In October 1969, British Leyland (BL) launched the new Clubman Series. It reflected the work of chief stylist Roy Haynes, who endeavoured to turn the Mini into a more modern small car for the 1970s. The Mini 1275 GT was the new top model in this series and replaced the Austin/Morris Mini-Cooper Mk II, which had been discontinued in autumn 1969. It was fitted with components from the Mini-Cooper S and was intended to continue the sporting tradition of the Mini. The sporty Clubman Mini never entirely succeeded in winning over the enthusiastic Cooper fans, since it lacked the charisma and performance of the popular Cooper S models.