MINI exhibition gets underway to celebrate Oxford’s automotive history
The event will take place from 16th to 22nd February
A week-long MINI exhibition gets underway today at Templars Square shopping centre, to celebrate the Oxford’s heritage in the automotive industry.
Nine cars will be on display, including a 1963 Wolseley Hornet, a Mini van, a Mini pick-up, a Mini convertible (pictured above), a 2001 MINI Cooper, one of the first modern MINIs to have been produced at the Oxford plant and a new MINI Convertible.
Oxford's “rich history” in the automotive industry
The exhibition has been organised by local resident and Cowley car enthusiast, Tanya Field, she said: “They all have their own personalities and quite often you'll find owners will add little bits onto them, such as stickers and just make them their own.
“MINI’s sort of lend to that as they can be personalised and made to feel like your own, so they all feel a little different and they all look a little different.”
Ms Field also says that we have a “rich history” in the automotive industry in Oxford.
She said: “We built the first Mini back in 1959 here, and in 2001 we had the modern mini built here. It's 24 years since we had the modern mini and we've been building them here in in Cowley, Oxford ever since.
“We go back building cars to 1913 here, so the fact that we're still 112 years later building cars is amazing.”
Speaking about the display, Ms Field added: “I’m delighted to be back in Templars Square Shopping Centre with a small but wide-ranging display of Minis. Minis are iconic and have a special place in the hearts of many people, especially the communities which surround the MINI factory.”
Paul Jackson, centre manager at Templar Square Shopping Centre, adds: “Since opening our doors in 1965 we have 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.”
Director of Plants Oxford and Swindon, Markus Grüneisl, is another supporter of the event, he says, “I am pleased that MINI Plant Oxford is supporting the Templars Square Cowley Cars event – it’s an event I always enjoy, with a chance to see some beautiful cars and meet some interesting people from the factory’s proud past”.