Cooper family donate a special limited edition John Cooper Works MINI to raise funds for Buttle UK

The John Cooper Anniversary JCW MINI is a limited edition of just 740 cars, and has received design tweaks and styling from Charlie Cooper himself. The production of 740 cars is in homage to the race number of 74, the one adorning the first Mini Cooper race car to drive to victory.

The proceeds from the sale of this car that will be auctioned by Barons Classic Car Auctions at Sandown Park ion 29^th April, will take the Italian Job beyond £3 million raised for children’s charities since it started in 1990.  It is a once in the lifetime opportunity to own a very special car with a unique heritage. In addition to style tweaks, unique decals and exclusive colours there are three generations of Cooper family signatures on the dashboard.

Charlie Cooper, grandson of the late and great inventor of the Mini Cooper, John Cooper CBE, owns this brand-new car that has only recently rolled off the production line. Charlie was only 9 years old when his grandfather first became involved in The Italian Job event back in 1990.  John Cooper’s patronage of the event in its early days made a significant difference and helped propelled it from just an idea into a serious fundraising event for children’s charities.  So following in the footsteps of his grandfather Charlie, and his father Mike, decided to jump into action and lend his support to help children impacted by the pandemic by donating his brand-new limited edition car. The family has also added the Cooper family-owned private registration W9RKS, to make the car truly unique.

 “John Cooper was a legend of the automotive world; a genuine visionary whose vision extended far beyond the garage workshop and racing circuit.  In 1990 John recognised something quite special about our Italian Job idea and he threw himself without hesitation behind it… it is truly endearing to see the third generation of the Cooper family, John’s grandson Charlie, embracing the ethos of what we’re trying to do and throw his support behind the Italian Job too. His gesture of support is simply incredible and the money it raises will make an immediate difference in the lives of some very vulnerable children and young people”. Freddie St George MBE, Founder of The Italian Job

“Through Freddie and Giulia’s incredible hard work the Italian Job charity has achieved so much. My grandfather loved the work of the Italian Job, so what better way to celebrate 60 years of the Mini Cooper than auctioning off our car with the number plate W9 RKS for the charity!” Charlie Cooper

To register for the auction, go to: www.barons-auctions.com – SPRING CLASSIC AUCTION.  The auction takes place at 1pm on Friday 29^th April at Sandown Park Racecourse.

The Italian Job is returning to Italy after two  years, to register for this unique motoring experience and raise further funds for Buttle UK visit www.italianjob.com.