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.1973 Mini Innocenti 1300 LHD-6.jpg545.4 KB
The History and Paperwork
First registered in 1973 in LHD
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.1973 Mini Innocenti 1300 LHD-64.jpg336.18 KB
The Interior
Bucket seats added in correct interior colour
Original seats available
New carpets
6-clock dashboard
Very good condition throughout
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.1973 Mini Innocenti 1300 LHD-15.jpg794.2 KB
The Exterior
Finished in Bluette with White roof
Rostyle wheels
Sports exhaust
Halogen headlights
Very good chrome trim
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.1973 Mini Innocenti 1300 LHD-8.jpg529.99 KB
The Mechanics
‘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.1973 Mini Innocenti 1300 LHD-117.jpg649.31 KB
Summary
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.
