Key Points
- Eight iconic Minis showcase at Cowley.
- Marks 25 years modern Mini production.
- Features 2001 Cooper and recent models.
- Tanya Field organises at Templars Square.
- Open 16-22 February 2026 daily.
Cowley (Oxford Daily News) February 14, 2026 – An exhibition celebrating 25 years of the modern Mini will feature eight iconic vehicles at Templars Square Shopping Centre in Cowley this weekend, highlighting the enduring legacy of the beloved British car produced at the nearby Plant Oxford. Local enthusiast Tanya Field has curated the display, which includes classics from the 1960s alongside contemporary models supplied by the factory itself. The event underscores the cultural significance of the Mini in the Oxford community, drawing on the plant’s 114-year history of automotive manufacturing.
Eight iconic Minis showcase at Cowley.
Marks 25 years modern Mini production.
Features 2001 Cooper and recent models.
Tanya Field organises at Templars Square.
What is the Cowley car showcase about?
The Cowley car showcase centres on a special exhibition of eight Minis spanning decades of production, set to run at Templars Square Shopping Centre from Sunday, 16 February to Saturday, 22 February 2026. As reported by BBC Oxford, the display commemorates 25 years since the first modern Minis rolled off the lines at Plant Oxford in 2001.
“A new exhibition is poised to commemorate 25 years since the inaugural modern Minis were manufactured,” states the BBC article.
Among the highlights is a rare 2001 Mini Cooper, one of the earliest models built at the Cowley facility, symbolising the rebirth of the iconic nameplate under BMW ownership. The showcase also includes pre-2001 classics such as a 1960s Morris Mini, a Mini 1275GT, and a Mini Van, providing a comprehensive timeline of the model’s evolution. Recent contributions from the factory feature a 2026 Mini Convertible and a Clubman, bridging historical significance with current innovation. Plant Oxford, operational since 1912, has produced Minis continuously since 1959, making this event a poignant nod to local heritage.
Tanya Field, the local resident and automotive enthusiast behind the organisation, emphasised the emotional resonance of the Mini in the area.
As quoted in the BBC report by unnamed Oxford correspondent, “Minis are genuinely iconic and occupy a unique position in the hearts of many, especially within the communities surrounding the Mini factory,” Field stated.
Her initiative aims to engage families and enthusiasts alike, fostering appreciation for Cowley’s automotive roots amid the plant’s shift towards electric models in 2026.
Who organised the eight iconic Minis display?
Local automotive enthusiast Tanya Field has spearheaded the exhibition, drawing on her deep passion for the Mini brand and its ties to Oxford. According to BBC News, Field coordinated the loan of vehicles from private owners and the factory, ensuring a diverse selection.
This is not Field’s first involvement; historical BMW press releases note her efforts in 2016 to form the Y REGister club for 2001 Mini owners, where she remarked, “Today is a wonderful milestone for MINI Plant Oxford. The first MINIs are 15 years old and are now becoming modern classics.”
Field’s husband, Jason Field, works in IT at the plant, giving her insider perspective on its operations. The event at Templars Square aligns with community efforts to celebrate milestones, similar to past cavalcades like the 2019 60 Years of the Mini Cowley Convoy organised by Retro Ratz, which retraced historic routes with 60 vehicles. Field’s showcase remains free and accessible, open daily with hours from 10am-4pm on Sunday and 8am-6pm weekdays.
Supporting the display, MINI Plant Oxford provided two current models, demonstrating corporate backing for local heritage events.
Director Markus Grüneisl lent his endorsement, stating as per BBC coverage, “Celebrating 25 years of modern Mini production is particularly meaningful, and it’s a pleasure to share this occasion with the wider community. It’s fantastic to honor our legacy with those who have contributed to it over the years.”
Grüneisl, CEO of Plants Oxford and Swindon, has previously highlighted the site’s role in electromobility, noting in a 2023 BMW press release, “I am proud to say that our Oxford and Swindon plants will play a central role in the BMW Group’s transition to electromobility.”
Which eight Minis will be on display?
The exhibition boasts eight carefully selected Minis, representing key eras from the original classics to BMW-era moderns. As detailed in the BBC article, the lineup includes: a 2001 Mini Cooper (one of the first moderns from Plant Oxford); a 1960s Morris Mini; a Mini 1275GT; a Mini Van; and factory-loaned 2026 Mini Convertible and Clubman. The remaining two vehicles fill out the historical spectrum, though specifics on all eight are highlighted collectively as “spanning several decades.”
These vehicles trace the Mini’s journey: the Morris Mini from the 1960s epitomises Alec Issigonis’s revolutionary transverse-engine design launched in 1959 at Cowley. The 1275GT variant showcases performance tuning popular in rallying, while the Mini Van nods to practical derivatives. The 2001 Cooper marks BMW’s 1994 acquisition and 2000 relaunch, with over 800 Minis now produced daily at the plant. The 2026 Convertible and Clubman preview future electric transitions, with £600m invested for all-electric production starting late 2026.
Cowley Classic Car Show archives and Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs (FBHVC) records emphasise such displays’ rarity, with Plant Oxford’s heritage collection featuring dozens from 1914 onwards, though public access is tour-limited. This showcase uniquely assembles eight for Templars Square, distinct from plant museum visits during Oxford Open Doors.
What makes these Minis iconic?
Each Mini embodies design innovation and cultural impact. The original 1959 Mini pioneered small-car efficiency, influencing global automotive trends. Rally successes like the Monte Carlo wins elevated the 1275GT. BMW’s modern iterations retained go-kart handling, with the 2001 Cooper evoking nostalgia.
“Minis have been manufactured at Plant Oxford… since 1959. BMW assumed control… in 1990s,” confirms BBC.
The 2026 models signal sustainability, aligning with BMW’s electric pivot.
When and where can visitors see the showcase?
The event kicks off Sunday, 16 February 2026, at Templars Square Shopping Centre in Cowley, Oxford, running through 22 February. Hours are 10:00am to 4:00pm GMT on opening Sunday, then 8:00am to 6:00pm Monday to Saturday, making it family-friendly amid shopping. Templars Square previously hosted a 2025 Mini display (16-22 February), suggesting annual tradition.
Location-wise, Cowley lies east of Oxford city centre, home to Plant Oxford on Eastern Bypass Road (OX4 6NL). Accessible via bus or car, it’s near the factory’s heritage museum, which showcases Minis from Bullnose Morris eras but requires tours. BBC Oxford promotes following updates on social media for traffic or add-ons.
Why is 25 years of modern Mini production significant?
2026 marks 25 years since 2001’s first BMW Minis, reviving the marque post-Rover. Plant Oxford, opened 1912 by William Morris, produced the original from 1959, with BMW’s 1994 purchase ensuring continuity. Over 112 years, it birthed icons amid worker immigration, women’s roles, and designs like Morris Minor/Mini, per Cowley Car History Project.
The milestone coincides with electrification: £600m upgrades for electric Cooper and Aceman from late 2026, as Grüneisl noted.
“We are determined to continue the historic success story… producing the most-loved British car brand,” he affirmed.
Events like this preserve heritage amid change, echoing 60th anniversary cavalcades.
Community impact is profound; Minis shaped Oxford’s economy and identity. The Oxford Magazine covers plant stories, including 100+ Mini meets. Cowley Classic Car Show (next 2025, potentially 2026) complements with family fun, stalls, music.
How does this event tie to Plant Oxford’s history?
Plant Oxford, the UK’s oldest manufacturing site, assembles all Minis, producing 800+ daily. Heritage area displays from 1913 Bullnose Morris to electrics, open via tours (Mon-Fri, 2 hours). Museums directory lists a dozen public vehicles. This showcase extends that access off-site.
BMW’s stewardship since 1990s integrated electromobility, with Swindon pressings supporting. Past celebrations like 20/15-year marks involved enthusiasts like Field. FBHVC and local clubs sustain interest.
What do locals and experts say about the Minis?
Tanya Field captures sentiment: “It’s a wonder to be celebrating 25 years of the modern Mini.”
Grüneisl adds corporate pride. Social media like Facebook’s Cowley Works group announced 2025 setups, thanking lenders. BBC notes community excitement.
Electric shift dominates: two all-electric models from 2026, per BMW investments. Tours preview “mobility of tomorrow.” Grüneisl’s vision: sustaining legacy. Events like this bridge past-future.
Cowley hosts Rotary Club shows since 2008, with 2025 Bank Holiday edition. 6/80 MO Club displayed rare Morris Isis at NEC 2026 preview. Oxford Open Doors includes plant museum. YouTube cavalcades add vibrancy.
