VINTAGE motors and their petrolhead owners descended on Oxford Mini plant today for a celebration of classic cars and two special anniversaries.

It was the sixth edition of the annual Drive It Day event, which encourages people to get behind the wheel of their retro cars.

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Between 10am and 4pm car owners as well as former employees of the factory came together at the Cowley plant to showcase their motors and reminisce.

Oxford Mail:

Organiser Tanya Field, who started work at the plant in 1988 as an apprentice technician and has had a lifelong love of the Mini, said: “It was a really lovely day and we had lots of past workers who loved seeing the old cars, and 26 Maxis which is the largest they've had in a long time."

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Joining the plethora of classic vehicles was a rally Maxi affectionately known as ‘Puff the Magic Wagon’, owned by Bron Burrell who drove it in the Mexico World Cup rally in 1970.

Oxford Mail:

The first Maxis left the assembly line in Cowley in 1969, meaning this year marks the cars 50th anniversary.

2019 also marks six decades since the creation of the Mini.

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An Oxford-built Mini Cooper S Hatch signed by members of the public at the Templars Square Shopping Centre in February was also on display.

Oxford Mail:

Ms Field said: "What is so nice is it really feels like a community event where the people of Cowley can celebrate the cars made here.

"Older people particularly enjoy coming to see the cars and catch up with each other."

Drive It Day commemorates the Royal Automobile Club Thousand Mile Trial, held on April 23 ,1900.