We saw this for sale again today and couldn't help but share. It's a real treasure to look at, and we love the BMC A-series running gear. This won't be the cheapest car to stash spares for, and we can imagine how all of the gas pump conversations would go. Original post from September 2020 below:
Today's post started out as a simple search for a De Tomaso Pantera. You know, to continue on with the Marcelo Gandini theme from the end of last week. What we unearthed in that search was a vehicle that was heretofore unbeknownst to us: the Innocenti Mini De Tomaso, penned by none other than Signore Gandini himself.
Similar, in a sense, to the licensing agreement accompanying the production of yesterday's Polsky Fiat 126P, Innocenti developed a Bertone-styled version of the BLMC Mini, after British Leyland Motor Company purchased Innocenti in 1972. At the onset of sales, buyers could opt for either 998cc or 1275cc BMC A-series engines.The De Tomaso trim added the hood scoop, fender flares, and fog lights. Engine output on the De Tomaso began at 71bhp and ended up with a bump to 74bhp - not bad in a 1,600lb runabout.
Today's post started out as a simple search for a De Tomaso Pantera. You know, to continue on with the Marcelo Gandini theme from the end of last week. What we unearthed in that search was a vehicle that was heretofore unbeknownst to us: the Innocenti Mini De Tomaso, penned by none other than Signore Gandini himself.
Similar, in a sense, to the licensing agreement accompanying the production of yesterday's Polsky Fiat 126P, Innocenti developed a Bertone-styled version of the BLMC Mini, after British Leyland Motor Company purchased Innocenti in 1972. At the onset of sales, buyers could opt for either 998cc or 1275cc BMC A-series engines.The De Tomaso trim added the hood scoop, fender flares, and fog lights. Engine output on the De Tomaso began at 71bhp and ended up with a bump to 74bhp - not bad in a 1,600lb runabout.
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Year: 1980 Model: Innocenti Mini De Tomaso Engine: 1275cc 4-cyl Transmission: 4-speed manual Mileage: 94,150km Price: $14,900 Obo
Very rare 1980 Mini Innocenti De Tomaso in mint condition. Very rare in North America. Italian MIni with all British Leyland running gear Left hand drive. 94150 km Hatchback Body by Bertone with practical rear fold-down seat. Full gauges. 1275cc Mini engine engine (NOT the 3 cylinder Diahtsu) producing 77HP. 4 speed transmission.
The car is mechanically sound. It starts, runs and drives well. It runs a 998cc inline-four mated to a 4-speed manual transmission and was regularly maintained. Engine sounds good and transmission shifts well. The clutch feels great. All fluids are up to date. The paint is mint for its age. Solid body and floors. The interior is in mint shape. The dash is great. The alloy wheels are very nice and tires are good . The suspension and brakes are good. The lights work. All instrumentation is in good working order. Clean title.
More pics here (including underside, interior and engien bay):
Having said all that, this is an old sports car, and it is not perfect. The car is sold AS IS. You are encouraged to come and inspect it.
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The seller notes a generally favorable condition on this example. Paint, brakes, instrumentation, clutch, suspension, interior and lighting are all reported to be in good shape. The seller claims that the body and floors are solid; whether or whether not "solid" translates to rust-free is up to potential buyers to ascertain. These cars are not exactly known for their steadfast resistance to rust. What's more, sellers will be relieved to find mechanical components at their British parts retailer of choice.
We think that the premium over a BMC Mini is worth it in this case. The Gandini styling does certainly improve on what was a classic shape to begin with. Let us know if you buy it and end up swapping a Faza-spec Fiat 1300 into this thing - not that we're suggesting that...
If you catch yourself saying, well, the original Mini is just a bit boring for me, then meet its Italian cousin, the Innocenti Mini. Developed when British Leyland Motor Corporation owned Innocenti, this car was a revamped version of the original Mini with bodywork styled by Bertone. Upon BL’s bankruptcy in 1976, Innocenti was sold to de Tomaso, and a year later, the Mini de Tomaso arrived on the scene with styling tweaks and a higher horsepower engine. In the early 1980s, the BL engines were swapped for units supplied by Daihatsu, much to the dismay of Italian enthusiasts. The Turbo version we see here bowed in 1983, and featured a 993 cc three cylinder turbocharged engine good for about 71 horsepower, or 67 horsepower in Canadian trim. These were brought into Canada new via an importer by the name of Incacars Inc., but only from 1984 through 1986. This particular example for sale in Quebec City looks clean but is listed as a project car.
Little is given in the way of a description for this vehicle, but I have a hard time seeing how this is a project car, as it looks rather complete. It could have mechanical issues, but as far as the bodywork, trim and interior go, it looks solid. Since the Charade was sold in North America, parts would not be as difficult to source as one may think. One could also go the unconventional route and fit a breathed on engine from a period Mini Cooper as well. Either way, this is a neat piece of automotive history that has the fingerprints of several manufacturers on it. With such a chequered history, it is amazing that these lived on in production until 1993.
