A big Italian adventure for a Great British Car Journey classic Mini
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
More News From Amber Valley Info
| Appeal after report of incident involving man and woman at Ripley Police are appealing for witnesses to an incident at the A38 roundabout at Ripley. read more | |
| TV star to visit Derbyshire schools in Move More initiative TV personality Zack George is set to visit eight schools in Amber Valley as part of a new initiative to encourage youngst read more | |
| Free Trees To Be Planted At 133 Derbyshire Schools This week 133 schools across the county will receive a free apple tree as part of Derbyshire County Council’s Million Trees proj read more | |
| From Barefeet To Bluebells - New Tearoom And Cafe At Shipley Visitors to Derbyshire County Council’s popular Shipley Country Park will soon be able to sample delights from a new c read more | |
| New Year: Discover Your Future at Derby College Groups Open Evenings In the coming weeks, Derby College Group (DCG) is throwing open the doors to its campuses, offering an exciting read more | |
The Amber Valley Info Noticeboard
| When you need to call 999 but can't talk When you need to call 999 but can't talk - the ‘silent solution’ can help. Press 55 on your mobile when prompted, to confirm you are in read more | |
| The opening night of the Lights of Abraham Winter Lights Trail The brand new winter lights trail, the 'Lights of Abraham' opened on Friday 22nd November at the Heights of Abraham in read more | |
| Can You Help DREAM Paranormal With Their Research My name is Simon Dean, Lead Investigator of DREAM paranormal and I am looking for your help. read more | |
| Cold Callers claiming to be working on behalf of Derbyshire County Council Policehave seen and increase in reports of 'cold callers' where people are claiming to be working on behal read more | |
| Subscriptions For Amber Valley Borough Councils 2024 Garden Waste Service Are Now Open The garden waste collection service is available to all residents in Amber Valley except for r read more | |
