The Oxford-built Mini has a special place in the heart of one retired Cowley car engineer.

Don Read

Visitors to the home of pensioner Don Read could believe they were stepping into a timewarp.

Parked proudly side by side in Mr Read's drive are two Minis -- one bought for his late mother, Mary Read, more than 40 years ago, and the other a new, customised Mini Cooper.

"The first car was built on October 14, 1959, and is a blue Mini 850," said Mr Read, 71.

"I bought it for my mum, who died three years ago. She drove it until she was 90. You would not believe the condition it's in. It's still really good."

Mr Read, of Upperton, near Watlington, was featured in the Oxford Mail with his 1959 car in October 2000, when BMW launched the new Mini.