How do you steal a scene from Charlize Theron? Easy, be a MINI Cooper S. At least that’s how most who saw the movie remember the film The Italian Job released in 2003. The movie itself, a remake of a 1969 British movie of the same name starring Michael Caine, was a hit. And the MINI Coopers in the last act were the stars.

Dead end? Charlie's dark blue MINI Cooper S in The Italian Job

What stood out in my mind in recalling the movie were the MINIs being driven around inside Steve’s (Ed Norton) house through the hallways. Of course, the house was a very big mansion. But nevertheless, a car being driven inside it was something unusual and pretty cool at the same time.

Also, you can’t forget the ensuing scene when Charlie (dark blue MINI), Stella (red MINI), and Handsome Rob with Left Ear (white MINI) jacked Steve’s gold through LA’s train tunnel, river wash, and crowded streets. They drove the cars down the stairwells to begin the caper.

Bird's eye view of 3 MINI Coopers entering LA's train tunnel

Mini Cooper S Diecast Models on eBay

Die Cast Welly Mini Cooper S Cabrio 1:43 Blue Model Car (00600515) US $11.69 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Tuesday Feb-07-2012 21:22:49 PST   | Watch this Item

New MINI COOPER S 1:18 Alloy Diecast Model Car open Blue B1240 US $57.99 Auction Ends: Wednesday Feb-08-2012 0:46:39 PST   | Watch this Item

New MINI COOPER S 1:18 Alloy Diecast Model Car open Red B1239 US $57.99 Auction Ends: Wednesday Feb-08-2012 0:46:42 PST   | Watch this Item

Italian Job: 3 MINI Cooper S blazing down the stairwell under Los Angeles

Some fans and owners of MINI Coopers credit the movie as the reason why they bought the car. I know two couples who each bought a matching set of MINI’s after watching The Italian Job. The car is surprisingly roomy and has decent gas mileage. They had been gloating during the travesty of high gasoline prices in 2006-07. Other small conventional cars and hybrids can probably do better in gas savings, but the MINI Cooper does it with style.

Pictures of MINI Coopers from Photobucket

There are MINI Cooper S for sale on eBay Motors.

Another great thing about The Italian Job was that it starred Jason Statham. He went on to star in another car movie remake, Death Race in the lead role. I’ll have posts on the Transporter cars eventually.