IT WAS the mainstay of many small businesses in the 1960s and 70s, but the Mini van could be set for a comeback.

A concept Mini ‘Clubvan’ will make its debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month, with bosses describing it as “a compact van for business and leisure”.

Made at Cowley, the van is based on the Clubman estate model.

The car is still at the concept stage, but BMW has not ruled out the possibility of it going into full production.

Mini spokesman Sara Heaney said: “It has not been confirmed, but you could speculate.”

The original Morris Mini van was launched in 1960, a year after the car came on the market, and opened up a new commercial market which BMW bosses want to tap into today.

But they are keen to stress the car is for “premium” small businesses who want to make a “style statement”.Ms Heaney added: “At the moment there is nothing on the commercial vehicle market that is stylish as well as practical.”

The Geneva Motor Show is on March 8-18.

Meanwhile, the latest model to roll off the Cowley production line will go on sale at the end of March. The Roadster, a two-seater convertible version of the Coupe, is now available to order, priced from £18,015.