A big Italian adventure for a Great British Car Journey classic Mini

Published: 19/10/2023

 A classic Mini from the award-winning Great British Car Journey museum in Ambergate, Derbyshire, is flying the flag for the classic car museum in Italy.
 
The car, which was one of the last classic Minis to roll off the production line in October 2000, is taking part in the 2,000 mile legendary Italian Job run in aid of Buttle UK, a charity dedicated to helping children and young people in crisis.
 
Owned by the museum’s founder Richard Usher, the classic Mini Cooper Sport has just 11,000 miles on the clock. The specially branded Mini is being driven by the editor of Practical Classics magazine, Danny Hopkins.
 
The epic journey will see Danny join a convey of 30+ classic Minis blasting through Modena and Sienna to Turin before heading back to the UK through the Alps. Danny will also be putting the Mini through its paces at the infamous Nurburgring in Germany ahead of reaching Italy.
 
Richard Usher explained: “I’ve known Danny for a number of years and share his enthusiasm for anything with four wheels (and some with three). When I heard what he wanted to do and all about the charity, I had no hesitation in lending him my personal Mini.”
 
Danny commented: “Raising cash for Buttle UK is what this is all about.  “They are a wonderful charity, helping kids in difficult situations so, unlike Harry and the boys in the film, I aim to get back to the UK with a lot of cash.” 

Ahead of its journey, the Mini was serviced in the Great British Car Journey workshop by the museum’s resident classic car technicians, Doc Lawrence and his able apprentice Luke Henshaw.
 
Richard added: “The Mini is the hero car of Great British Car Journey and this little example is going to have a story to tell when it returns from its travels!”
 
“It’s an amazing collaborative effort,” added Danny, “I'll be doing regular updates as I go... it's a long way in a little car. I promise I won't blow the bloody doors off though.”
 
Great British Car Journey will be following the Mini’s adventure with daily video diary updates from Danny which will be shared on the attraction’s social media channels Facebook, Twitter, Instagram. 
 
The Mini is just one of a number on display and available to drive at Great British Car Journey. To arrange a visit to the interactive classic car museum, which boasts a 130+ strong collection of cars, or to book a drive, visit wwww.greatbritishcarjourney.com