Fifty years ago, the first Mini rolled off the production line at Cowley, near Oxford.
And for the first time in half a century that very car is returning to its birthplace for a celebration of 50 years of production.
The Mini Minor, finished in Old English White and carrying the registration number 621 AOK, is at the MINI plant in Oxford for the day to mark its birthday in style.
Plant Oxford built 602,817 Minis from 1959 to 1968, before production was moved to Longbridge.
Since 2001 more than 1.4 million new MINIs have been built at the production facility and in total, more than six million classic and new MINIs have been sold since the car first went on sale in 1959.
Dr Jürgen Hedrich, Plant Oxford's managing director, said: "Little did anyone know just how popular Sir Alec Issigonis's car for the people would be - or that half a century later it would be reborn as the MINI and once again be built in Oxford.
"This is a momentous day in the plant and car's history. Everyone at the plant is proud to be part of both the heritage and the future of this car."
Thousands of visitors from across the globe will also be celebrating MINI's 50th birthday at MINI United, which is being staged at Silverstone from 22-24 May.
Paul Weller, Calvin Harris and Twisted Wheel are the entertainment highlights and tickets are priced at just £35 for the full festival weekend.
Children under 14 are admitted free. Tickets and further information can be found at www.miniunited.com |
