Here's a curiosity I never understood...

For some inexplicable reason, in the configurator, MINIUSA allows you to configure a black C-Pillar on every color of Clubman except black... and it allows you to configure a silver C-Pillar on every color of Clubman except silver.

They just won't let you get an "all black" or "all silver" Clubman - no exceptions. Curious browsing over to the MINI UK Configurator displays the same results.

Why the blind ignorance to truly allowing any combination a person wants? It reminds me of some of the "Cooper-exclusive", "Cooper-S-exclusive" and "Convertible-exclusive" color options they made... for no practical reason at all.

I will be interested to see if enterprising new Clubman owners who want a solid color of one or the other end up swapping with opposite-minded folks next year, here on NAM!

So... let's start the first swap! We just need to find one person who wants an "all-black" and another who wants an "all-silver"... how hard can it be to detach and swap the plastic trim out?

(No, I'm not in the market for a Clubman, I just thought this was an odd and interesting discussion point!)

 

It's not a bad idea for those desperate for a change. Personally I like the contrasting c-pillar, but a direct swap (assuming the price point is tolerable) does seem do-able.

 

That is one thing that is keeping me from ordering one. I hate the contrasting C pillars. Yuck!

 

It looks better in person .

 

Isn't Minimania or someone already offering color matched pillars?

 

If they offered it in all black then what fun would the black out crowd have? A bigger Clubman means more mod fun! There where a few R53 options like this, like black bonnet stripes on a black car (cool effect with the flat of the stripes and gloss of the paint) but I think between the aftermarket vendors and the enthusiast community this is a void easily filled.

 

I am in total agreement with you on this, Edge. I don't dig the contrasting C-pillar, either, and I bet the swapping fun will commence soon after the Clubbies are delivered. LOL!

 

Pete at Minspeed said he will be offering the painted pillars and bumper trim very soon. That is the first thing we are doing to our Clubman S when we recieve delivery.

 

That is good news. I was hoping some enterprising person would end up doing that.

Way to go Pete.

 

This might work for the silver cars....but won't exactly work with the black. The roof on a black roof'd mini is Jet black, but the only black body available is astro black. So, even if you went ahead and ordered an AB/AB clubman, trading for someone's black c-pillars would still leave you with a mismatched c-pillar.

 

I've been plying around with the confingerator & I believe that I might be able to live with a PW/PW. The silver really doesn't jump out at me. At least not to my old fart eyes.

Hey Rally are you thinking new Clubman for yourself?

 

I definitely thought about it...but passed up on the order slot. I'm pretty sure a PW/PW r56 MC is in my future.

 

That is my other option, R56 plan A or plan B, not sure yet. I do think it would be big fun lapping folks at Nelson in a little wagon.

I pretty much have my spec's down. CWP, Synthetic cow Sport seats, Zenon's, Fogs, MFW & Self dimming mirror. Painted PW/PW.

If I get an S the spec's would remain the same...add a turbo & LSD.

 

Actually, considering that the A-pillars and B-pillars are all Jet Black on every MINI anyway (at least, they were on all 1st Gens...), I don't think it would look so bad to have JB C-pillars on an AB Clubman.

 

I find the silver pillars unique and daring - like Fred Astaire dancing with white shoes and socks at the end of his tux, it's a little unconventional perhaps, but makes for a riveting performance that just gets better and better with time.

 

I like it! Fred Astaire!