The grandson of the Mini Cooper inventor is auctioning off a rare car to benefit Italian Job charity

This could be a photo from any typical family album.

But it actually shows John Cooper – the man behind one of the most iconic British cars of all time – with his grandson Charlie.

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The reason I got my hands on this precious snap is because little Charlie is now 41 and is auctioning off his own Mini to help children living in poverty across the UK.

It’s a really special car – one of only 60 sold in the UK to celebrate 60 years of Mini Cooper – and comes with a really special number plate, W9RKS.

You might also spot the number “74” on the hood and doors.

This is a nod to the first Mini Cooper race car to win on the track.

Other loving touches include the classic Cooper Company logo dotted throughout, the Cooper family signatures on the dash and a door frame stamped with the words MINI COOPER 60 YEARS – THE UNEXPECTED UNDERDOG.

Charlie said: “It would be amazing if it helped the Italian jobs charity pass the £3million mark. You are not far from it.”

The Cooper family, including the late great John Cooper himself, have supported the charity’s work for more than 30 years.

The auction car and W9RKS number plate are together worth £40,000.

Bidding is now live below barons-auctions.com and the lot will be sold at Sandown Park Racecourse on April 29th. Proceeds go to Italy’s Job and Buttle UK, which provides grants from Chances For Children to families in need.

Nice guy.

Brilliant car.

Excellent thing.

If you can spare buttleuk.org a fiver, please.