Description
An early Spanish built Mini Cooper 1275 from 1973 – this is not an Innocenti although it does look very similar at first glance. Authi Coopers were built in Pamplona, Spain from 1973 the last Mini Cooper model to be launched in period. Production ceased in 1975 following a serious fire at the factory causing BL to cease making cars in Spain.
This car was imported to the UK in the 1990 and converted to right hand drive at that time. From 1990 to 1998 it only covered around 2000 summer miles then it was dry stored in a barn 1998 > 2013.
Only two UK owners, I have owned it since 2013. The 1275cc engine runs well, Southam Mini Centre converted the cylinder head for unleaded fuel. Gearbox is a 4 synchro rod change. The dashboard is very similar to an Innocenti but with Spanish made Veglia Bressel instruments. The seats are leather covered, the fronts do recline. Running gear is much the same as Cooper S. The bodyshell is much more like a UK car of the period than an Innocenti and they were made from better quality steel than the Innocenti.
Featured in Practical Classics June 2015 edition – The Brits Abroad article. CD of pictures from the day included in the sale. Also featured in MCR Cooper World magazine.
Innocenti’s are not uncommon in the UK, but there are very few Authi’s - and even fewer actually on the road.
