Loosely translated: a special car for special people. And that is exactly what this story shows.
This article tells about Bertus, a technician and passionate hobbyist who gets the most out of his hobby. It is a story full of adventure, perseverance and drive, in which an Italian Mini Cooper Innocenti got a second life.
Demolition brings life
Bertus was inspired when he saw a Mini for sale in Friesland. According to the owner it was a futile mission: the car had no registration data, no license plates and was ready for the scrapyard.
Why anyway?
Many people have a special bond with cars. The Mini evokes nostalgic feelings in many, and for enthusiasts it is a symbol of recognition and joy. Bertus, impressed by the Italian version that was produced under license by Innocenti, decided to buy the Mini impulsively. This special version, specifically intended for the Italian market, deserved a second chance.
Help from the RDW
Bertus wanted to get started right away, but first contacted the RDW. He sent a photo of the Mini and the clearly visible chassis number. To his surprise, he discovered that the license plate, 48-BH-24, was still in the sleep file. The advice was clear: restore and submit for inspection. "A tear of happiness came," says Bertus. "Because another Mini was added!"
Breathe new life into
The restoration proved to be a challenge. Parts for this type of Mini were scarce, both in the Netherlands and in Italy and England. Nevertheless, Bertus succeeded in making the car as factory-original as possible. “It was a lot of sheet metal, engine overhaul and finding parts, but I did everything myself,” he says proudly.
A feat of engineering
Connoisseurs know it: to restore a Mini to “condizione perfetto”, the car must be completely dismantled and rebuilt with better or new parts. The result was a stylish masterpiece that Bertus proudly presented. When he screwed the new license plate onto the Mini, it was the final piece of an unforgettable restoration.
Caught by the Mini fever
The charm of the Mini did not go unnoticed. An enthusiastic buyer made an attractive offer for the impeccable Italian Mini. Under the motto “Keep the legend alive” moved the car to Maastricht. For Bertus that meant space for new projects, because who doesn't want to be seen in a Mini?
(The article continues below with the photos.)
Brilliant cars. In the distant past had the 47-AS-12… stage 2 tuned and a double weber did the rest 😎.
Good evening.
We also saved one from the scrapyard, but this time from Auto Friedhoff in SWITZERLAND.
The already well-known places have been renovated.
Engine overhaul done.
Sprayed in the well-known colours Blue Scuro with a Bianco Avorio roof.
It has the import papers but is not yet registered in the Netherlands.
To view go to old Timer webb Belgium under Innocenti cooper 1300 Export 1973.
M. Struikenkamp
My good friends Stefan Kühltbach und ich absolvierten 1974 gerade unseren Fahrlehrer Lehrgang in Bremen.Eines Tages kam er mit einem grünen Innocenti (scharzes Dach) vorgefahren.Das Auto war nigelnagelneu. After all the years, I can still remember the beautiful Geruch im Innenraum. The Kassetten Radio was an 8 Spur Gerät von Clarion. Der Cooper für sich wie ein Gokart.
continued: the last one I had was a 1275GT, super go-kart, drove great, participated in rallies on the Veluwe, with 4 adults in it, I'm 197 and it still fit, had a lot of fun with it.
I've had 4, 1 had a glider 1300 engine with polyester front + hood, it was easy to work on, you could sit on the front wheel and reach everything quite well.
Had 2 exactly like this. Between 1983 and 1986. Not perfect but oh so nice. And they went well from the spot. And drank oil. There is so much different compared to a UK mini. Also what you only see at second glance. This one looks exactly right.
Unfortunately they are now priced out of my reach. But rightly so that they are valued.
Very nice end result and remarkably good photos - but the clocks could have all been in focus. I see a 'Cooper' -mention on the grille and yet a black roof. Is that the Italian influence?
Sweet and cute, those are the words that come to mind when I see this model (as opposed to the modern mini which would better be called Maxi).
Somewhat surprising how rare they have become after a whopping 41 years of almost unchanged production.
It's nice that this was saved from demolition.