This week the Club celebrates the 50th birthday of the British cult-classic movie ‘The Italian Job’ with a book launch of ‘The Self-Preservation Society, 50 Years of the Italian Job’ by Matthew Field. The author is recognised as the world’s leading authority on the film with his expert knowledge: behind-the-scenes, how its ‘starring cars’ were found, and where they are today. Also in attendance will be Michael Deeley, the last surviving member of the creative team, who will relay, beside much else, the story behind the casting of the lead (now Sir) Michael Caine.
And this is the first event to be put on by the Club in 2019 to mark the 60th anniversary of the Mini created by the internationally recognised designer, Sir Alec Issigonis.

1968 Austin Cooper S ‘Italian Job’ replica (owner 1 – Robert Moir)
 Registered LGW 809F— the film car was actually LGW 809G.  Full Austin Cooper S specification, including 1293cc engine fitted with forged pistons, and twin fuel tanks.  However, with the added punch of an Eaton supercharger with Weber carburettor, the car achieves approximately 120 bhp at the flywheel.  Authentic ‘Italian Job’ details including: Cibie Oscar pot (concave) lights, concave headlamps with switchable beam, handmade bespoke lamp bar supplied by Dave Morton at ‘Mr Bridger’s Workshop’, internal roll bar and Minilite magnesium alloy wheels. grey and gold brocade Newton commercial interior with front recliners, and period Moto-Lita steering wheel.

Austin Mini Mk1 Cooper S ‘Italian Job’ replica (owner 2 – Mark Bowden)
HMP 729F is the actual number plate on this car— the film car was actually HMP 729G. Fitted with 1330cc Bill Richards-tuned engine, Kent 276 camshaft 3.1 cross pinned differential, Cooper S disc brakes and Cooper S rear drums, Mk 1 brake servo and Cooper S master cylinder and oil cooler; new competition clutch, master and slave cylinders and Gaz shocks; hydrolastic suspension has also been retained as per specification. The ‘Italian Job’ lamp bar is the genuine design from the original film cars as are the Cibie Oscar spotlights, the grilles and the very rare Cibie concave headlights with switchable beam. The roll bar inside also compliments the look of the car. Twin fuel tanks fitted, Minilite Cooper S wheels are fitted red/gold brocade interior, Moto-Lita steering wheel and Kangol seat belts complement the car to period specification.

(owner 3 – Daniel Oliver)
Information on this car is not currently available.

Displayed courtesy of Robert Moir, Mark Bowden, Daniel Oliver from Tuesday 28th May to Sunday 2nd June 2019.