We’re Ordering One of the Last MINI Clubman JCWs!
We’ve called it the best car MINI makes so today we’re putting our money where our mouth is and ordering one of the last MINI Clubman JCWs. And when we say one of the last, literally one of the last eight allocations in the US. And the process from speccing to ordering to a build date was shockingly quick.
Our Clubman JCW Build
Let’s start with the build itself. This is one of the last ever Clubman and will be a daily for us. So we spared no expense with options. But first let’s talk about the colors inside and out. Consulting with other MF contributors the consensus was initially Nanuq White as we’ve always Pepper White (RIP) on the Clubman. However when we learned that MINI was killing Rebel Green as the F54, F56 and F60 JCWs go out of production, we couldn’t pass it up. And truth is, it’s our favorite factory produced color. The only one better was the color that inspired it – Connaught Green, in the WC50.
Our initial inclination was to make this as performance focused a Clubman as possible. That mean a sunroof delete and manual JCW seats. However the change to Rebel Green and the fact that this was one of the last classic internal combustion MINIs got us thinking. What if we went as classic as possible and created a “modern heritage” spec? To that point we had originally inquired about some unique interior parts from the Final Edition Clubman but unfortunately they had all ended production and the parts were no longer in Oxford. So we decided to go with the most classic combination possible – Malt Brown Chesterfield leather seats with white piping and the MINI Yours illuminated Fiber Alloy trim.
To finish it off our first thought was a full white roof. However that Clubman roof is massive and finished in white (or Chili Red) is quite a statement. We’ve done it before so this time we wanted to try something different. Our solution came in the form of MINI’s just released Multi-Tone roof. We opted for the White, Melting Silver and Black combo which works perfectly with the modern heritage spec. It also visually reduces the roof and height of the car in back. And if we don’t love it we’ll have Motoringbadges.com wrap it.
As we mentioned above, this will be a daily driver and one that we intend to use for everything from Chicago commuting to cross-country road-trips. Thus we wanted a loaded car with as many comforts as possible. That made MINI USA’s Iconic package a no-brainer as it fully options the car with just about everything conceivable. Key options include Adaptive Cruise, 40/20/40 split rear seat, Harmon Kardon and HUD among many others. We would have loved manual seats (for the weight and added height they allow) but the work to make that happen would have jeopardized the order itself.
Finally a couple of key options for us. Having tracked the Clubman JCW quite a bit, we chose Sport Suspension instead of Adaptive Suspension as it slightly lowers the ride and creates a more eager and adjustable car at the limit. Similarly the 19″ Track-Spoke wheels and tires give the car a more razor edge and look fantastic. That said we’ll be grabbing a pair of winter tires and wheels to make this truly a year round car. Finally roof rails were essential as we plan on using this Clubman for just about everything possible. That includes bikes, skis and who knows what else on top.
How The Hell Did We Get One of the Last Clubman JCW Builds?
It’s not because we pulled in any favors. We just followed our own advice and worked early (barely) with a MINI Dealer we knew could make it happen. In our case that was MINI of Glencoe and Evan Williams who simply would not accept defeat. Which was a good thing because we wouldn’t either. As I quickly learned there were eight Clubman JCW allocations left for the US as of Monday November 20th. That meant that dealers had specced the cars (most already sold) and were expecting them to go into production within days. Yes days.
When we told you to order your Clubman asap we didn’t realize how right we were. As can happen, it would appear that MINI moved up production end dates for certain models and one of those is the Clubman JCW.
Initially our dealer didn’t have an Clubman JCW allocation however they did have a Countryman JCW allocation and were ready to make a trade. Luckily Dreyer Reinbold MINI did and they were in the same region. So MINI USA helped facilitate a quick trade and the order was confirmed that night.
And one week later… our car has entered production. That my friends is just about a record.
We’ll have more on our car as it goes through the production, shipping and delivery process. We’ll also be looking at modifications and accessories along the way. So if you have any favorites you think we should consider, let us know.
What a good choice and awesome spec. Congratulations Gabe, enjoy!
As far as accessories, crossbars and an OEM rooftop box can help for longer journeys. I imagine you are already thinking of alternate wheel sets for summer/winter.
I would do this too … I’d replace my early-adopter 2016 Clubman S (can’t be too many original-owner 2016s still out there, could there?) with a new JCW Clubman on its way out … if only it could be had with 3 pedals.
If I didn’t just payoff my Countryman, I would have done this. Only I would have gone with the red multitone roof, but otherwise perfection.
I would’ve ordered one too, but I’m so happy with my 21 I just didn’t want to part with it. Also Rebel Green but with the Black roof (I would’ve preferred Red but I had that on my 17 and wanted a more stealth look this time). The seats you have are what I have and I love the look, and they are great on long trips or on the Dragon alike. You won’t be disappointed. I don’t know if I could go Sport Suspension though, the adaptive it plenty stiff enough for my liking. Congrats though, its a great car as you already know.
Adaptive is a nice compromise but I wanted to the simpler sport as I’ve sampled both quite a bit. It will also be a little easier to replace 🙂
The sunroof is a traditional option, and useful on Minis, whose relatively long roof (relatively vertical windshield) reduces the light.
Furthermore, the supposed lower performance of a car with a sunroof makes you smile, given the weight of the whole thing.
Great spec, congratulations!
I would consider black interior roof if not there, I can’t see. Definitely will be more sporty and remain after time.
100% agree – and yes it’s there!
Very nice spec’d JCW Clubman, sir! After owning a 2020 Clubman S All4 Iconic in pepper white, I ordered a new 2024 JCW Clubman All4 Iconic trim back in March and arrived in June this year. Black II, Blue multi-tone roof, frost trim and blue chesterfield leather seats. I love this car! I hope Mini reconsiders it’s 4th generation lineup without a clubman.
I have nearly the same spec minus the multitone roof – opted for black. Delivered June ’23. Such a classic color combination, literally my dream car. My only qualm with the car is that, like you, I could not do a sunroof delete, and honesly, I would have loved to delete the HUD and other tech options – but darn it, I just couldn’t pass up the Rebel Green over Malt Brown interior and Circuit Spoke wheels.
Freedom of choice is a wonderful thing, and must always be protected. I have no problem, therefore, with those who drool over the F54 Clubman. “You pays your money, and you takes your choice.” Nonetheless, the F54 Clubman was, in regard to annual sales, always the poor relation in the MINI family.
Moreover, the F54 Clubman is not being replaced, and yet all the other MINI models, the F55, F56, F57 and F60, are being replaced. In other words, MINI is effectively saying with regard to the Clubman, “enough is enough”. The all-electric MINI Aceman is of course a 5-door Hatchback, not a Wagon.
Nonetheless, the F54 Clubman was the best selling MINI during the first few months that it went on sale. It’s sales success, however, was short lived and rapidly evaporated following the launch of the F60 Countryman. It begs the question, how on earth did MINI’s product planners get that so wrong?
Or how were they so ahead of the game? The market for high performance, premium wagons in late 2023 is growing and with the proliferation of the small crossover we’re starting to see a number of new products in the marketplace that are wagons in everything but name. And mark my words more are coming.
Wagons have been dead in the US since the 80’s. The fact that MINI sold more than 500 a year here is a testament to how right they actually got it.