A DISPLAY of the famous Oxford-built Mini will be held next week to celebrate the car’s 60th anniversary and the city’s heritage in the automotive industry.
Ten Minis will make an appearance in Templar’s Square shopping centre as part of an exhibition which will include a display of different models from over the years.
Models include a 1959 Austin Seven Mini, 1969 Riley Elf, a 1971 MK3 Cooper S in Italian Job livery, a 1981 Australian built Mini Moke and a 1999 Mini Cooper Sport.
Read also: Mini plant gears up for 60th birthday
Visitors will be able to share their memories of the classic car as well as sign an Oxford-built MINI Cooper S Hatch throughout the week which will be one of the centrepieces of the collection will be an Oxford-built MINI Cooper S Hatch.
The Mini is being loaned to Templars Square by MINI Plant Oxford, who have supported the annual Mini displays since it started in 2017.
The exhibition will be held from February 17 to 23.
Visitors will be able to share their memories of the classic car as well as sign an Oxford-built silver Mini Cooper S Hatch throughout the week which will be one of the centrepieces of the collection.
That particular Mini is being loaned by Mini Plant Oxford, which has supported the annual Mini displays since it started in 2017.
Read also: British Motor Museum celebrates Mini's 60th
Kay Drury of MiniWorld magazine is keen to document the memories of those who worked at the Mini plant and who were involved with the classic Mini during its development and production in Cowley between 1959 and 1968.
Ex-workers who would like to be interviewed by him are invited to come to the display between 10.30am and 3.30pm on Thursday, February 21.
Local resident and enthusiast, Tanya Field has organised the display of Minis.
She believes there is a strong link to the plant with the display. “I’m delighted to be back in Templars Square Shopping Centre with a small but wide-ranging display of Minis to celebrate Mini’s 60th and it’s important that we catch the memories now of this very special car before they are gone.”
Read again: Mini responds to rumours new car could be made in Oxford
She added: “I look forward to hearing everyone’s Mini memories and seeing them written on the Mini”
The exhibition is free to attend and members of public are invited to sit in the display cars, take photographs and take a look at various old photographs and brochures of Cowley and Cowley built cars.
Templar’s Square, who is hosting the event, is the largest enclosed shopping centre in Cowley.
Owen Acland, centre manager at Templar Square, said: “Since opening our doors in 1965 we welcomed thousands of Cowley plant workers.
“The automotive industry is an important part of our heritage and we are delighted to bring the Minis to the forefront of the community. We hope shoppers enjoy this exclusive slice of car history.”
Read again: Hundreds seek Brexit-proof jobs at Mini careers fair
From 10am to 4pm on Sunday and 8am until 6pm from Monday to Saturday, some of the owners of the Minis will be on hand to answer any questions while their cars are displayed.
The Minis are mainly owned by local people and this year, there will be three Minis on loan from current associates from the Mini Plant and two from former but now retired Plant workers. so there is a strong link to the Plant through the display.
The first Mini to be launched was the Morris Mini Minor, also known as the Austin Seven, in August 1959.
For more information and to keep updated on the event next week, visit the Templars Square Facebook page.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here