--- title: "The Mini Clubman Is Dead and It’s Taking Its Beloved Barn Doors With It" description: "After 17 years and two model generations, production of the Mini Clubman is officially ending and will be replaced by the electric Aceman." date: "2024-02-05" modified: "2024-02-05" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/the-mini-clubman-is-dead-and-its-taking-its-beloved-barn-doors-with-it" categories: - "Mini News" - "News" - "News by Brand" tags: - "Clubman" - "Hatchback" - "MINI" --- # The Mini Clubman Is Dead and It’s Taking Its Beloved Barn Doors With It ![]() I remember my first [Mini]() Clubman experience like it was yesterday. Back when the current F54-generation [Clubman]() was still fresh, I attended my first [Mini Takes the States]() event. This massive Mini owners' gathering travels the United States together, experiencing race tracks and the best driving roads the country has to offer. One of the cars I spent a few days with was a Clubman Cooper S and I had a blast carving up Virginian country roads in it. So, I report with great sadness that the Mini Clubman has reached the end of the line and it isn't coming back. Two generations of Mini Clubman were built at the brand's plant in Oxford, England, first starting in 2007. The Clubman will be replaced by the electric [Aceman](), which is bigger, bulkier, and lacks the Clubman's signature design element—its rear barn doors. Rather than a typical hatchback, the Clubman had two barn doors that opened outward, instead of upward, and while some considered them impractical, they gave it loads of character. ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Despite my sadness, I'm not surprised. The Clubman was never a sensible car. It was barely more practical than the four-door Mini Cooper and its barn doors could be a nuisance in tight parking spots. And since it was more expensive than the Cooper, the Clubman was an oddball tweener who didn't have a real place in the market—even if that made it a bit more lovable. The modern automotive landscape is such that every vehicle needs to fit into a designated slot, leaving very little room for quirkiness. The Clubman was a refreshing break from the norm in an increasingly homogenized arena. However, refreshing breaks in normality rarely sell well, so it's no surprise that Mini—ahem, BMW—is replacing it with a more conventional electric crossover. Goodbye, little buddy. Thanks for the fun memories. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go look for a used Clubman to buy. *Got tips? Send 'em to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()