Innocenti Mini Miglia – Italian charm meets Mille Miglia soul

This light blue Innocenti Mini Miglia perfectly captures the elegance and timing of Italian Minis — but there’s far more than meets the eye. Under its serene exterior hides a meticulously built engine inspired by classic Cooper performance.

The heart was rebuilt by Auto Officina ZAMBON using twin HS2 carburettors and a performance exhaust system, mirroring the specifications of an original Mk2 Mini Cooper 998. Beyond the carbs and exhaust, the engine features raised “D-top” pistons, a 12G295 cylinder head, and an upgraded crankshaft assembly — key elements from the Cooper 998 that contribute to its distinctive character and spirited drive.

The car also wears a stunning set of 10‑inch magnesium Mille Miglia wheels by Mayfrini, a collector’s delight and an elegant nod to Italian motorsport. Fittingly, we picked it up in late June, just as the Mille Miglia rally swept through northern Italy — a perfect moment for a Mini with a racing soul.

Before returning north, this Mini spent most of its life in the far south of Italy, where the seafood bursts with flavour, lemons grow in abundance, and the sun leaves its mark on everything it touches. That relaxed yet purposeful vibe shows in the car’s character.

A few years ago, it received a full respray in Italy, and has recently been polished here in the Netherlands to enhance the depth of its original Innocenti Bluette paint — a light-blue hue often seen on 1300 Export models and a distinctly national choice.

Inside, the classic 1001 cabin shines with an authentic wood-trimmed dashboard, half-leather seats, and plush Innocenti carpet — offering a refined and distinctly Italian take on the classic Mini interior.

The car is now in our workshop, where we’re putting the finishing touches in place — final polish, mechanical checks, and that last step needed before it goes up for sale.

Coming soon.