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
After World War II, Italy imposed stringent import duties on imported cars in order to help bolster its war-ravaged domestic manufacturers. This added up to 40% to the sticker price of imported cars, particularly penalising low-cost cars like many from BMC. Even before the Mini was launched in 1959, Sir Leonard Lord of BMC had struck a deal with Lambretta manufacturer, Fernando Innocenti, to produce certain BMC models in Milan, hence bypassing the dreaded import duties. This included, of course, the Mini which were originally supplied in CKD (completely knocked down) kit form. By the time this MKIII model was produced, however, Innocenti were pressing their own bodies and trimming the cars themselves.
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
Leonard Lord’s deal with Fernando Innocenti not only provided the Italian firm with a springboard into car manufacture, but it also produced a charming and unusual iteration of the Mini. Although the Innocenti Minis were relatively faithful to the British original, just enough was changed to infuse the humble city-car with some mystique and added allure.
This example is a real gem. It looks fantastic with its wider wheels and tyres and in its brown over cream colourway. It has a fascinating, one family history and boasts a plusher interior with Italian sourced Veglia Borletti gauges. For the many Mini lovers out there, this has got to represent a fascinating and tempting ownership proposition. Somehow some of that Italian sunshine seems to have been built into this charming little Innocenti.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
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
1972 Innocenti 1001 (MKIII Mini)
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