Oxford Is Not Just A University

When most people hear the Oxford they would also think or relate the city to the University, however we have had another important industry in Oxford since 1913, and that is the manufacturing of motor cars.
Since this time and up until today Oxford has played a major role in the manufacture of British Motor Cars, with William Morris producing just 400 cars a year before the first world war, and then a few short years later after the war his plant in Cowley was turning out nearly 50000 cars a year.
Today this tradition continues, with Oxford being the home of the BMW Mini.  If you see a Mini anywhere in the world you know it was made in Cowley Oxford.

Polish Rally Cars In Oxford

A couple of Polish Rally cars visited Oxford today on there way back to Katowice after participating in the 2011 Zlombol event. Chatting to the guys from car 66 and 67 I found out that this is an annual event for cars built in former Soviet communist countries. This year rally started in Katowice in Poland and ended yesterday in Loch Ness, Scotland. The guys where heading home and stopped by in Oxford for a look around and a rest. Have a look at car 67's blog here. Additional Photo's here.

British Love Red

Was in Little Clarendon Street today when I noticed all these red against the wall of this empty shop. Just when I was taking this photo I realised how much the British like this deep red colour. I am not sure why so many classic british designs are this colour red, apart from the mail box and MG in this photo, you have the telephone box and the old mini that are often seen in red. Any idea's?

Sorry for the couple of days that I missed posting, I have been a little pre occupied the last couple of weeks and also not been in Oxford due to work, but I am hoping I will be back on track now, and thanks for all the comments.

Queen Arrives In Oxford In State Bentley

The Queen visited Oxford this morning to look around the new gallery's of the Ashmolean Museum which were opened to the public early last month. As you can imagine the Queen visiting Oxford was a very popular event, and I was unable to get close enough with the crowds for a photo of her, so I had to settle on the motorcade as it drove down St Giles. The Queen come to Oxford from Windsor in her special State Bentley with her standard flying from the roof, there were only two of these Special Bentley's ever made and given to the Queen in 2002 for her Golden Jubilee.

Rolls Royce At The Randolph Hotel

An Old Rolls with waiting Driver outside Oxford's famous Randolph Hotel.  This photo was taken over the weekend when the Randolph had a wedding expo for those lucky couples planning the big day. Not sure how many people will be able to afford a wedding at the Randolph in the current economic climate.

Old VW In St Giles SAM13A

Saw this Great looking VW camper van today in the centre of Oxford, it had been so well looked after it looked new.  You know my interest in number plates, it was the number plate that caught my eye first, it was not English, and it car had no registration so I am not sure where it was from.  It was attracting alot of interest as it just sat in the car park, I would love to have a classic car that is in a good nic and this is.  Have a look at the side photo here.

Little Clarendon Street

I am not sure what has been happening in Oxford over the last few days, but today in Little Clarendon Street I spotted this great little Morris Minor.  It looked great in Little Clarendon Street which is a great little street with Cafe, Art Shops, and the University's admissions office in it, as well and Oxfords own Ice Creamery which is closed at the moment for referb.

Happy New Year

Wishing you all a very Happy New Year from Oxford.  I am not sure what type of car this is, but is was very interesting.  A three wheeler open top little two seater.  It had two wheels at the front which I was thinking was a little odd.  I would love to have a nice classic car of any make or model, I think they are great.  Anyone know what this car is, I have a funny feeling it maybe French?

Dave has given me a little information on this car, it is French it is a Citroen Lomax you can see more at this youtube site.  Thanks Dave.