A Mini adventure will be just The Italian Job

Kim and Janet Buckingham, of St Botolph’s Road, Worthing, will take part in the Italian Job Mini Run, which sees hundreds of the classic cars travel across Italy.

The route will see them visit several locations where filming for the 1969 film took place, ending in the country’s capital.

Kim, 57, said: “Being the first time we have taken part, we fully expect to get the wooden spoon, but that is not a problem.

“We’re doing it for the fun of it.”

The couple decided to take part in the event after they saw it advertised in a Mini magazine.

Already owners of an original Mini, they decided to take the plunge and sign up.

Kim said: “We never knew anything about it before we picked up the magazine.

“But, after reading about it, we thought, actually, it’s not a bad idea, so we sent off the entry form and the fee.”

They event begins on May 9, but the duo must first drive to the start line, in Imola, in north-east Italy – a journey which will take three days in itself.

With the use of a sat-nav strictly forbidden, the couple will have to complete challenges along the way.

Kim said: “There are timed sections which have time penalties if you are late.

“There are other sections where you have to collect items from marshals along the way and again, you get penalties if you miss them.”

The event usually takes place later in the year but is being held earlier this year to coincide with a worldwide Mini meet.

It will be a chance for enthusiasts like Kim and Janet to get together with others who are passionate about their cars.

Kim said: “When you’re a Mini owner, when you see another, you wave to them and they wave back. I’m looking forward to it.”

To donate to Kim and Janet’s cause, visit www.justgiving.com/JakiTeam40