Rare red Mini inspired by The Italian Job sells for surprising amount – there’s only a few left in the world

A RARE red Mini inspired by The Italian Job has sold for a surprising amount - there's only a few left in existence.

The special motor was created in celebration of the iconic 1969 British action comedy starring Michael Caine, Noel Howard and Benny Hill.

The film's plot follows the antics of recently released criminal Charlie, played by Caine, who forms a gang to steal a shipment of gold from Italy.

They devise a plan to create a massive traffic jam throughout the city of Turin to ambush the truck - before various problems begin to derail them.

Despite only 1,750 red special edition Minis ever produced, one went under the hammer today and sold for a shocking £5,250.

The staggeringly cheap cost came as a surprise as there are only thought to be around 153 left in the UK.

This model had raked up nearly 29,000 miles on the clock and belonged to just one owner before being sold.

Hampson Auctions said: "This special edition had just one lady owner before being acquired by the seller six years ago.

"Happily, 'no bl**dy doors have never been blown off.'

"It remains original specification, with flame red paintwork and red-piped black tweed interior trim."

The Cheshire-based auctioneers explained around 750 remaining special editions hade been shipped to Italy.

It comes after a rare Mini that was abandoned in a shed for decades has sold for more than £52,000 at auction.

Meanwhile, a classic Ford Capri in 'special' condition has been sold at auction for an eye-watering amount.

The limited edition Zakspeed Turbo Capri model was auctioned off for a whopping £64,688.

Described as the "rarest" of cars, it was conceived early in 1980 by the Ford Motorsport Performance Vehicles Program.

Plus, another classic Ford Capri in immaculate condition is up for sale for almost £60,000.