CARS FROM THE ITALIAN JOB REUNITED TO MARK It's 50th ANNIVERSARY AT THE LONDON CLASSIC CAR SHOW

CARS FROM THE ITALIAN JOB REUNITED TO MARK It's 50th ANNIVERSARY AT THE LONDON CLASSIC CAR SHOW

Actress Hazel Collinson, who appeared in The Italian Job and is the widow of its director Peter Collinson, to be a guest of honour alongside surviving classic cars from the iconic film

Surviving cars from epic chase movie The Italian Job will be reunited in a special exhibit to mark the iconic film’s 50th anniversary at the London Classic Car Show, taking place on 14-17 February 2019 at ExCeL London.  

The 1969 British heist film, which stars Michael Caine, Noel Coward and Benny Hill amongst others, is famed for its incredible chase scenes through Turin, Italy, with the cars being the real stars of the movie. The London Classic Car Show and Octane Magazine have curated this special celebratory feature, bringing together three original cars alongside replicas to mark the film’s half-century.  

Jaguar E-Type red 3.8L Roadster (848 CRY), image credit: Philip Porter & Abigail Humphries

The highlight of the surviving models will be the film’s pair of Jaguar E-Types – the dark blue Fixed Head Coupe (619 DXX) and red 3.8L Roadster (848 CRY). The Coupe was in the owner’s possession for almost 20 years before a friend spotted that it could be the car featured in the film. Further investigation proved positive and it has now been painstakingly restored by Tester Engineering to its original factory specification. 

The red Roadster will also be on display. Originally a demonstrator and raced in 1961, it was sold to model Richard Essame in 1962 who landed a part in the film as one of the Mini Cooper drivers. Essame drove the car to a location in Italy, where the production team saw it and thought it would be ideal for the film and purchased it from him. 

Hazel Collinson appears in the movie with Michael Caine and the Aston Martin DB4 Convertible (163 ELT). 

Rounding out the three originals from the film is the Aston Martin DB4 Convertible (163 ELT) that was supposedly tipped over a cliff by a bulldozer. Despite its apparent demise, this 1961 convertible was switched for a Lancia Flaminia during filming, allowing the DB4 to survive the cliff scene.

Unfortunately, the iconic red, white and blue Minis made so famous by the production no longer exist, but identical replicas will be featured to celebrate the film’s anniversary.

Hazel Collinson, actress, director and widow of the film’s director Peter Collinson, will be a guest of honour at the London Classic Car Show and will share her memories from the making of the film. 

Appearing in the film cast as “blonde scrubber”, Mrs Collinson said: “Little did Peter and I think when the film was first made that it would become the cult that it has. My husband was a great director and this is a film that really got under his skin. He had specific ideas about how the film should be shot. He makes an appearance as the person directing cars at the back of the motor coach because even the stunt men felt it was too dangerous a task. I am delighted to be visiting the show and it is always a pleasure to meet Italian Job fans and share with them some of the amazing stories about the film and what happened on set.”

Alongside the original cars presented at the show there will be a Lamborghini Miura identical to that appearing in the film, along with a reproduction of the OM Furgonato Sicurezza ‘Bullion’ Van. Convincingly converted by the film’s production crew into a security van, the attempt to blow its doors off led to the film’s famous line delivered by Caine, but also the destruction of the original. 

It is also hoped that the restoration of a Harrington Legionnaire coach will be finished in time for the event. The original was converted especially for the film but after its starring appearance it went back to being used as a coach and was scrapped in the 1990s after service in Scotland.  

“Bringing together and reuniting these original iconic cars from such a classic piece of automotive film history is a real honour,” said James Elliott, editor in chief at Octane. “We’re thrilled to present such a special feature to the visitors of the London Classic Car Show and we can’t wait for the unique opportunity to see these cars up close.”

Alongside The Italian Job exhibit, the London Classic Car Show will bring together an incredible collection of classic vehicles at ExCeL London. One of the event’s highlights will be the Grand Avenue, an indoor live runway that will showcase an array of rare and valuable models. There will be a celebration of the career of car designer Ian Callum, who will receive the show’s Icon Award, while TV presenter and engineer Edd China has curated a special showcase of aero-engined vehicles. Leading classics dealers from throughout the UK will be present, along with manufacturers, car clubs and restorers, making it a must-attend event for any discerning classic car owner, collector, expert or enthusiast.

Advance ticket prices for the London Classic Car Show start from £25 per adult, £20 per child (6-15) and £75 per family (two adults, two children). Entry for children under the age of six years is free. VIP package upgrades are also available, starting at £55 per adult, which include fast track entry, hospitality, show guide and Grandstand access for one Grand Avenue show. 

For further information and to purchase tickets for the London Classic Car Show, visit www.thelondonclassiccarshow.co.uk. 

 

CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF CITROEN AT THE LONDON CLASSIC CAR SHOW

CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF CITROEN AT THE LONDON CLASSIC CAR SHOW

2019 marks the 100-year anniversary of French automobile manufacturer Citroën. The daring brand will celebrate its centenary at the London Classic Car Show on 14-17 February with a showcase of vehicles that have made the boldest marks on the automotive industry since its launch in June 1919.

Having produced more than 300 models during its rich history, ten of its prominent vehicles will be shown at ExCeL London at the London Classic Car Show, from the 1920s Citroën B12 through to its new 2019 Citroën C5 Aircross SUV, including:

Citroën B12 Taxi

The only surviving example of its kind in the UK and one of the very few left in the world, this 1926 Citroën B12 Taxi was found in 2002 in a chicken shed on a farm just outside Paris. The barn find was transported to Kent where a complete restoration was undertaken. The B12 was manufactured using mass production technologies, which were still unique to Citroën in the 1920s.

Citroën Traction Avant
Although criticised at launch on 19 April 1934, the Citroën Traction 7 was the first of the Traction Avant (front-wheel drive) line that eventually ran all the way through to 1957. It was deemed revolutionary for its many innovations, including being the first mass-produced car with a monocoque chassis and the first car in the world to lose the running board, which changed the way you got into a car – rather than ‘mounting’ it, you descended into its cabin. The specific example at the London Classic Car Show was built in 1939 and registered 15 days after the outbreak of the Second World War, making it one of the last cars to leave the factory.

Citroën Type H Van

The first front-wheel drive van in wide circulation, the Type H launched in 1947 and lasted decades without any major change up until the arrival of the C25 in 1981. It was deemed to have an innovative design for a commercial vehicle of its time and modern vans still take inspiration from its architecture and functional design.

Citroën 2CV

In 1935, Maison Michelin took over Citroën and proposed a ‘people’s car’ for rural drivers. A national survey was commissioned to determine the right price, speed and capacity – this led to the 2CV in 1948. The 2CV went on to be a hugely successful model with almost four million cars being manufactured until it was phased out in 1990. The model on show will be a 1964 2CV AZAM, which is one of only five of this specification left in the UK.

Citroën DS 

Its eye-catching ‘drop of water’ design, courtesy of Flaminio Bertoni, caused it to stand out when it was launched at the 1955 Paris Motor Show. This futuristic design earned DS the nickname the ‘Flying Saucer’. The hydropneumatic suspension combined with power steering gave the car its famous handling that allowed the DS to ride on only three wheels. In fact, the DS19 of General de Gaulle was able to save the President during the attack of the Petit-Clamart, in spite of its punctured tyres.

Citroën Méhari

The first French production vehicle with a body created solely out of thermoformed plastic (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), the Citroën Méhari debuted in 1968. As a result, the car wasn’t susceptible to scrapes, small blows or corrosion and was easy to maintain and entirely spray washable, including the interior! The 1985 example appearing at the London Classic Car Show was registered in the Netherlands, with its hatchback shape making it a popular model.

Citroën BX 

In production from 1982-1994, the Citroën BX set a new standard for the brand; it’s one of the best-selling Citroën cars of all time and credited with saving the company from bankruptcy during the ‘80s.

Citroën SM 

Unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in 1970, the SM was the first Citroën to have a five-speed gearbox. The model on show was one of 1,500 vehicles that were exported to Italy, which was one of the best export markets for the model.

Citroën CX 

Launched in the summer of 1974, it was voted Car of The Year in 1975. Famed for its curved windscreen and a boot without a tailgate, it sold nearly 1.2 million units during its 16 years of production. On display will be a 1985 eight-seater Citroën CX Familiales in full ‘Prestige’ specification.

2019 New Citroën C5 Aircross SUV

Moving into the latest era of mobility, Citroën will show its New C5 Aircross SUV, reflecting today’s driving preferences. Classically SUV-shaped, it offers strong style choices and a range of personalisation options along with the latest in driver assistance and connectivity technologies to bring the exhibit up-to-date with a true Citroën vehicle in design and character.

Alongside its celebratory centenary exhibit, a parade of Citroën will also grace the show’s Grand Avenue. One of the event’s most popular attractions, visitors will get the chance to see the cars fired up and demonstrated live around the indoor arena. For the first time, grandstand seating will be available for to provide the very best view of the on-track action, with tickets priced at £10 each.

“2019 is a very special year for Citroën and we’re looking forward to kicking off the centenary celebrations at the London Classic Car Show next month,” said Karl Howkins, Managing Director, Citroën UK. “We’re bringing together a fantastic collection of iconic models that have resonated with motorists and showcase the brand as it’s developed through the years.”

London Classic Car Show Event Director Bas Bungish said: “We are delighted that Citroën has chosen the London Classic Car Show to mark this key milestone. Citroën has shaped the history of the automobile industry over the past 100 years and it will be fascinating to see a selection of these notable cars in one place.”

Tickets are on sale for the London Classic Car Show. Advance ticket prices start from £25 per adult, £20 per child (6-15) and £75 per family (two adults, two children). Entry for children under the age of six years is free. VIP package upgrades are also available, starting at £55 per adult, which include fast track entry, hospitality, show guide and Grandstand access for one Grand Avenue show.

For further information and to purchase tickets for the London Classic Car Show, visit www.thelondonclassiccarshow.co.uk.

Get back into the Driving Seat…The London Classic Car Show returns

Get back into the Driving Seat…The London Classic Car Show returns

The London Classic Car Show returns to ExCeL London for our fifth year and there's no doubt we're the best show in town! 2018 saw us celebrate the incredible racing career of F1 World Champion Nigel Mansell. Philip Glennister curated a wonderfully gritty display of the very best “getaway cars” made famous on the silver screen and renowned cars used in actual heists! To top it all our Grand Ave showcased sixty cars driving, featuring “Specials” – cars that gained legendary status through enhanced performance,  styling and produced in limited numbers.

2019 will bring you new and unique displays...

The Italian Job     Celebrating its 50th anniversary, we pay tribute to the most iconic motoring heist movie in history, sharing with you a line up of its star cars... READ MORE

Those magnificent men in their driving machines… We look back in history to see where our obsession with speed began and turn to the brave racing pioneers of motoring, who were inspired by aeronautical engineering... READ MORE

The Grand Avenue This year's theme is 'Firsts' - cars that have pioneered new technologies, made a designer's name or founded manufacturing dynasties. We'll also celebrate the 60th anniversary of a very special car... READ MORE

Track-side Grandstands Brand new for 2019 we will be offering Grandstand seating 'track-side' for the Grand Avenue parades. Only a limited number will be available!

Ticket prices will remain unchanged this year and will be on sale soon! An early bird ticket offer will be available to our subscribers for the first month only... View all ticket details and prices here