Roy Haynes joined BMC after he's completed the Ford Cortina MkII, and created the Mini Clubman as an 'upmarket' Mini to replace the big-booted Elf and Hornet. Only the new front end was approved, and the Haynes extended rear with hatchback got left on the drawing table. Launched in October 1969 at the same time as the MkIII Minis, the Clubmans were given the same trim as the previous Super Deluxe, and had the 998cc engine as standard. The 1275GT was also launched in October 1969, not strictly as a 'Clubman' but using the same body. Replacing the Mini Cooper, though not the Cooper S which continued for 2years, the 1275 GT was not as powerful as the Cooper. Run flat Denovo Dunlop tyres received their world debut on the Mini 1275GT, but the 1275GT gave way to the Austin Metro in 1980. Clubman models were revamped in 1975 acquiring the 1098cc engine, and in 1976 a new grille and painted side stripes on the Clubman Estate. The Clubmans stopped production in 1980 as the Metro was launched, but the Estate continued to be sold as the Mini HL Estate until 1982.