Prime Minister Wilson was not interested in Innocenti, so the government arranged a sale to interested buyer Alejandro De Tomaso. Innocenti built its Mini 90 and 120 models starting in 1974, while still under BMC ownership. Bertone handled the styling, though engines stayed British. The Innocenti Mini is an automobile introduced by Innocenti in 1974. The vehicle was a rebodied, three-door hatchback version of the Mini, styled by Bertone.A five-door prototype was developed around 1980, but was never put into production. After having been sold to De Tomaso in 1976, the Innocenti Mini ended up being powered by Daihatsu-sourced three-cylinder engines and continued in.
1982 MINI INNOCENTI DE TOMASO 120
This is truly a unique union of British craftsmanship and unique Italian style. This model takes the Mini to the next step in its evolution. Sold extensively in western Europe, but sadly never in North America or Great Britain.Mechanically all Mini, but an Italian Mini with panache! This example was originally imported from Spain.
How De Tomaso improved the Mini:- Hatchback Body by Bertone with practical rear folding seat. Full instruments by Jaeger Italia. 12” wheels to accommodate Cooper disc brakes. Front-mounted rad with electric fan (less engine noise !).
(This is NOT the Innocenti with the 3 cylinder Diahatsu engine nor the Italian-sourced British Leyland Mini body.)
Left hand drive. Original mileage is 94000 km (58750 miles) Engine is a BLMC 1275cc. Four speed transmission.
List of improvements:
Complete engine overhaul
Respray
SU Carb updated from Waxstat needle
New SU fuel pump
New clutch
New Shocks
Front seats reupholstered
Petronix electronic ignition
New clutch slave
New brake master cylinder
New brake cylinders, shoes and flex lines
Rebuilt alternator and starter
Sub-frame sand blasted and coated with POR-15
1985 Innocenti Mini De Tomaso
From Wikipedia : “Innocenti's Mini version was generally nicely equipped and had a better finish than their British brethren, leading to higher sales and a better reputation in many continental European markets (aside from Italy), such as France.The largest improvement was the addition of a rear hatch, allowing for improved access to the (still tiny) luggage compartment. Coincidentally, the drag resistance was also marginally lower than that of the original Mini, 0.41Cd rather than 0.42.“
TECHNICAL:
BLMC front and rear sub-frames; Wheelbase: 2040 mm; Ground Clearance: 120 mm; Fuel Supply: One SU HS6 Carb; Horsepower: 76 @ 3200 rpm; Tires: 155/70 SR 12; Fuel Consumption: 5.9 litres per 100 kilometres; 0 to 60 : 10.9 sec.; Top speed: 95 mph. Always garaged. Excellent mechanical condition.
If you love the Mini, but want to drive something completely different, have a look at this unique Mini – and drive a DeTomaso ! Check out the full history at :
Innocenti De Tomaso
http://bmcexperience.com.au/issue-27/innocenti.html