Founded in 1931 by Ferdinando Innocenti – a manufacturer of steel tubing, Innocenti saw great success with their patented scaffolding system. With much of the production facilities destroyed during the war, Innocenti was gifted large grants by the Italian government, and built a new plant in the Lambrante area of Milan. In 1946 the iconic Lambretta scooter was born and brought transportation to the Italian masses in the post-war era.

Following the successful introduction of the Austin Mini Se7en and the Morris Mini-Minor in 1959, the British Motor Corporation (BMC), decided to partner with Innocenti in order to gain a foothold in the restrictive Italian market. In 1965 executives decided to have the Mini built under license by Innocenti in Italy. Various models were offered, from the standard 850, traveller as well as the Cooper.

This 1969 Innocenti Mini Cooper 1000 is one of these Italian-built cars. Built by Innocenti from September 1968 to February 1970, 8,992 examples were produced. Ordered new by Giuseppe Sgherri in early 1969, this Innocenti was first registered on 4 April in Pesaro with the targa “P83501”. Remaining with Mr. Sgherri for 50 years, it is reported by the consignor that he drove the car to and from the local church, avoiding rainfall at all costs and stored the car always in a garage. Of note is a patchwork car cover which accompanies this Mini, hand-sewn by the first owners wife. As a result of this special treatment over 50 years, this Innocenti has a very nicely preserved exterior and interior. The odometer reads 53,185 kilometres at the time of cataloguing. The vehicle still rides on its factory-correct hydrolastic suspension, often replaced in period for the traditional rubber cone variant.

As a result of 50 years of single custodianship, this Innocenti Mini Cooper MKII 1000 now presents as an extremely well-preserved example. Acquired by the consignor in August 2019 and imported to the United Kingdom, it is accompanied by the period 1969 Italian Libretto, ACI and ASI passports, as well as an Estratto Cronologico. While factory data for Innocenti Minis does not exists, the engine type is of the correct number for the chassis sequences used in MkII Innocenti Cooper production.

Few Innocenti Minis survive today, and this MkII Cooper 1000 presents a wonderful opportunity for Mini enthusiasts and collectors to acquire a well-preserved example that has just two owners from new.