The Heritage Motor Centre in Warwickshire, the home of the original Mini, is to stage a special event to celebrate the ‘Life of Mini’ on October 2.

The centre in Gaydon has the largest collection of British historic cars including a collection of Minis on public display, including the 1960s Monte Carlo rally cars, prototypes and concept cars.

This year commemorates the centenary of Austin and the Longbridge factory where the Mini was designed.

On September 30, the Heritage Motor Centre will be opening a special exhibition about Sir Alec Issigonis, the mastermind behind the design of the Mini. This will feature some rare 9X Mini prototypes not usually on display. The chief archivist at the centre, Gillian Bardsley has recently written a new biography of Issigonis, and will be available to sign copies of it.