What do Surbiton and the iconic Mini Cooper have in common? A lot more than you might think.

Surbiton is the birthplace of the Mini Cooper and this year people in the town are inviting everyone to come and join them for a programme of community-led activities to honour the iconic car's history and its legacy as a symbol of British culture and innovation.

The Community Brain, a not-for-profit based at Tolworth Station, is leading the celebrations, which kick off on Sunday (21 Jan) with a special heritage display at London Waterloo Station.

This Sunday marks almost 60 years to the day since the Mini Cooper S first raced into the nation's heart with its sensational victory for Great Britain in the 1964 Monte Carlo Rally – regarded as one of the hippest sporting events of the time.

To mark this milestone, the organisation, in collaboration with the British Motor Museum and South Western Railway, are bringing the original winning car (registration 33 EJB) to London to celebrate its sporting success and shine a light on the Surbiton designer and engineer who made it possible – John Cooper.

They are also using their presence at Waterloo to rev up excitement ahead of their programme of Mini Cooper-themed activities that will take place in Surbiton and the surrounding area throughout 2024, which includes plans for a gathering of around 200 Minis as part of a family fun day on Saturday 18th May in Hollyfield Rd, Surbiton - the original site of Cooper's garage.

Leaving its home at the British Motor Museum, near Warwick, the small but mighty Mini Cooper will make a star appearance as the centrepiece of the local history display -- giving visitors a chance to get up close to the prestigious vehicle and discover more about the Surbiton origins of the Cooper brand, which is still synonymous with Minis today.

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

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

Cat Boxall, Curator of the British Motor Museum, adds "We're excited to celebrate the milestone moment of this truly iconic car. We hope that this exhibit will inspire people to further engage with the history of the motor industry in Britain."

More about the Monte Carlo Rally Mini Cooper S and John Cooper's Role

While the stylish and practical design of the Mini was the brainchild of Alec Issigonis and the British Motor Corporation (BMC), the vehicle's true sporting potential was only realised under the innovative touch of Surbiton-based John Cooper. A respected Grand Prix Formula 1 team boss and engineer, working with BMC, Cooper transformed the Mini from a compact classic into a rally-winning powerhouse.

From his Hollyfield Road garage in Surbiton, John Cooper reimagined the Mini Cooper, to create the famed Cooper S model. He equipped it with a more tuned and potent 1071cc engine, and significantly improved braking systems. These enhancements gave the Mini Cooper S a substantial edge in motorsport, particularly in challenging conditions like the snowy terrains and tight mountain bends on the 2,390 miles from Minsk, in the former USSR (now Belorussia) to Monte Carlo.

And the result? A car that not only took driver Paddy Hopkirk to victory but also cemented the Cooper name as a hallmark of innovation and performance in the automotive world. Today, 60 years on, while the Mini may not be quite so mini, the Cooper title and legacy continues to be an integral part of the brand.

Revving up for Mini Moments: A year of Mini Cooper celebrations

Mark your calendars for a series of spectacular events celebrating the iconic Mini Cooper. From heritage displays to floral tributes, each event promises to be a unique journey through the Mini Cooper story.

• Sunday 21 January, London Waterloo Station: Step back in time with the 1964 Monte Carlo Rally Winning Mini Cooper and a captivating heritage display.
•  March: Launch of the "Speed" book, exploring Surbiton, Tolworth, and Chessington's connections with motorsport and speed records.
• Saturday 18 May, Hollyfield Road, Surbiton: Witness a grand gathering of more than 200 Mini Coopers and Minis from the last 60 years, complete with live 60s music performances and a screening of 'The Italian Job'.
•  2 - 7 July, Hampton Court Garden Festival: Experience a unique blend of horticulture and automotive history with The Community Bra1in's Mini Cooper-themed garden display.
• Saturday 28 September, Surbiton Festival: Enjoy a special Mini Cooper heritage event celebrating the legacy of this iconic car.

Visit The Community Brain's website or follow their socials for more information on Mini Cooper celebrations and other community events in 2024.