A CAR show which displays many Cowley-built classics at the city's Mini Plant has been moved to a different venue due to workers striking over pensions on the same day.

Oxford's annual 'Drive it Day' will move from its usual home at Plant Oxford to the Oxford Bus and Morris Motor Museum after organisers discovered the festival this Sunday clashed with the industrial action.

It is hoped members of the public will still attend the event, which will run from 10.30am to 4.30pm at the museum in Old Railway Station Yard, Main Road, in Long Hanborough, West Oxfordshire, and is expected to see up to 100 vehicles, including Minis, Montegos, Princesses, Rovers and Maestros show off their class from all over the country.

Classic car enthusiast Tanya Field, who has organised the national event in Oxford for the past four years, said it was 'unfortunate' the venue had to be changed but added 'the show must go on and it will go on'.

The Headington Quarry resident, who owns several Cowley-built cars, said she hoped people could make the journey to the museum to see the various cars dropping in throughout the day.

The 44-year-old mother-of-three said: "It's a nice sociable day.

"It's grown year on year, but sadly because of the industrial action we have had to move.

"I totally understand the reasons [behind the strike]. It's just an unfortunate situation. I'm very grateful to the museum for having us."

Families, former Cowley workers and classic car fanatics are all welcome to attend the Drive it Day, which commemorates the Royal Automobile Club Thousand Mile Trial, held on the April 23, 1900.

The Trial, and participating cars, started in London and passed through many English cities into Scotland before returning to London. Of the 56 cars starting the event, 46 finished the event.

The overall event is overseen by the Federation of British Historical Vehicles Clubs and aims to get people driving classic cars for one day each year to celebrate British motoring heritage.

Last year's event marked the Rover 800's 30th and Rover SD1s 40th birthdays, which were both built in Oxford from 1986 to 1998.

Mrs Field said James Taylor, author of Rover 800: The Complete Series, would attend from 10.30am until midday.

She added: "He is very happy to chat to people about his book and sign copies."

The event is free to attend.