Highlights

• A sublime looking example of the Italian, built under license, Innocenti Mini
• Presenting in a charming, gleaming brown and cream colourway
• Having had just one owner since import in 1988 and a single-family ownership from new 
  
  

The Appeal

This Innocenti 1001 is a fascinating and charming example. Understood to have been under the stewardship of one family since new and imported by them to the UK in 1988. It has enjoyed a professional respray since then in its original brown and cream colourway and its odometer reading of around 98,000 kms (61,000 miles) is thought to be original. Only lack of use and lack of long-term storage now prompts the sale.

The History and Paperwork

• This charming car was manufactured in 1972
• As such is it is designated as being based on the MKIII Mini
• Manufactured in “1001” specification this was a 998cc model
• The 1001 was also a slightly plusher model primarily for export markets
• The car lived its early life in Tuscany
• The car was owned and enjoyed by the grandfather of the current owner’s wife
• When he passed away the car was stored in Tuscany by family members
• In 1988 the current owner imported the car to the UK
• Since then, the car has been dry stored and lightly used
• In its current ownership the car has been resprayed in its original colourway
• This was due to the sun bleaching of the original paintwork
• There is a good level of paperwork included with the car
• This incudes the current V5 in the name of the owner
• There are numerous hard copy MoTs included which help verify mileage
• The Innocenti is registered as a historic vehicle
• As such it is considered MoT and VED exempt in the UK
• Some paperwork relating to the 1988 import is also on hand
• Several invoices are present detailing parts bought and fitted to the car
  
  

The Interior

• This 1001 boasted a slightly pusher interior aimed at export markets
• This specification included fabric centred seats and accents of wood in places
• The front seats are upholstered in a mid-tan, self-patterned fabric
• The seats are arranged into vertical box pleats and appear to be in a fine condition
• The outer bolsters are finished in smooth vinyl and edged with piping
• The rear bench is similarly trimmed and in an equally good condition
• The signature big side bins are present either side of the rear bench
• The complimentary coloured carpets are edge bound and appear in fine fettle
• The driver’s side features an inset rubber heel guard with “Innocenti” embossing
• The dashboard is both familiar yet subtly different in this Milan produced car
• The central instruments are present in the signature, elliptical binnacle
• Rather than the familiar Smiths gauges, however, Veglia Borletti items are used
• These are charmingly labelled in Italian
• They are also set into a wood veneered panel
• A period Saisho radio cassette head unit is fitted 
• A delightful, three spoked wood and alloy steering wheel is fitted
• This is complete with the correct Innocenti boss
• Door cards and rear side panels are finished in vinyl and are in great condition
  
  

The Exterior

• The exterior presentation of the car appears first rate for its age
• The deep and lustrous brown paintwork contrasts perfectly with the cream
• The car has been professionally resprayed since its import to the UK
• This, together with years in a dry climate, has clearly benefitted the car’s condition
• Both roof and steel wheels are picked out in the cream hue
• The wheels are non-standard wider rimmed and deeply dished items
• These appear in an excellent condition throughout
• They are centred by original, chromed Innocenti hub caps
• The wheels are fitted with a matching set of recently new, radial type tyres
• The owner reports that the original wheels and tyres will also be included
• The exterior of the car exhibits a number of clues to its non-BMC heritage
• These include the wing mounted indicator repeaters and rear number plate light
• These came somewhat later, on UK built cars
• The most obvious clues, however, are the Innocenti badging both front and rear
• Lastly is the St Gobain, Italian sourced cabin glass as opposed to the UK’s Triplex 
• This glass appears to be in excellent condition as do the light lenses
  
  

The Mechanics

• This 1001 model is fitted with the erstwhile 998cc BMC “A-series” engine
• This is a highly durable and tuneable unit with a strong international following
• In original form the engine was rated at around 50 bhp
• Despite the modest output the rev-hungry engine made for a spirited drive
• Power is fed to the front wheels via a four-speed, all synchromesh gearbox
• The paperwork documents that a number of new parts have been fitted
• These include a new subframe, petrol tank and 
• New brake shoes, wheel cylinders and brake pipes are also mentioned
• The under-bonnet presentation is highly original
• This area could be further improved by having the engine block painted
• The underside of the car appears well undersealed
• A new steel exhaust is in evidence
• As is a meaty, non-standard sump guard to protect the low sump from damage
• The owner reports the car as starting, running and driving very well
• No known mechanical issued were reported
  
  

Summary