Innocenti Mini Sorrento

Our journey to find this classic took us to the heart of Sorrento, Italy, not far from Naples. Here we met the proud owner, a gentleman who built this dream car for his own pleasure. He loved to use it for meetings with friends and leisurely Sunday drives. As time went on and age caught up with him, he decided to buy a more comfortable, if less exciting, BMW Z4 to navigate the roads of southern Italy – a choice that found favour with his wife. Consequently, the Mini 1001 was put up for sale, awaiting its new owner.

Not too long ago this car underwent a remarkable transformation. No expense has been spared in restoring it to its former glory. The entire car has been repainted in its original colour. Under the bonnet, the engine was removed and meticulously overhauled with new pistons, a reworked cylinder head, brand new valves, a polished crankshaft, new bearings, seals and a new clutch. New rims, brake discs and even some spotlights and stickers were added. The car retains its original 47bhp, and with the addition of high-lows, improved dampers, bucket seats and disc brakes, the car feels even better than when it rolled off the production line in the end of 1972.

Rest assured, this car has recently been thoroughly serviced and inspected by Brooks to ensure it’s in excellent condition and ready to embark on new adventures with its next owner.

1001 Pre-Export model

This particular model (01/01/1973) is quite unique as it is a pre-export 1001  and was introduced just before the export models were introduced in early 1973. A distinctive feature that highlights this is the slightly smaller rear number plate space, similar to the MK1 and MK2 models. This particular detail is highly prized by collectors, as it’s considered a valuable rarity.

The “Deluxe” 1001 was designed with luxury in mind. Its interior featured a heated rear window, wooden steering wheel and gear knob for added elegance. A cigarette lighter added a touch of refinement. Upgrades extended to the carpets, wood accentuated instrument dials, chromed air vents and a new gear lever gaiter. A new seat design improved both comfort and aesthetics.

It was these thoughtful touches that transformed the Mini 1001 into a more refined and luxurious car.

History

The Innocenti Mini was born in response to the demands of the taxman. In the 1950s, the Italian government imposed heavy customs duties on car imports, with the result that prices rose by an additional 40 percent. This led to a surge in demand for cars built on Italian soil. Foreign manufacturers sought to enter the market through partnerships with Italian companies. It was in this environment that Innocenti made his mark. The BMC-Innocenti agreement was announced on 6th August 1959, just before BMC unveiled the Austin Se7en and Morris Mini Minor to the public. This pivotal agreement gave Innocenti the licence to manufacture British Leyland cars in Milan, Italy.

Minis from the UK arrived in Milan in a completely knocked down (CDK) state, ready for assembly by Innocenti. By 1970, with the introduction of the MKIII, Innocenti had already established itself as a press manufacturer for a number of other car manufacturers and was now producing a significant proportion of the Mini bodyshell itself. This gave them the freedom to introduce unique modifications compared to their British counterparts, such as the distinctive square number plate on the boot and strategically placed holes in the front fender to accommodate side indicators.

The arrival of the MKIII marked the beginning of a new era for the car. Roller shutters graced the doors, joined by additional vents. These vents were excellent for letting out the cigarette smoke and providing a gentle breeze for the passengers inside.

The journey of refinement continued inside, with Italian cloth and vinyl upholstery, a warm woodgrain dashboard, a wood-trimmed steering wheel complemented by a matching wooden gear knob. The craftsmanship even extended to the gauges, made by Viglia Borletti and inscribed in Italian: acqua (water), benzina (fuel) and olio (oil).

“Innocenti’s touch didn’t just bring the Innocenti Mini to Italy; it refined and elevated the original MINI, carving out a unique and cherished niche in automotive history. The impact of the Innocenti Mini has been nothing short of extraordinary, making it the second largest car manufacturer in all of Italy, second only to Fiat”.