OXFORD's three millionth Mini rolled off the Cowley production line this week since the first modern classic was produced in 2001.

A 'rebel green' John Cooper Works Clubman with a chilli red contrast roof, was the magic model to be driven off the plant's assembly line.

On Thursday, Oliver Zipse, a board member for BMW AG, joined the work force in the city to celebrate what the company called a 'major UK manufacturing milestone'.

Mr Zipse said the three millionth Oxford-built Mini was a 'remarkable achievement' and hailed the plant's 4,500-strong staff.

He added: "The passion and commitment that everyone here at the plant has for building a high-quality product is central to that success.

"It’s great to be back in Oxford to mark this fantastic Mini production milestone.

"Since we began building Mini back in 2001 the car has proved to be hugely popular with customers right around the world. "Congratulations to everyone who has played their part in making this celebration possible."

The milestone comes in owners BMW's centenary year, and the 15th year of Mini production in Cowley.

From about 300 cars a day in 2001, to 1,000 built-to-order models every day today, the workforce produce one new Mini almost every minute.

And about 80 per cent of Minis built here are exported to more than 110 markets across the world.

Frank Bachmann, managing director of Plant Oxford, said: "Hitting this milestone is a fantastic achievement for everyone on the team here at Oxford.

"Building the volume of high-quality cars that we have over the past 15 years is something everyone working here can be very proud of."

Oxford, known as the heart and home of Mini production, has a rich motor manufacturing history.

It has been building cars since 1913 when the great designer, entrepreneur and philanthropist William Morris (later Lord Nuffield), produced its first car, a “Bullnose” Morris, near today’s present state-of-the-art MINI production facility.

The classic Mini, designed by Sir Alec Issigonis and launched in 1959, revolutionised the automotive world and was produced at Oxford until 1968 with a peak output of 94,889 cars during 1966-7.

Models built at Oxford today include three and five door Minis, the Mini Clubman and its first all-wheel drive All4 model – and the high-performance Mini John Cooper Works.