UK DRIVERS PREFER THE ITALIAN JOB

Motorists in have declared that their favourite car movie of all time is The Italian Job, which was first released over 30 years ago in 1969.

A study of used car buyers reveals that 33% of motorists were most impressed by the classic Michael Caine comedy caper, telling the story of a Gold Bullion raid by cockney criminals in Italy.

The original film was a huge hit in the UK, but when released in the US it fared extremely badly. The English sense of humour probably didn’t help, so it comes as no surprise the much anticipated re-make, at the cinemas now, features American actor, Mark Whalberg (Planet of the Apes) who will play the role of Charlie Crocker. Gang members include Edward Norton (Fight Club), Jason Statham (Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels) and Donald Sutherland.

The research, undertaken by the UK’s second largest motor retailer, CD Bramall revealed that joint second with 18% of the vote were the Herbie films and James Bond’s timeless car chases.

CD Bramall’s marketing director, Neil Addley, said: “The results show that the British public love a car with character. Whether it’s the classic and now very trendy Mini Cooper, a favourite of Madonna’s, a quirky Volkswagen Beetle or a sophisticated Bond car, it just goes to show that we are a nation with taste. While sales don’t necessarily follow movie popularity the car is often a key component of many new movies, including Harry Potter and the new Batman movie staring British actor Christian Bale.

See our review of the original The Italian Job.