Few cars have etched themselves into movie history quite like the Mini Cooper in The Italian Job. The compact British car became more than just a getaway vehicle, it became a cinematic icon.
Iconic Appearances
In the original 1969 film starring Michael Caine, three Minis — one red, one white, and one blue — stole the spotlight in a legendary chase scene through the streets, sewers, and rooftops of Turin. The colorful convoy was as much a character as any actor, weaving through tight alleys and pulling off stunts that larger cars could never attempt.
When the 2003 remake came out, the new BMW-produced Mini Cooper took over the role. Again, three were used — red, white, and blue — as a nod to the original. This time, the heist included a daring chase through Los Angeles traffic and even a sequence where the Minis carried stolen gold through narrow subway tunnels.
Both versions cemented the Mini as the perfect symbol of agility, charm, and underdog ingenuity.
Specs of the Movie Minis
1969 Classic Mini Cooper S (Mark II)
- Engine: 1.3L four-cylinder
- Power: About 76 horsepower
- Transmission: 4-speed manual
- Weight: Around 1,400 pounds
- Top speed: About 97 mph
- Special trait: Small size made it unbeatable for stunt driving in tight spaces
2003 Mini Cooper S (BMW era)
- Engine: 1.6L supercharged four-cylinder
- Power: About 163 horsepower
- Transmission: 6-speed manual
- Weight: Around 2,500 pounds
- Top speed: About 135 mph
- Special trait: More modern handling and speed while retaining the classic Mini character
Fun Facts
- In the 1969 film, the Minis were used in stunts the police cars simply could not follow, such as driving down staircases and through sewage tunnels.
- Paramount originally considered using Fiats for the heist, since the movie was filmed in Italy, but director Peter Collinson insisted on Minis.
- In the 2003 remake, the stunt team used electric Minis for underground sequences because gasoline fumes would have been dangerous in the tunnels.
- The remake also sparked a massive sales boost for the newly relaunched Mini brand, proving the cultural power of the film.
- The 1969 Minis used for filming were not returned to BMC (British Motor Corporation), and their exact fates remain part of car collector legend.
Legacy
The Mini Cooper in The Italian Job represents more than a getaway car. It embodies cleverness, rebellion, and the thrill of making the impossible possible. Whether bouncing down stairs in Turin or dodging traffic in Los Angeles, the Mini’s role in the films ensured that it would always be remembered as one of cinema’s most beloved vehicles.
