Mini tribute to The Italian Job

Bank holiday motor show will pay homage to the film in Crystal Palace Park
Movie stars: the Mini Coopers that featured in The Italian Job will be on show
Alamy

It’s one of the most-quoted movie lines ever, as Michael Caine’s Cockney criminal Charlie Croker, in The Italian Job, shouts: “You’re only supposed to blow the bloody doors off...”

But did you know that scene was filmed in Crystal Palace Park? Watch it again and you’ll spot the famous transmitter. In 1969 the park’s racing circuit — the scene of many famous races — was also used by Italian Job stunt drivers to practise the famous jumping sequence with Mini Coopers.

Now the organisers of Motorsport at the Palace — who, since 2010, have put on a brilliant bank holiday of racing — are celebrating this link with the past at this year’s event on Sunday, May 29, and Monday, May 30.

The three Mini Coopers from the film in red, white and blue will be on display, allowing fans to have their pictures taken alongside them. They will also drive the circuit for a parade lap at lunchtime each day.

About 150 cars from racing and rallying, spanning more than 100 years, will also be showcased, taking turns on the twisting tree-lined hilltop circuit where the likes of Jim Clark, James Hunt, Jackie Stewart and Stirling Moss once battled it out.

Classes will range from pre-war vintage to modern day, with about 75 different cars running each day. The diverse line-up will include a pre-1931 Austin 7 Ulster in one race and a 2000 Honda Civic R-Type in the next. About 35 to 45 clubs will display cars in the park, including the Alfa Romeo Owners Club, the British Street Rod Association, the Independent Porsche Enthusiasts Club, the Stag Owners Club and the MX-5 Owners Club.

There will be a fine collection of classic motorbikes including a 1962 250 Aermacchi Ala D’oro, a 1966 Triumph Thruxton Bonneville and a 1961 BSA DBD Gold Star. There will also be a trader village, live music from Elle & the Pocket Belles and a fun fair.

Best bit? Strolling the paddock as the drivers wait their turn to scorch up the hill, and chatting to the owners.

The event runs from 9am to 5.30pm each day and parking is free. Tickets are on sale, with adult passes from £12 and children from £5, in advance. Visit motorsportatthepalace.co.uk.

A rocking pair of comfy biking jeans

Biking jeans were a disappointing affair until recently. But there has been an explosion of new entrants and some — while offering high levels of protection — look so good they resemble “ordinary” upmarket jeans. With surging interest in biking style, they are hugely popular.

Sitting at the pinnacle of bike jean design is Rokker Revolution from Switzerland, in stock at Motolegends in Guildford.

Straight-legged and beautifully stitched, they look great and appear to be made of high-quality denim. In fact, it’s Schoeller-Denim-Dynatec, an abrasion, wind and water-repellent material that’s pleasant to touch. They are claimed to be wearable in any temperature, thanks to the “c-change” bonded membrane. They are lightweight and — after being worn in — very comfortable, even with the D30 hip and knee protectors, which remain virtually undetectable.

The Rokkers are machine-washable and come in a fancy wooden box. Downside? They are eye-wateringly costly at £350.

Visit motolegends.com to find out more.

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