I’ve had a rare Italian job-inspired Mini stashed in my garage for decades – now I’m selling it for a fortune

A RARE ‘Italian Job’ Mini was hidden in a woman’s garage for decades – now she wants to sell it.

The Mini, made in homage to the classic Michael Caine film, is set to be sold for £10,000 after 20 years in a garage.

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But Barry Wright bought the limited edition white 1993 Mini Cooper S new from a local dealer for £4,200 as he loved the way it looked.

He put the vehicle 80,000 miles before storing it on his property in Somerton, Somerset, over 20 years ago because he was afraid it would rust in the rain.

Despite the high mileage, the Mini has doubled its value as it has been kept in pristine condition and regularly polished.

Barry, a builder, died last October aged 60 and his widow Gill is now selling the car as she does not have a driver’s license.

She hopes Barry’s “Pride and Joy” can find a new owner who will take care of him the way he did.

Gill, 67, a retired factory worker, said: “The Mini was Barry’s pride and joy.

“He loved the look of Minis and cared so much about them.

“When we took it to auto shows, there would always be a lot of people gathering around to take a look.

“I think it’s the right time to sell it as Barry was considering parting with it to fund his retirement before he died.

“I hope the Mini goes to a new home that appreciates it as much as he does.”

The Mini, one of just 250 in white, has a 1.3-litre engine and two black stripes on the bonnet, mimicking those in the cult British film.

And there’s also a bonnet badge consisting of an English and Italian flag crossed with ‘The Italian Job’.

Auctioneer Richard Bromell said, “The Italian Job is one of those iconic films that everyone has seen that can quote the phrase, ‘You should just blow the damn doors off.

“Only 250 were made in white for this limited edition and it was purchased new in 1993.

“The owner loved driving it, but he took great care of it and maintained it meticulously.

“This is a rare opportunity to purchase a one-stop legendary Mini that is one of the rarest.”

The sale will take place on March 9th at Haynes Motor Museum at Yeovil, Somerset.

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