Their first problem is that the Mafia get wind of their plan, and they are met on a mountain road by a welcome party, where three beautiful Jaguars are destroyed. I warn you now, this is a distressing scene and should only be watched by those with a strong constitution.
Unfazed by this threat, the gang break into the traffic control centre and replace the program that controls all the traffic lights in Turin. The gold arrives at Turin airport and is loaded into the security van. Then, one by one, the traffic cameras are disabled and, as the bullion convoy heads into Turin, the rogue program kicks in and plays havoc with the traffic lights, creating a massive traffic jam in the centre of the city. In the middle of this mayhem, Croker's armoured Land Rover sneaks through back streets and courtyards - they attack the security van and drag it into a nearby building where the gold is unloaded into the Minis.
And so to the great chase. To escape from the traffic, and the police, the Minis must drive through buildings, up and down stairs, through markets, through subways, around wedding parties, and even onto the roof of a stadium. Now, as the instrumental version of "Self Preservation Society" is striking up in the background, the Minis cross a river and dive into the sewers - in an amazing set piece the cars shoot down a pipe, at times riding vertically up the walls. They make it to the Alps (where the "Self Preservation Society" is now in full sing-a-long mode) and the cars must drive up a ramp and into a moving coach.
Which brings us to the almost triumphant finish. The prisoners are applauding Mr Bridger. The gold is unloaded and the Minis dumped over cliff edges. Everyone in the coach is celebrating. But then there is a tight corner, a few skids, some slippery gravel and a classic final scene. A real cliffhanger and one of the best closing lines ever: "Hang on lads, I've got a great idea.