A RARE ‘Italian Job’ Mini has been hidden away in a woman’s garage for decades – now she wants to sell it.
The Mini, made in homage to the classic Michael Caine film, is tipped to sell for £10,000 after spending 20 years stored in a garage.
BNPS A rare ‘Italian Job’ Mini was hidden away in a woman’s garage for decades[/caption]
The Italian Job is a 2003 American action film directed by F. Gary GrayBNPS
But, Barry Wright bought the limited edition white Mini Cooper S new in 1993 from a local dealership for £4,200 as he loved how it looked.
He clocked up 80,000 miles in the vehicle before tucking it away at his property in Somerton, Somerset, over 20 years ago as he was scared it would rust in the rain.
Despite the high mileage, the Mini has doubled in value as he preserved it in immaculate condition, polishing it regularly.
Barry, a builder, died last October, aged 60, and his widow Gill is now selling the car as she does not have a driving licence.
She hopes a new owner can be found for Barry’s ‘pride and joy’ who will care for it as he did.
Gill, 67, a retired factory worker, said: “The Mini was Barry’s pride and joy.
“He loved the look of Minis’ and took such great care of it.
“When we took it to car shows, there would always be loads of people gathering around it to take a look.
“I think it is the right time to sell it as Barry was thinking of parting with it to pay for his retirement before he died.
“I hope the Mini will go to a new home who will treasure it as he did.”
The Mini, one of just 250 made in white, has a 1.3litre engine and two black stripes on the bonnet to mimic the one in the British cult movie.
And there is also a bonnet badge consisting of an English and Italian flag crossed with ‘The Italian Job’.
Auctioneer Richard Bromell said: “The Italian Job is one of those iconic films everyone has watched and can quote the phrase ‘you were only supposed to blow the bloody doors off.
“Only 250 were made in white for this limited edition and it was bought new in 1993.
“The owner loved driving it but he took great care of it and meticulously maintained it.
“This is a rare opportunity to buy an iconic single-owner Mini which is one of the rarest made.”
The sale will take place on March 9 at the Haynes Motor Museum in Yeovil, Somerset.
The first Mini to appear in the movie is a 1997 Mini Cooper Mk VIIKobal Collection – Shutterstock
The original film was released in 1969 and it was written by Troy Keneddy MartinGETTY_HUB
The main actors in the 2003 film Mark Wahlberg, Charlize Teron and Edward NortonRex Features Read More