1971 Innocenti Mini Cooper

Started on May 20, 2006, 8:02 p.m.

A few years ago, we decided that a Mini would be a sensible addition to tour fleet. Soon after, we found this one for sale in Charlotte. Friend, author and vintage racer Tom Cotter inspected the car and declared it a great buy for the price.

However, this isn’t just any Mini: It’s a 1971 Innocenti Mini Cooper—a Mini built under license in Italy. The drivetrains for these cars came from BMC, although Innocenti specified a slightly hotter camshaft. Plus, they left the factory with Cooper S brakes. Our twin-SU, high-compression 998cc engine is rated at 60 horsepower, plenty for around-town cruising and occasional highway excursion.

While it looks like a regular Mini at first glance, a closer inspection reveals more differences, like a full gauge package as well as slightly different front fenders. The lights are Carellos, too.

We don’t see this one getting a full restoration, as it’s already a fun, capable weekend runabout. It makes a good photo prop, too.

Latest Project Updates

Dec 23, 2011

Generating Some Electricity

Rebuilding our Mini’s generator.

Apr 24, 2009

Motoring Around

Despite a busy schedule, we’re still giving the Mini some love. If it was a dog, it would wag its tail.

Apr 7, 2009

Another Weekend, Another Outing

After attending the All British Car Show for years as a spectator, this time we actually participated. It was just the kind of low-impact weekend activity that we needed.

Feb 23, 2009

Weekend Getaway

Our cooling problems are fixed, so we took the Mini out for the weekend.

Jan 29, 2009

Cool Runnings

Our Mini is cool once again.

Jan 23, 2009

Mini Progress

We now have a working thermostat.

Dec 5, 2008

No News Is No News

More cooling woes.

Aug 5, 2008

A Mini Mini Update

A small update on an equally small car.

Jul 2, 2008

Parts Are on the Way

We’ve ordered the new cooling system parts.

Jun 22, 2008

Hot Stuff!

Looks like we got the summertime blues.

Apr 13, 2008

Mini Gets Around

Taking a nice weekend drive in the Innocenti Mini.

Feb 24, 2008

Skating Around

Gojaks: How David parks three cars in a two-car garage.

Feb 24, 2008

New Tires for Our Mini

We bought new tires for our Mini. No, they’re not golf cart tires.

Feb 24, 2008

The Innocenti Gets Authenticated

Our Mini gets vintage plates.

Feb 24, 2008

The Italian Job Comes to Classic Motorsports

After spending way, way, way too much time debating what classic to get, David, our editor, finally made a purchase: a 1971 Innocenti Mini Cooper.

Feb 11, 2008

Let's Motor

David puts some miles on the freshly tuned Mini, and gives both the Innocenti and his camera a workout.

Jan 24, 2008

Getting a Carl Heideman Tune-Up

Little British car guru Carl Heideman gives our Innocenti Mini the once-over.

Nov 28, 2007

More Mini Wheels

Our editor has a thing for wheels.

Apr 10, 2007

Mini-lovin'

Our Innocenti gets some loving.

Nov 13, 2006

A Mini Road Trip

Historic Sportscar Racing and our Mini go to Daytona.

Aug 12, 2006

I Feel So Flat

Mysterious flat tires bedevil our Mini.

Jun 27, 2006

Sea Trials Continue

The Mini gets a shake down cruise on the interstate

Jun 18, 2006

Mini's Maiden Voyage

We just got back from our maiden voyage with the Cooper, and there’s good news and bad news.

Jun 1, 2006

Well That Was Easy

Our Mini gets one step closer to the street now that it’s papers are in order.

May 20, 2006

Make Room for Mini

So, without calling a contractor or pulling a permit, how do you turn a standard two-car garage into a three-car garage? Easy. Buy a Mini.