Chris and Fiona are off on the Italian Job Rally which starts on October 19^th 2009.  Launched in 1990 with the aim of raising money for children in a fun way, the Italian Job has raised over £2.2m of funds in aid of national children's charities. The event is based on the original 1969 film of The Italian Job with Michael Caine – though sadly we won’t be returning with any of the gold!

We drive through a number of Italy's most fantastic cities such as Turin, where we go for a spin on the famous Lingotto roof top test track used in the film. We drive well off the beaten track, over medieval bridges, through tiny villages, and even onto an F1 Grand Prix circuit.

This year’s navigational rally starts in Turin, and visits some amazing locations such as Ferrari at Maranello and their private test track at Fiorano, Lamborghini in Modena, visiting Florence, Rome & Imola where we will also take part in various challenges and special stages along the way. Eventually the group of approximately 100 Mini’s (covering in the region of approximately 2500-3500 miles) winds its way back up through France, to London where all the cars process in convoy from the O2 to Marble Arch.

Our target is £1500 ! So please make a donation through this site – or if more convenient, send us a cheque.

What happens to the money raised?

The money goes to the charity KidsOut – none is used to finance our trip unlike some other sponsored events.

What is KidsOut?

KidsOut aims to provide fun and happiness for disadvantaged children - children who have physical disabilities, learning difficulties, abused, terminally ill, underprivileged, single parent and ethnic minority families

Is it an anniversary this year?

Yes it’s a multiple anniversary.  Its 50 years since the Mini was launched (1959), 40 years since The Italian Job with Michael Caine was released in the UK and 20 years since The Italian Job rally started.

Is Michael Caine appearing?

Sadly no, though he did appear at one of the events 1n 1997 and is a Patron of the event

How many Minis were used in the filming of the Italian Job?

Around 30 Minis were used– and one or two survived the filming! Two were destroyed in the chase sequence where the reprobates drive through the sewers – they tried to get the Minis to do a 360 degree barrel roll but after three failed attempts it was abandoned.

Are you going to be driving through the sewers as part of the rally?

Thankfully no!  Anyway the sewers used where new and unused and were actually near Coventry in Stoke Aldermoor