Obviously that's a highly subjective thing but here's one that should probably belong on a short list of the best out there. I'll let Martin (Rakey on MINI2) explain for himself:
A cold winters night in the pub with my mates in December 2002, told them I had test drove a MINI cooper S, and wanted one, but wanted to something a little different. So we sat, drank a few beers, and decided in homage to my previous mini cooper, it should be black and white, then I felt this was not enough. So talked about how I could make it totally unique, and we came up with hundreds of ideas for the car, roof graphics was the main area of discussion. My final choice was made, a classic iconic image of my favourite actor.
Well a few people knew I was planning this, but here it is finally done and on me car. I would like to thank them for their encouragement and support (you all know who you are), but a big thanks has to go to Mad Brummie for putting me intouch with Russell at Action Graphics.
(this was originally posted on MINI2 and has been reproduced here with permission)
<p>pardon my ignorance, but who is that?</p>
<p>Michael Caine, from the original Italian Job. Pretty cool…</p>
<p>Very Kool.</p>
<p>My choices would be: Dirty Harry, John Lennon, Salvador Dali, Stan Freeberg, Mr. Bill, The Terminator…………….R</p>
<p>It's so much fun to see an unusual idea make it to final product, especially when it's done so well. Way to go.</p>
<p>Looks great! Michael Caine- the original and best. I can't for the life of me imagine anyone having a representation of Mark Wahlberg on their Mini's roof. :(</p>
<p>Actually, I believe that the image is from another Michael Caine movie, Get Carter.</p>
<p>Er… is the Tom Sizemore in the comments the actor? You know, the one in “Saving Private Ryan,” “Bringing Out the Dead,” etc.? (He's one of <em>my</em> favorites.) Just wondering.</p>
<p>Oh, and that's a very cool graphic, too :-)</p>
<p>Yes I believe you're correct Tom.</p>
<p>i thought i recognized michael cane, but got confused since the pic wasn't from the italian job.</p>
<p>I for one am saving for the official MINI release of a Chris Bangle roof graphic….</p>
<p>Great Job! Although I much prefer the Harry Palmer version. ;-)</p>
<pre><code> BCNU,
Rob in Dago
</code></pre>
<p>WOW. My car is named after Michael Caine as Alfie. I am mad jealous.</p>
<p>No, I'm not the Heidi Fleiss-beating, druggie actor. Sorry to sound a bit terse, but he has caused me a bit of grief in the past.</p>
<p>Linkies – you may have to cut and paste</p>
<p><a href="http://w1.860.telia.com/~u86010716/Carter2b.jpg">http://w1.860.telia.com/~u86010716/Carter2b.jpg</a></p>
<p><a href="http://w1.860.telia.com/~u86010716/carter2.html">http://w1.860.telia.com/~u86010716/carter2.html</a></p>
<p>Hi Guys,</p>
<p>glad you all like it, and its nice to see it on the front page of such a great website.</p>
<p>I hope to have better photo's later on in the year as the summer gets here and I get to loads of shows in the UK.</p>
<p>Oh it is Michael Caine from the classic film Get Carter!</p>
<p>Rakey</p>
<p>Excellent Roof Graphic….I’m in the process of trying to design one myself to get printed….got a nice red New Mini Cooper with a white roof….dunno what to put on it!
I saw this article a while back and thought it was amazing, but i just want my own design that nobody else has!
You mind me asking if you can tell me how much it was to get the graphic created and (if you didn’t do it yourself) fitted!?</p>