Binz blows the bloody doors off

It is iconic, it is a classic, it is inimitable and try as they might the imitators have never managed to recapture the atmosphere of the originals. The Mini and the original Italian Job are arguably two icons of the late 20th Century that should never have been remade. The original just cannot be recaptured.

However, the Italian Job Touring Event held during October 2008, brings together the enthusiasts of the Mini and the movie in a rally across the Alps to Emilia Romagna and Turin and back to Ashford. No modern imitations here, just original Minis (and other cars that featured in the movie). Unlike the theme from the movie, “The Self Preservation Society”, all the participants are out to grab as much money as they can for children’s charities.

One duo taking part in this event is Bob Barnett and lifetime mate Terry Larkin. Bob inherited a 1987 Mini when his mother passed away. In her memory Bob has restored the car, which still has only 17,000 miles on the clock, and has entered it in the Italian Job where he aims to raise over £3,000 towards children’s charity, Kids Out UK.

Bob says, “My mother was a generous person and co-sponsor Jonathon Terry and myself were both fortunate enough to come from good caring families. We are trying to help Kids Out UK to raise around £100,000 for an activity bus which will be used throughout the UK to provide events for disadvantaged children. It is what my mother would have wanted.”

Bob and Terry are well on their way to their £3,000 target and have gained sponsorship from JJ Foods, importers and distributors of Lavazza Coffee, La Marguarita Restaurant in Southampton, and Binz UK Ltd., distributors of Binz limousines and hearses worldwide.

Binz’s involvement came about when Peter Smith was approached by Bob’s employer, Jonathon Terry of Jonathon Terry Funeral Directors of Southampton. Peter commented, “We are a family business and we believe that we need to integrate with our clients at every level. So when Jonathon Terry asked if we would sponsor one of his staff on the Italian Job we were happy to help. The Binz itself is fast becoming an icon and being part of this iconic event through sponsoring Bob and Terry brings everyone at Binz a great deal of pleasure.”