For as much BMW as there is in the MINI, there is an undeniably strong English influence. This influence is imbued in each and every car by the hard working staff at BMW Plant Oxford, the manufacturing facility for all MINIs save for the Countryman (produced by Magna-Steyr in Austria) and the limited edition 2006 JCW GP (Assembled from Oxford-made bodies by Bertone in Italy). Located a short distance from Oxford proper in Cowley, this facility has a long history of manufacturing. I arrived about a half-hour early for the factory tour. According to directions sent me by MINI, it was but a bus ride away from the town center of Oxford. Waiting at the visitor center in a large brick building was our guide, John Strange. John was an extremely knowledgable guide who wasn’t afraid to answer any and all questions. As our tour group trickled in, we all donned small radios to hear John’s narration, black waistcoats bearing the MINI logo and safety goggles. Unfortunately for me, photography was strictly prohibited and so I stowed my camera in a locker. A quick show of hands revealed that about one half of the tour was made up of MINI owners. The tour officially started at 6 PM. More...