The eagerly awaited ‘Italian Job Mile of MINI’ event made a triumphant comeback in Oxford on Sunday 28 April, despite the wind and rain, with a mission to create a significant impact on the lives of the 4.2 million children currently experiencing poverty.
The event, now in its third year, featured 150 MINI cars, encompassing both classic and modern models of various shapes and sizes, journeying through the picturesque Oxfordshire countryside. The day brimmed with excitement, camaraderie, and, significantly, charitable generosity, as the event aimed to raise funds for children living in poverty.
The event was a fantastic driving day for MINI enthusiasts that also raised much-needed funds for Buttle UK, a charity dedicated to helping families struggling with the cost-of-living crisis. All funds raised will be distributed by Buttle UK to families, providing crucial financial assistance for essentials such as children’s beds, household appliances, school uniforms, computers, and books.
The Italian Job Mile of MINI kicked on at the MINI Plant in Cowley, Oxford, before embarking on a thrilling driving adventure across Oxfordshire and into South Warwickshire.
Dr Markus Grüneisl, CEO of MINI Plant Oxford, commenting on their support of the charity, said: “MINI Plant Oxford is pleased to support the Italian Job Mile of MINIs event once again; we love to see people embracing the MINI spirit!
“It is always a special moment for Plant Oxford to act as the starting line for the 150 participating teams. This year is an exciting year for our plant. We are starting the production of three new MINI Cooper models, and we are thrilled that the new MINI Cooper three-door model is already participating in this Italian Job event.”
Participants received a commemorative Italian Job route book, ensuring they stayed on course for a day filled with fun and surprises.
The highlight of the event was a unique visit to ‘JLR Classic,’ the renowned classic and works division of Jaguar Land Rover, located south of Coventry. Teams had the chance to explore a collection of the world’s finest and rarest classic Jaguars and Land Rovers, making this event an unforgettable experience for all involved.
Speaking at the event, Paul Barritt (Director, JLR Classic) commented, “From one organisation keeping historic automotive icons on the road to another: we salute you! As fans of 1960s-derived design, culture, and engineering we are pleased to welcome you to Jaguar Land Rover Classic Works.”
Emphasising the urgency of the cause, Joseph Howes, CEO of Buttle UK, said: “Whilst inflation may be falling, the families we work with are working through crises and have no respite from this.
“We want to support their children to have the basics that all of us would agree are essential, like a bed, toys and games. I want to thank all those who took part. 100% of every penny raised by the drivers will go directly to giving children a better chance at life.”
Freddie St George, the organiser, said on the day, “The Mile of MINI’s event is rapidly gaining popularity as a staple on the annual MINI events calendar. Today, we witnessed an impressive turnout from both classic and modern MINI enthusiasts here in Oxford.
“It’s truly remarkable! A total of 150 teams, showcasing MINIs of various ages, styles, sizes, and colours, have registered to participate in this annual one-day gathering and drive from Oxford to Coventry”.
The main event of The Italian Job, an awe-inspiring 6-night off-the-beaten-track road trip through Italy’s lesser-travelled paths, returns in October with registration now open.
Covering 3,000 miles of scenic European countryside, this navigational drive offers participants a chance to immerse themselves in Italy’s rich heritage. Recently honoured with the ‘Best Event’ award at the 2024 National Car Club Awards, this journey, inspired by the 1969 Michael Caine film ‘The Italian Job’, provides MINI owners and vintage car enthusiasts (affectionately known as ‘Jobbers’) with a motoring ‘holiday’.
It takes adventurers off the beaten path, offering a glimpse of the real Italy away from the tourist crowds while revisiting locations from the iconic movie. All the while, the event serves as a fundraiser for children living in poverty. Registration and further details can be found at The Italian Job website.
Over the last 33 years, The Italian Job has raised over £3 million for children living in poverty. Since 2018, the Italian Job events have raised more than £300k for Buttle UK – over £35K alone from the Mile of MINI event.
