2016 MINI Cooper S Clubman

YEAR: 2016
MODEL: MINI Cooper S Clubman (F54)
VIN#: 2E47824
ENGINE: 2.0L Inline Four-Cylinder Turbocharged, DOHC 16-Valve
CURB WEIGHT: 3,352 LBS.
TOP SPEED: 140 MPH
PRICE WHEN NEW: $28,000
NUMBER BUILT: Unknown
BUILD DATE: April 29, 2016
COLOR: Melting Silver Metallic
OWNERS: Mary Lou and Bill Hightower
(Since 2016)
LOCATION: Spartanburg, South Carolina
NICKNAME: William Tell

The Clubman boasts a unique elongated body style compared to its MINI counterparts, offering increased interior space and functionality without compromising on the brand’s signature style. With its distinctive split rear doors, the Clubman provides easy access to the cargo area, which offers ample storage. 

2016 launched the second-generation MINI Clubman, which was larger than the original Clubman, but with that size came a higher level of refinement. The ride is better, and the car is quieter inside, in a word it is civilized. This was a MINI that marked a move up to being a more luxurious version.

As most MINIs have names this one is William Tell. It participated in MINI USA’s MINI Takes The States in 2016, 2018, and 2022 as well as the 2021 Rogue MTTS (not supported by MINI USA). Also, since delivered it has participated in MINIs On The Dragon.     

Mary Lou Hightower and husband Bill are members of Upstate MINIs, Appalachian Mountain Minis, and BMW CCA. Their first MTTS was in 2012 in Bill’s 2007 R52 MINI Cooper S named Pop Top. 

Mary Lou is an artist and retired art professor from USC Upstate.  She has had her MINI themed artwork shown in a National Water media exhibit.

Bill has been racing the past three years in the Lucky Dog’s Southern Endurance series. He has been a guest driver in Pig Pen Racing driving an R53S MINI named Piglet owned by Lorri Payne. Mary Lou assisted in their pit crew. The team has several first place and podium finishes in this series.