The best screen moments starring the Classic Mini

The Classic Mini isn’t just a British automotive legend, it’s a movie star in its own right. With its compact size, cheeky looks and surprisingly agile performance, it’s no wonder filmmakers have been drawn to the Mini again and again. From action-packed chase scenes to quirky comedy moments, here’s a cinematic tour of the Mini’s finest roles on screen - including some trivia you might not know.

1. The Italian Job (1969)

Arguably the Mini’s most iconic movie appearance, The Italian Job featured three Mk1 Classic Minis in red, white and blue, weaving through the streets, rooftops and sewers of Turin in an unforgettable gold heist sequence. Sixteen cars were used during filming, many sacrificed in the process, and while British Leyland refused to sponsor the film, Fiat offered free cars and support (which were turned down in favour of sticking with the Mini). Michael Caine’s immortal line, "You’re only supposed to blow the bloody doors off!" has become almost as famous as the Classic Minis themselves.

2. Mr Bean (1990–1995)

Rowan Atkinson’s bumbling Mr Bean is forever associated with his oddball 1977 Classic Mini 1000 in 'citron green' with a matte black bonnet. The car itself became a comedy prop, locked with a padlock, steered with a rope while Bean sat in an armchair on the roof, and frequently engaged in a running gag rivalry with a blue Reliant Regal. Several identical Classic Minis were used across episodes and films, but one original is now on display at the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu.

3. The Bourne Identity (2002)

Matt Damon’s Jason Bourne pulls off one of the best car chases of the 2000s through the streets and steps of Paris - in a humble red Classic Mini Cooper. The production team used a modernised Rover Mini with a roll cage and stunt mods for the sequence. Interestingly, the scene was filmed without CGI, and Damon was trained to handle the car himself, adding to the realism. Director Doug Liman said he picked the Mini precisely because it wasn’t the obvious choice for an action hero, making the scene even more memorable.

4. Austin Powers in Goldmember (2002)

In this James Bond spoof, Michael Caine plays Austin’s dad, Nigel Powers, and drives a Union Jack-liveried Mini Cooper - an affectionate nod to his role in The Italian Job decades earlier. The car, a new BMW MINI, was modified with ejector seats and other spy gear, fitting perfectly into the film’s camp, gadget-filled aesthetic. Caine himself reportedly loved getting back behind the wheel of a Mini for the role.

5. The Beatles’ Magical Mystery Tour (1967)

Though not a traditional feature film, The Beatles’ psychedelic road trip included George Harrison’s customised 1966 Radford Classic Mini Cooper S. Decorated in a full psychedelic paint job to match the countercultural tone of the film, the car was one of several custom Minis owned by the Fab Four. Radford’s coachbuilt Minis were luxurious and bespoke - John, Paul, George and Ringo all had one.

6. The Italian Job (2003 remake)

The 2003 version of The Italian Job swapped out the original Coopers for BMW MINIs but still paid tribute with similar colours and stunt sequences. The updated chase involved navigating narrow tunnels, explosive escapes, and even some real gold bars in the boot. Charlize Theron trained for six weeks to drive the MINI in tight sequences herself.

7. The Holiday (2006)

Cameron Diaz’s character Amanda drives a new Mini Cooper through the snowy English countryside, adding to the car’s reputation as a stylish, go-anywhere compact that fits romantic comedies just as well as action flicks. It wasn’t a central character like in The Italian Job, but it helped reinforce the Mini’s aspirational image.

8. Other appearances and Easter eggs

• Team America: World Police (2004) includes a Mini in its satirical take on action films, scaled to match its marionette-sized cast.

• Good Omens (TV series, 2019): David Tennant’s demon character drives a flame-covered Classic Mini throughout the series.

• The Simpsons: The Classic Mini has made several brief but recognisable appearances in the animated series. Notably, in the episode "In the Name of the Grandfather" (season 20, 2009), the Simpsons visit Ireland and a green Classic Mini is seen on the streets of Dublin - an affectionate nod to British car culture.

• Top Gear: The BBC motoring show has featured Classic Minis in various memorable segments. In a 2003 episode, the team attempted to drive a Mini through a narrow gap at speed. Another iconic moment came when Richard Hammond raced a Classic Mini against a modern MINI Cooper SE to compare generations. While the newer MINI won on performance and comfort, the Classic Mini was praised for its raw driving charm. The team concluded that the Classic Mini delivered more fun behind the wheel - proof that sometimes, less really is more.

The Mini’s star power

The Mini’s screen presence mirrors its real-world appeal; fun, unpretentious, and just a bit rebellious. Whether squeezing through impossibly narrow alleys or being part of an absurd Mr Bean stunt, the Classic Mini is almost always cast as the underdog that surprises everyone.

At Phil Mires Classic Cars, we celebrate that same spirit with every Classic Mini we sell. So if you’ve ever dreamed of owning a car that’s been a movie star many times over, you’re in the right place. Sign up for our email alerts for classic minis for sale or drop us a line. We might just have your next four-wheeled co-star waiting in the wings.