My first car was a Clubman S. Had the Mini Lite wheels, twin SU's and extractors.
Love hate relationship with that car. Loved to drive it, hated working on it.
There's a lot of bolt on mods for those things that make them handle better and go quicker. The A series engine does have potential. Common mod is (was) to fit a set of extractors and a single 45mm Webber. Also replace all the bushes with Nolathane. Some better dampers will help too. Koni adjustable dampers make a big differernce. Even if you have the poxy hydrolastic suspension. Let it down and still fit aftermarket dampers (the bolt holes are there for the dampers on Clubmans). By now there must be a good four wheel disc kit to do away with the drum brakes. If you have to keep drums, fit the wider drums/shoes and wheel arch flares.

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