The Community Train Community Rail Partnership (CRP) turned back the clock to the swinging sixties at Waterloo Station on Sunday 21 January to commemorate the Mini Cooper’s legendary win at the Monte Carlo Rally in 1964.

The Community Train CRP (part of The Community Brain) marked the milestone by collaborating with the British Motor Museum and South Western Railway to bring the original winning car to London to celebrate its sporting success and shine a light on the Surbiton designer and engineer who made it possible – John Cooper.

Robin Hutchinson MBE, director and founder of The Community Brain, said: “John Cooper’s brilliant legacy and the Mini Cooper’s fantastic triumph are amazing stories – they’re hidden gems from suburbia that we were thrilled to showcase at one of the busiest transport spots in London.

“However, our celebration isn’t just a nostalgia trip; it’s a fantastic launchpad for a community conversation about the future and an opportunity to imagine the incredible innovations and achievements we will proudly celebrate 20, 40, or 60 years from now.”

Cat Boxall, curator of the British Motor Museum, said: “We’re really excited to celebrate the milestone moment of this truly iconic car – one of three Monte Carlo Rally winning Minis on display at the Museum, and one of over 400 historic British cars in the Museum’s collection.

“As a charity ourselves, we were delighted to partner with The Community Brain to display the Mini at Waterloo and bring its fascinating story to the attention of a wider audience. We hope that the exhibit will inspire people to further engage with the history of the motor industry in Britain.”

The Community Train CRP also used its presence at the Waterloo event to rev up excitement ahead of its programme of Mini Cooper-themed events that will take place in Surbiton and the surrounding area throughout 2024. These include:

• March: Launch of the ‘Speed’ book, exploring Surbiton, Tolworth and Chessington’s connections with motorsport and speed records.
• 18 May: Witness a grand gathering of more than 200 Minis from the last 60 years at Hollyfield Road in Surbiton, complete with live 60s music and a screening of The Italian Job.
• 2-7 July: Experience a unique blend of horticulture and automotive history with The Community Brain’s Mini Coooper-themed garden display at Hampton Court Garden Festival.
• 28 September: Enjoy a special Mini Cooper heritage event celebrating the legacy of this iconic car at Surbiton Festival.

Keep up to date with future news, projects, and events from the Community Train CRP via their website.