One of the reasons that we wanted to take part in the 2014 Italian Job is because it involved a visit to Turin and anyone who has seen the original 1969 film starring Michael Caine will know why. The “escape” scenes through the city are unforgettable so to drive in the city around some of the sights in the film was always going to be a highlight.

First stop was the former Fiat factory and the Lingotto test track where they used to give new Fiats a trial on the roof. I was really looking forward to this, so you can imagine my disappointment when we found

Tour of Turin, mind the tram!

Peach made it on to the roof of the Lingotto!

out that cars

Kent gets everywhere! Behind me is the famous weir

are no longer allowed to drive on the roof! Not to be deterred, Steve unbolted Peach’s bonnet and, much to the surprise of a stern-faced security guard we took it up in the lift to the roof, where much to everyone’s delight, we paraded him around the roof circuit!

After lunch was the much anticipated p

Police escort

The motorcycle outriders were great

olice escorted tour of Turin. It was mad and huge fun. Keep up with the car in front, don’t allow the slightest gap or someone will squeeze in, we were warned. Ignore red traffic lights! Make as much noise as possible. Well, the police motorcycle outriders were fantastic. Speeding ahead to stop traffic and ensure no stragglers got left behind. The people of Turin were delighted to see us and it must have been quite a sight, over 50 Minis (mostly classics) causing traffic jams in the city once more!

It is an experience we’ll never forget. So thank you to the Police and the city of Turin.

A warm welcome from this mime clown