Extensively modified 1380cc engine, drivetrain and suspension
Excellent condition throughout
Private registration included
The Appeal
Built in Italy under licence the Innocenti Mini Cooper had a few differences to the UK version, namely front quarter light windows and a more stylish interior, which included a six-clock dash in place of the usual single dial.
The Mini Cooper is a car that delivered a whole lot of performance, with its small and lightweight body enabling it to see-off much more powerful rivals on the racetrack thanks to its uncanny ability to hardly slow down for the corners.
This particularly fine example of the Innocenti Mini Cooper has been in the ownership of a true motoring enthusiast since 2003, since which time it has been fastidiously maintained, been re-trimmed and re-sprayed, and made to go as fast as possible with some seriously modified running gear and a new ‘fast road’ Morspeed 1380cc engine, prepared and fettled by renowned Mini Racer and race tuner Peter Baldwin.
Make no mistake, this is no ordinary Mini Cooper to pop down the shops in, this one is built to a fast road specification and, if that’s what you’re looking for, then read on.
Imported and registered in the UK in 1978 and assigned TRX 199S registration
Bought by current owner in RHD form in 2003
Re-registered with private registration 720 SXW
Converted back to LHD
Bare metal respray in 2008 in original colours
Standard 1380cc engine replaced with new ‘fast road’ Morspeed 1380cc engine with a ‘fast road’ cam
Twin SU 1.5” carburettors
V5c present
MOT exempt
2 sets of keys
There’s not much in the way of history or paperwork that comes with the car, but its exceptional condition and performance upgrades coupled with its rarity and uniqueness, should certainly get it some attention in this auction.
The interior is very clean and tidy, and features non-standard bucket seats, though the original seats, which will need re-trimming, are included in the sale, and the very smart bank of six dials which helps to make the interior that extra bit special.
Door cards, carpets and headlining are all in good condition, showing the odd little sign of wear and tear over the car’s years, but overall the mostly original interior presents very well.
Taken right back to bare metal and re-sprayed in its original dark blue with contrasting white roof back in 2008, the paintwork still looks good with a good depth to its shine, with only a couple of small marks picked up since.
The Rostyle alloy-imitation wheels suit the car well and are in excellent condition and are all wearing nearly new tyres.
The chrome trim has fared particularly well and the car looks like an original Innocenti should, with no outward hint of the car’s true performance potential.
‘Fast road’ Morspeed 1380cc engine with a ‘fast road’ cam
Only 6,000 miles on the new engine
Twin SU 1.5” carburettors
K&N Air Filters
Straight cut gearbox with 3:1 final drive
Coil springs with Koni sport shock absorbers
Poly-bushed throughout
Innocenti sump guard
Stainless steel sports exhaust
Single line brake system
New front callipers and Minifins at rear
Maserati air-horns
The Mini has been regularly serviced every year by the current owner and consistently improved and fettled over his ownership to create a very fast Mini Cooper with its flowed 1380cc engine, large twin carbs, performance air filters and high performance coil and spark plugs.
No stone has been left unturned in pursuit of outright performance down to fitting a straight cut gearbox to cope with the extra power and torque produced by its 100HP highly tuned engine.
The brake system has been upgraded to a single line servo assisted system with 7.5” front discs at the front and Minifins at the rear, and the suspension has been firmed up considerably with a coil spring conversion, poly bushes and Koni Sport shock absorbers.
Externally the car looks like a very smart and original Innocenti Mini Cooper but what lies beneath the bonnet transforms it into a car designed to get from A to B as fast as possible, while ensuring that the driver has as much fun as possible along the way.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
Please see our FAQs
here
and our Terms & Conditions
here
Car & Classic's secure payment system protects buyers and sellers. At the end of the auction, the winning bidder transfers payment into a third-party escrow account. Once the transfer of the vehicle is complete, both parties confirm they are happy with the sale and the money is released to the seller.
More about buying with us
1973 Leyland Mini Cooper Innocenti 1300 LHD
About Max Bids
The max bid process allows you to bid without any hassle.
Enter your maximum bid and we will then bid on your behalf to ensure you're the highest bidder - just enough to keep you in the lead and only up until your maximum.
Anti-sniping
Car & Classic prevent auction snipers from bidding in the last seconds to win an auction.
Auctions are extended by 3 minutes if anyone bids within the last 2 minutes to allow other bidders to react and counter-bid.
Auto-bidding increments
If your maximum bid is equal to or below the reserve price, your maximum bid will be applied in full if you are the highest bidder.
If you are the highest bidder and place a maximum bid above the reserve, we will automatically put in the reserve as your first bid.
Once the reserve has been met, Car & Classic will make sure you are the highest bidder using only the bidding increments stated below.
We will keep you in the lead up until your maximum bid OR the increment closest to your maximum bid, providing your maximum bid is enough to cover the increment value.
Bid Amount
Increment
£0 to £9,999
£100.00
£10,000 to £49,999
£250.00
£50,000 to £99,999
£500.00
£100,000 +
£1,000.00
Automatically outbid immediately
When you place a max bid and are outbid immediately that means that another bidder has placed a max bid limit which is higher than yours.
You can bid again and we will use our automatic bid system to try and get you as the highest bidder.
Matching max bids
When there are two max bids of the same value, the one placed first remains the lead bidder.
Pre-authorisation
We may hold a pre-authorisation charge on your card until the end of the auction when the hold will be cancelled. If you win, we'll take a security deposit which counts towards the payment for the vehicle and isn't any extra cost to you.
What are pre-bids?
A pre-bid means you're able to place a bid before the official start of the auction.
You will be notified whether or not you are the highest bidder when the auction starts.
Problem with your bid
Bids are contractually binding. To help protect you, we have some rules in place if we think it's been mistyped. Please check and amend what you have entered.
