STARS AND MOTORS: The Italian Job

In the late fifties, Fred Buscaglione, King of Italian Swing music, with his raspy and sensual voice was singing “Eri piccola, piccola così...” (you were little, so little) (1958). At the same time, in Britain was created the band Beatles.

Twiggy style and the mini skirt fashion trend were the signs of a simplification trend, an adolescent rejuvenation of many aspects of life. In this scenario the legendary MINI, an extra tiny car with 4 seats, 4 cylinders, Austin and Morris brand, was born in 1959. In 1964, a sport version of John Cooper and the S model made MINI competitive for racing sports. MINI won Montecarlo Rally in 1965, 1966, 1967. Thanks to its speed and power, Austin Mini Cooper S 1275 Mkl was chosen in 1969 to appear in the movie “Un Colpo All’Italiana” (The Italian Job) directed by Peter Collinson. Filmed in Turin at that time, with brand-new buildings, the movie takes us in a long and exciting police chase of three Mini and of the three English drivers. The tiny car has amazing performance. It is also important to highlight the great participation of Actors such as award-winning Michael Caine, unforgettable Raf Vallone and Rossano Brazzi Hollywood “latin lover” in the fifties.