1972 Innocenti Mini 1001
Rare Italian built right-hand drive Mini

Registration No: SPD 740L
Chassis No: 909960
MOT: Exempt

• '1001' model known for being a Deluxe example for mainly export markets
• Previously owned by one Italian family in Tuscany until 1984 and two keepers in the UK since import
• Full synchromesh gearbox
• Appears to have benefited from a recent respray

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 - usually to a much higher specification than the cars built by BMC / British Leyland - including features such as roll up windows with quarter lights, side repeater indicators, wooden dashboards and more.

The 1001 was primarily designed for the export market outside of Italy and was described as a 'Deluxe' model, featuring a Wood Grain dash binnacle and cloth and vinyl seats that are noticeably comfortable compared to a UK car.

This particular car is a fascinating and charming example. An original right hand drive car, it is understood to have been under the stewardship of one family since new in Tuscany and imported by them to the UK in 1984. It has enjoyed a professional respray since then in its original coffee and cream colourway and its odometer reading of around 98,000 km (61,000 miles) is thought to be original. Our vendor bought the car earlier in 2023 but has decided that it is not for him and is making room for a very different classic!

On inspection, it is evident that the car has benefited from some amount of bodywork restoration in its past, with the original Coffee & Cream scheme having been professionally re-applied in recent years everywhere except within the engine bay, which could be a small but worthwhile project for a future owner although it does give testament to the car's originality. During the previous ownership it was also subject to numerous works to the brakes, suspension (having received a new subframe), stainless steel exhaust and a new petrol tank. The little 998cc A-Series engine appeared to run very well and the vendor reports a strong gearbox and clutch. The vendor reported a leaky radiator will be exchanged for a brand new item in time for the auction. The interior presents very well with recovered seats and new carpets present, with nicely aged original door cards and headlining displaying only slight wear. Smiths gauges are expected in a Mini but being Italian we find a set of Veglia Borletti items which all appear to work well. The car also features a beautiful, patinated accessory wooden steering wheel with a correct Innocenti horn push that is oh-so reminiscent of Alfa Romeos or Lancias of the era.

Overall the car presents very well, with only small areas under the bonnet that could be improved. A way of putting a slightly different step into Mini ownership!

For more information, please contact:
Lucas Gomersall
lucas.gomersall@handh.co.uk
07484 082430