Team 96 Italian Job 2017
David and BobRaising funds for disadvantaged children in a fun way
The Italian Job is a Navigational Car Rally that began in 1990 and is based upon the original 1969 Italian Job Film starring Michael Caine. From its inception it has been undertaken to raise money for children's charities - it is now in its 28th year and has raised almost £2.5 million for a range of children’s charities. This year’s charity is Variety, which supports sick, disabled and disadvantaged children in the UK, principally with coaches, wheelchairs, and specialist equipment and facilities. The Rally takes place over 10 days ending on November 4th, and Bob Piggin and David Markby will be driving 2,500 miles from Sandhurst to the Emilia Romagna region of Italy (the birthplace of Ferraris), and then back via Venice, Turin, Colmar and Rheims, to Ashford in Kent for an Awards Dinner. We are hoping that there might be a special award based on the highest combined ages of the two drivers as, between us, we will have clocked up 150 years by the time we set-off. The 4 day Navigational Rally takes place in Emilia Romagna, and includes laps around the Imola Grand Prix Circuit in Imola, after which we set off for Venice and then Turin. In Turin we visit the old Fiat Factory at Lingotto to drive around the original rooftop test track which featured in The Italian Job Film, and we then drive along the route taken by the three escaping minis following the Turin gold robbery – on this occasion being escorted by a team of police motorcyclists, rather than being pursued by them!
The Rally is open to all cars which feature in the 1969 Film – mainly Minis – and later versions of those cars. The Jaguar XJS we will be driving (which David owns) is 30 years old, and a successor to the Jaguar E Type which appeared in the Film. It has a very thirsty 5 litre V12 engine, and will likely consume 100 gallons of petrol during our journey. Bob has taken part in the Rally on 6 previous occasions in a 1965 Mark 1 Mini, and feels it is now time to partake in a car that provides a little more comfort. We would emphasise that us two drivers will meet all the costs associated with entering the Rally, including the £630 worth of petrol, and all charity donations through the Virgin Giving site will be donated 98% to Variety, and 2% to cover admin costs. Donations will qualify for Gift Aid, if you so elect, to further increase your contribution.