 cars now considered ‘classic’ and within his collection of motor-related items there remain some of those magazines acquired as a fact hungry teen.

Cliff brings to Retro Rides a blend of unique industry skills and a love of vehicles that will become more obvious with every contribution he makes to the site.