1974 Innocenti Mini Cooper 1300 'Export'

The example we are presenting is a 1974 Innocenti Mini Cooper 1300 Export, chassis identification number B 39/7, chassis number 554044 and engine number 12H832X H01831. It is equipped with a 1275cc engine delivering 65 hp (49kW). It is fitted with a manual gearbox and front-wheel drive. According to the five-digit odometer, the vehicle has 10297 km under its belt. This Cooper is in fair overall condition. The car has undergone extensive mechanical work by the current owner.

The car is red with a white roof and chrome trim. The colours are glossy and bright. Although it was repainted in 2012 in an original shade of red, the quality of the paintwork is not the best, so a complete repaint is recommended, even if it is not essential. There are slight scuff marks which almost exclusively concern the edges of the panels. There are also small imperfections all around the perimeter. In the front, we can see surface scratches and a crack in the paint underneath the left headlight. The hood shows no obvious damage other than a small crack in the paintwork. The front bumper chrome is well mirrored, with a few bumps and small rust spots. The sides are in good condition except for a few small dents. There is a bump on the right front fender. The window seals are intact and well-preserved; they adhere properly to the car body and are not warped. The chrome trim is relatively intact, with a few surface rust spots. The headlights and headlight glass are clear, unlike the side turn signals, which are dulled. The mirrors are preserved. Moreover, along the edges of some panels, we can notice the paint swelling due to surface oxidation. This defect affects the front of the sills, the joints between the rear and side panels and near the windshield. The edge of the roof sheet metal is oxidated as well. There are no obvious defects to report on the rear of the vehicle. Although not original, the wheels are extremely nice looking and enhance the vehicle, partly due to the Leyland logo hubcap. The lights and wipers work regularly.

The interior part needs slight restoration. The seats, replaced by the previous owner, are made of black imitation leather and dark grey fabric, with a very pleasant red insert. The rear seat upholstery bears the signs of time: they have two tears, with the upholstery exposed. The right rear upholstery folder is out of place. The front seats are good-looking except for a tear on the driver's seat. The front seats recline regularly. The carpet is also quite intact, as is the soft upholstery on the handbrake lever. The fabric and leather colours don't look dull. The headlining is excellent, with no cuts. The characteristic ashtrays, both front and rear, are well preserved, as well as the dashboard, in which the instrumentation is embedded. Below it, the glove compartment has a cracked lining. The folders of both doors are in good condition, but the plastic pocket on the right side is not well attached to the folder. The interior lights work, as do the passenger compartment fan and the heater. The steering wheel has been recently replaced. The Hellebore steering wheel has been restored, with new leather: it has no scratches, grooves or cracks. The gear knob is black and, like the steering wheel, looks new. The clutch pedal has lost its original rubber coating, unlike the accelerator and brake pedal, which still clearly shows the original logo.

The first impression is that the maintenance carried out on the car has always been meticulously done. The engine compartment is clean and tidy. The sleeves, clamps and spark plug cables are recently replaced. The engine runs well, the sound is harmonious and it idles perfectly. The exhaust does not smoke and there are no oil or coolant leaks to be seen. The underbody is sound but has abrasion marks on the front which have resulted in surface rust. The lower panel is uniform in colour, with no noticeable deformation. Looking at the car on the bridge, one can see that Koni suspension has been fitted, designed to keep the set-up of the vehicle as close to the original as possible. The tyres are in excellent condition. The arms and cuffs also appear to have been changed recently.

Since its registration in 1974, the car has had 2 owners. The current owner and the previous owner are acquaintances, which gives us a complete picture of the vehicle's history. The previous owner intervened in the mechanics of the vehicle by replacing the original double-body carburettor with a single, higher-performance one. According to the owner, the aforementioned carburettor enables lower consumption at low revs and greater acceleration at speed. The car has never been reconditioned and the owner claims that it is in order. The car is not registered with the ASI. According to the owner, a lot of routine and non-routine maintenance work has been carried out since 2012. Specifically, work has been carried out to replace the drive shaft, and clutch pump and a complete overhaul of the brake system. Another work that has allegedly been carried out concerns the brake servo, which has undergone a rebuild. The vehicle recently underwent complete service at a specialised workshop. The owner has the second set of keys for the vehicle, as well as a set of receipts proving the purchase of parts that were replaced.

The car we presented is in good overall condition. The work carried out on the vehicle focused mainly on the mechanics and less on the bodywork. We think that this beautiful Italian Cooper needs a light conservative restoration, but there is nothing to stop it from being used in its current state. A series of minor interventions on the paintwork and upholstery would be enough to make it a viable candidate for the historic register and to show off one of the most desirable examples of Mini in its full glory.

Price estimate for this Innocenti Mini Cooper 1.3 Export: € 6.000 - € 8.000

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located in the province of Frosinone, Italy. To arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below or try our “Frequently Asked Questions”.