It's just the sort of stunt we like: England's second city got a taste of The Italian job to drum up fever prior to a showing of the film – voted Favourite Classic Motoring Movie of all time – at Birmingham's Electric Cinema, the UK's oldest working cinema.
The special screening at 3pm on Saturday 10 November is part of the build up for this year's Footman James Classic Motor Show the following weekend.
The film survey and screening is part of the Classic Motor Show's 'What's The Story?' theme, which has prompted a rush of famous – and notorious –vehicles being signed up to be displayed, including a lorry used in the Great Train Robbery.
As well as the Michael Caine caper movie being voted top dog, the Mini chase through Turin – part of which was actually filmed in Coventry – was also named Favourite Classic Car Chase in a Movie.
Three period Minis in the correct striped red, white and blue were used to stage one of the film's most famous scenes at the weekend.
For more information on the Footman James Classic Motor Show or Classic Motorbike Show, click here.
James Elliott is a former Editor of Classic & Sports Car