1971 Innocenti Mini Cooper
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 Updates
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Motoring Around Apr 24, 2009
Despite a busy schedule, we’re still giving the Mini some love. If it was a dog, it would wag its tail.
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Another Weekend, Another Outing Apr 7, 2009
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.
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Weekend Getaway Feb 23, 2009
Our cooling problems are fixed, so we took the Mini out for the weekend.
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Cool Runnings Jan 29, 2009
Our Mini is cool once again.
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Mini Progress Jan 23, 2009
We now have a working thermostat.
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No News Is No News Dec 5, 2008
More cooling woes.
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A Mini Mini Update Aug 5, 2008
A small update on an equally small car.
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Parts Are on the Way Jul 2, 2008
We’ve ordered the new cooling system parts.
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Hot Stuff! Jun 22, 2008
Looks like we got the summertime blues.
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Mini Gets Around Apr 13, 2008
Taking a nice weekend drive in the Innocenti Mini.
1971 Innocenti Mini Cooper Specs:
- Body type:
- Coupe
- Country of origin:
- Italy
- Displacement:
- 998cc
- Stock horsepower:
- 60 bhp
- Torque:
- 58 lb.-ft @ 3000 rpm
- Engine configuration:
- Inline-4
- Transmission:
- 4-speed manual
- Drivetrain configuration:
- Front-wheel-drive
- Brakes:
- disc/drum
- Body width:
- 55.5 in.
- Curb weight:
- 1411 lbs.
- Wheelbase:
- 80.1 in.
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