Innocenti Mini Cooper 1300 Export
The Innocenti Mini Cooper 1300 Export was a fascinating fusion of British engineering and Italian design flair. Innocenti, a Milanese company owned by British Leyland, license-built the Mini with unique Bertone-designed bodywork that gave it a distinctly Italian character. While the mechanical components — the A-Series engine, gearbox, and rubber cone suspension — were pure BMC, the body featured a proper hatchback design with opening rear window, better interior trim, and a level of fit and finish that surpassed the British original. The Cooper 1300 Export was the performance model, using the same 1,275cc engine found in the British Mini Cooper but with slightly different tuning. Italian buyers appreciated the car's combination of go-kart handling, city-friendly dimensions, and genuine sporting character. The Innocenti Mini became even more distinctive after 1974 when Bertone's Marcello Gandini (designer of the Lamborghini Countach) restyled it with angular, modern bodywork. These later 'Bertone Minis' are among the most collectible small cars of the 1970s. The Innocenti Mini represents a unique chapter in the Mini story — proof that Italian style could enhance even the most British of cars.
Rust is the primary concern — Italian-built Minis rust just as enthusiastically as British ones. Mechanical parts are standard Mini components and widely available. Unique Innocenti body panels and trim are harder to source. The 'Export' specification cars were better equipped. Later Bertone-styled versions are most sought-after.
Built at Innocenti's Lambrate factory in Milan under license from British Leyland. The Mk III (1971 onwards) featured improved trim and equipment. Later De Tomaso-owned versions (from 1976) used Daihatsu engines when BL withdrew support. Bertone designed all Innocenti-specific bodywork.