The much-loved Mini is the star of the first programme in the series Cars That Rock fronted by AC/DC singer Brian Johnson. A self-confessed car-nut Johnson investigates different marques in each show, including Porsche, Bugatti, Lamborghini, Ferrari and Rolls-Royce.
In the first programme broadcasting on May 8th at 9pm on Quest Johnson learns about the history of the little British icon, before taking a ride in the world’s fastest Mini at Santa Pod Drag track. This is a £500 car with over £100,000 of alterations and Johnson is clearly impressed with the speed it achieves.
The Italian Job is one of the iconic British films and though Sir Michael Caine was credited as the star, it really starred the Mini Cooper. Johnson meets the man who now owns the red, white and blue Minis from the 1969 film. This is a man so obsessed that he has not only restored the cars from a written-off box of bits, but has had helmets, goggles and overalls made to match those used in the film.
Later Johnson meets Monte Carlo Rally legend Paddy Hopkirk who gives him a few racing tips, before he enters the Masters Historic Racing Festival at Brands Hatch. He has raced vintage cars before, but never a Mini…
With segments on the original Mini’s innovative design, vintage footage of the Monte Carlo Rally and the Swinging Sixties this is must-see stuff for Mini fans.
Cars that Rock is on Thursdays at 9pm from 8th May 2014 on Quest (Freeview 38, Sky 167, Virgin Media 172)
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