IT'S not just a car – it's a piece of history.

Sitting proudly at the wheel of her Wolsley Hornet Mk11, Audrey Young was one of the dozens of drivers to join a celebration at Oxford's Mini Plant yesterday of classic cars.

Specifically, the party was marking the 50th anniversary of the creation of British Leyland – the company which once ran the Cowley car factory – and the 70th birthday of Oxford's famous Morris Minor.

Organised by Oxford's biggest classic car enthusiast Tanya Field, of Headington, the free event from 10am to 4pm was open to all and even featured a birthday cake.

Motoring author James Taylor spoke about his latest book and visitors were invited to make a donation to Mini's official charity, Macmillan Cancer Support.