ALMOST 30 Minis came home to celebrate 20 years of the modern version of the iconic car.
The first new Mini rolled off the production line at Mini Plant Oxford in April 2001 and just over two decades later, 27 Minis returned to mark the anniversary.
Earlier this month, members of the Mini Y Register – named because the first BMW Minis came out with a Y registration plate – came from across the country for the special occasion.
Oxford resident Tanya Field is a founding member of the nationwide group and said the modern Mini has proved to be just as popular as the original.
She added: “The years have flown by. I don’t think anyone expected the new Mini to be as successful as it has been and how well it has sold.
“Full credit to BMW for making a great car because it’s been so well-received by the public.
“What’s so great about the Mini brand now is that there’s a Mini for everyone and people personalise them just as much as they did with the classics.
“I’d say the modern Mini is just as well-received as the classic Mini.
“It’s surprising just how much interest there is in the modern Mini, and I think the following will become as big as it is for the classic.”
The impact of the pandemic meant the event wasn’t as populated as planned, but Mrs Field said those who attended still had a good time.
She said: “As with everything because of Covid, the event was limited numbers so we kept it very low-key with 30 cars in the end, for people who had the first cars.
“There was lots of cups of tea and talking about Minis of course.”
Mrs Field added: “I think given the past 20 years and BMW’s custodianship of the brand, they’ll continue to innovate so I know we’re in good hands.
“There’ll be continued improvement to the electrics with how far they’ll be able to go and the battery life.”
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Also present for the special anniversary was Mini Plant Oxford’s managing director, Markus Grueneisl.
He said: “I was very happy to be part of the Mini Y Register’s celebration of 20 years of Mini.
“For me as plant manager, it is of course particularly pleasing to see what amazing quality our Minis still have after 20 years and I was impressed what a great network of Mini enthusiasts has emerged over the years.
“I would like to thank everyone who made this exciting event possible, it’s fantastic to see the passion our customers have for the Mini brand.”
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