A convoy of Cowley-related cars were part of a multiple celebration on February 26, not only marking the opening of Nuffield Place’s 2019 season, but also 50 years of the Austin Maxi, 60 years of the Mini and 106th anniversary of motor manufacture at the Cowley plant.
Nuffield Place is the former home of William Morris/Lord Nuffield, the man who started motor manufacture at Cowley back in 1913 and was one of this country’s most generous philanthropists.
To commemorate the Maxi’s golden year, the convoy was lead by Puff the Magic Wagon, the iconic 1970 London to Mexico World Cup Rally Maxi driven by one of its original pilots, Bron Burrell. The drive began at MINI Plant Oxford, with Morris Minors, various Wolseleys, Minis both classic and modern, MGs, a Rover P6, a Rover 800 and a Morris Oxford all represented.
The event has now become an annual tradition, with the mazing weather helping ensure a bumper crowd at Nuffield Place to greet the cars. Indeed, parking them all at such a bust venue proved to be a challenge.
“Every year is special but this one is all the more so with the two special anniversaries,” said organiser Tanya Field. “Cowley is of course known for the Mini but there are so many other stories. It is lovely to celebrate them all.”
