16 replies to this topic

[bini_2_mini__2012]

Just wondering I saved another mini from the scrap man this week an think it could be a mini innocenti I get the number plate and docs tomorrow but would like to know how I could tell if it right shell

[jaydee]

Shell is pretty much the MK3 shell..pics?

[bini_2_mini__2012]

Well havent got anth pics yet but I mean headlight rings I have never seen anything like it And taillights are different Ino these are all thing you can buy but just would like to know any other differences between them

[jaydee]

The shell is the same, essentially an innocenti is a re-trimmed morris mini.. it has MK1 bonnet (the MK2 bonnet was fitted to the Cooper), with a plastic black grille, the bootlid is different and some trimming is different, like headlamp rings, plastic arches were an option for the cooper export, different interiors with thousands ashtrays everywhere.
Does the V5 for this car looks 'suspicious'?

[Cooperman]

The Innocenti Mini-Cooper is really the last of the real original Mini-Coopers as the contract to use John Cooper's name ran for 10 years from 1965 to 1975.
They have the 7.5" 'S' brakes and callipers, Hardy-Spicer drive shaft inner couplings, twin 1.25" HS2 SU carbs, an 11-stud big-valve 'S' head, original 510 'S' cam (which actually has a different number but is identical), remote servo, a simply beautiful 6-dial moulded instrument panel, unique -styled 4.5" steel wheels, spacered rear drums, a different boot lid for a square number plate.
The interior should have moulded door bins which are unobtainable. They are better than the ones on other Minis and I'm thinking of getting a batch moulded. Rear seats are more shaped, front seats have special trim available from Newton Commercial.. Most cars have opening quarter lights on the front dorrs, except for original German market cars. All Innocentis are Left Hand drive and must be to have the best value, as cars converted to RHD have the instruments in front of the passenger. I had to convert mine back to LHD with new rack, new brake pipes, etc, so now it's as original.
The rear lights are rectangular with Italian markings on the lenses. Headlights should be 'Carello' as original, but in the UK these will usually have been changed to make them suitable for driving on the left and to pass the UK MoT.
Up front, there should be small circulat repeater indicators in the front wings, the headlight rims are slightly diffeent, the indicator glasses are plain not amber and if it is an Export' it should have small badges on the A-Panels.
It may or may not have plastic wheel arch extensions - thankfully mine doesn't.
Front grill is matt black with a 'Mini-Cooper' script on it.
I hope you have saved one because they are considered by some to be the most attractive Mini ever.

Edited by Cooperman, 04 May 2012 - 11:08 AM.

[ace01]

All the above from Cooperman, plus the shell differs slightly in the cant rail area.

[Cooperman]

Here is my '73 Inno (before I fitted the correct rear seats) with the rally 'S'. Two genuine Coopers.

[1994alex]

The both look amazing cooperman, are the innocenti wheels 12 by 4.5?

[Naughty 40]

Chassis number should be stamped into inner wing near bonnet stay bracket and begin B39/

[Cooperman]

No, it has the original 7.5" discs and the 4.5" x 10" wheels are steel and are unique to the Innocenti. In fact they are quite rare as many Innos have had Minilite 4.5 x 10 fitted which look good but are not as original.
Mine is now almost finished. It just needs the new front seat covers and carpets, the 'Export' badges on the A-panels, new original quality carpets and the rev counter made to work. Just about everything else has been done to it and it is genuinly rust-free.
It'll be for sale soon as I have a 1966 historic rally 'S' to build which was originally a 1966 998 Cooper but was converted to a full-spec rally 'S' 1275 a long time ago and has been standing for over 10 years. However, Max & Paddy have first refusal

[Naughty 40]

Wheels will be Firsats and should be stamped with the date of manufacture also

[1994alex]

Oh right, i have 2 sets of 12 by 4.5 innocenti wheels, i wonder what they came off then

[Naughty 40]

Probably an Innocenti 90

[1994alex]

Even though both sets came off a 1275gt?

[Naughty 40]

Yes the minis ran on 10's

Are you sure that you are not mistaking rostyles for Firsats?

Edited by Naughty 40, 04 May 2012 - 04:19 PM.