Description
A fantastic example of one of Rover’s most celebrated special editions, this 1993 Rover Mini Italian Job is finished in Electric Blue and powered by the sought-after factory 1275cc A+ Series engine. Showing only 44, 600 miles, this Mini perfectly captures the spirit and style of the original "Italian Job" film while delivering lively and characterful performance.
The Italian Job editions were created with distinctive styling and unique trim details, celebrating the Mini’s starring role in the 1969 film. This example remains true to its special edition roots, offering a great opportunity for enthusiasts and collectors alike.
A genuine example of one of Rover’s most iconic special editions, this special edition Mini Italian Job was first registered on 23rd February 1993 and is finished in pristine Electric Blue paintwork with contrasting black bonnet stripes. The V5 correctly shows that it is recorded with the DVLA as an Italian Job, carburettor fitted, 1275cc mini.
This Mini perfectly captures the spirit and style of the original "Italian Job" film while delivering lively and characterful performance.
Only 1, 000 Italian Job Minis were produced for the home market, with an even allocation of four colours: Flame Red, Diamond White, Electric Blue, and Metallic British Racing Green. These Minis were made to look like the Mk1 Coopers from the film and were powered by a sprightly 1275cc carburettor engine coupled with a four-speed manual transmission. Being one of the last 1275 engines fitted with a carburettor, this mini suffers none of the many problems associated with the later SPI and MPI fuelled engines.
Aesthetic features included body-coloured mirrors, twin driving lamps, black bumpers and bonnet stripes, a white grille and white 12" Minilite alloy wheels, black tweed seats with red piping and various “Italian Job” decals.
All these features have been carefully preserved to keep the Limited-Edition status of this vehicle and will appeal to enthusiasts and collectors alike.
This example boasts 44, 600 miles with four previous owners from new and has been cherished by enthusiastic owners. What’s more, the car has only been driven on dry days during summer and always ensured that it was dry garage stored when not in use.
The Mini is in excellent condition and has been carefully maintained regardless of cost. As result of many years of dry storage, the exterior presents very well. The faultless paint finish is even, and the body panels are all flush and straight. All panel joints on the car are pristine and, uniquely, there is no sign of paint bubbling or rust in the usual mini areas of front wings, doors, roof or A panels.
The model specific white-painted Minilite alloy wheels, black bumpers, white grille, stickers, decals and badges are all present. The glass, chrome and trim are in excellent condition.
The original factory ‘body’ number is present on the slam panel and the Vin number is correctly etched into the rear screen. The Vin number is also on the offside flitch panel in the engine bay and in the edge of the front scuttle. All five alloy wheels are in excellent condition and fitted with the recommended and very desirable Yokohama A539 tyres.
The sills (correct vented kind) were replaced in about 2007 and are solid. The underside, boot and engine bay are also particularly good and protected with Bilt Hamber cavity and underseal wax applied annually.
The original seats and three-spoke steering wheel are present and all gauges, switchgear, and radio work. The cabin is clean and there are no tears or splits to the seats or headlining. New carpets have been previously fitted. The Mini drives incredibly well and pulls strongly with no synchro issues on the gearbox. The left exit R40 exhaust is subtle yet produces a nice raspy note through the exhaust.
New dampers have been fitted all round and the rear rubber cones replaced. A new original equipment clutch slave cylinder has been fitted and the clutch bites progressively with a smooth and light action. The cooling system was stripped, flushed out and refilled with the correct anti-freeze at the last service. The front discs work well to stop the car in a straight line with no drama.
The rear brakes are fitted with minifin hubs. A new 3 year warranty battery has been fitted.
The oil seals on the gearstick selector shaft were replaced with the correct Japanese after market for longevity.
Accompanying the Mini are two sets of keys and a history file covering my period of ownership together with some of the old tax discs, Rover books, AA membership book, previous British Mini Club and Insurance agreed valuations.
The car will be sold with a new 12-month MOT certificate.
Every MOT certificate is present and serve to validate the recorded mileage as correct.
The car has recently been serviced with the correct lubricants and consumables and is ready to drive and enjoy. This classic mini was rebuilt by Charles Neville Bernstein in around 2003. Charles worked in British Leyand's Special Division and was also sponsored as a rally driver by Patrick Motors of Birmingham.
He was described as 'particular' and 'fastidious' by those who knew him and the care that was put into this mini by him reinforces those sentiments. His personal plate is still on the vehicle and the new owner will be able to keep it to show continuity.
A chance meeting with the previous owner at a Gaydon Mini day, led to me purchasing the car in 2021. I am still in contact with the previous owner
Everywhere this classic mini goes, it is admired, due to it's originality and presentation.
