The Lakeland Motor Museum is celebrating the 65th anniversary of the iconic Mini.

The tiny car has carved out a place for itself in British motoring history, with the museum dedicating prime spots for two models.

Chris Lowe, curator at the Lakeland Motor Museum, said: "The Mini has to be one of the most iconic British vehicles ever made and we are lucky to have two prime examples including the classic Mini Cooper.

"The Mini was first launched back in 1959 so this year marks its 65th anniversary and we feel that is definitely worth celebrating."

The standout feature is a 34 year old special edition Mini Cooper RSP with eight miles on the clock.

Its good condition, Cumbria Tourism said, is due to the low mileage. It said the Mini Cooper was the performance version of the original Mini with an upgraded drive train and brakes.

The museum is also displaying a 1978 British Leyland Mini Clubman in Pageant Blue.

Although it has racked up 55,000 miles in its 46-year lifetime, Cumbria Tourism said it is still in impressive shape.

The Clubman is an automatic, which is a rare trait in small cars from that era, prompted by drivers' preference to avoid clutch control and gear changes.

Mr Lowe said: "As it marks its 65th anniversary we hope people will come along and have a look at our two prime examples of the iconic Mini brand.

"They spark so many nostalgic motoring memories for visitors – everyone of a certain age has a motoring memory about the Mini.

"We would love them to come down to the museum and share those memories with us."

The Mini is recognised as an emblem of Swinging Sixties culture, with over five million produced between 1959 and 2000 by the British Motor Corporation.

Its design, including the space-saving transverse engine and front-wheel-drive layout, was designed by Sir Alec Issigonis.

The Lakeland Motor Museum invites those with a love for all things motors to visit its collection of over 30,000 exhibits in the Lake District.