1965 Innocenti Spider S- the tailored Italian Austin Healey Sprite!

Description for Other Makes Innocenti Spider S 1965

This Innocenti 1100 "S" Spider (or is it Spyder?) is a very worthy candidate for a restoration. Just around 2000 were produced and I am told, ased on this cars chassis number (301551) that it is a 1965 which is the rarest of all- but please confirm as I am certainly not an Innocenti expert.

The engine and drivetrain are very complete, he car was running and driving two years ago but I have not put fresh fuel in it or attempted to start it since removing it from storage. As you likely know these utilized the chassis of a Mk.II Sprite complete with the quite simple BMC A Series engine and all other Sprite bits. Service parts are readily available and very inexpensive. 

The car has rust- both rockers are significantly rusted as are portions of the floor and rear of trunk floor. That said the car seems quite solid, he door and panel fit is good and I believe the car to be structurally very good. Just like a Sprite the vast majority of the chassis strength comes from the transmission tunnel which acts as a central backbone ala Jaguar D Type and most of Colin Chapman's designs. 

I am not the person that started the current "restoration." I purchased the car just like this some years ago but will clearly not have time to do the restoration I had hoped to. 

The car is reasonably complete but is missing parts. Namely the bumpers, eats (although I think I have one of the seats- just have to confirm it really came from this car), front parking light, nd some other small bits. There is a fellow who manufactures bumpers for these, ou can find him via a Google search. 

I have been told the convertible top frame is a highly sought after item and it is here and in good shape.

I have no title for the car, ourcing a title is easy but that is the purchasers responsibility. The car rolls easily and has brakes. If the purchaser wants it to run I have a shop that will accomplish that at the buyer's expense but I can help arrange it. 

Since I have absolutely no idea what this car is worth I am placing an opening bid at what the drivetrain is worth and setting no additional reserve. There is currently one on auction in Europe, n far worse shape with more missing parts, ith bidding currently at 4,000 euros (approximately $4500.)  Six months ago Artcurial Auctions sold a barn-find 1100S at auction at Retromobile (Lot #53- can also Google it) for 17,880 euros (approximately $20,000.)

I've lost my storage space and the car will be sold. The car is located in Milwaukee, isconsin. I am happy to show it to any interested parties before the bidding ends. Please note once you place a bid you are accepting the car as-is and as-shown and agree to buy it without any additional inspections or further conditions so please ask ALL questions and/or come see it before you bid. I can also send additional photos of anything you'd like to see before you bid if you send me specific requests, e, ot "please send pictures." Those of you that have sold on eBay certainly understand I am sure!

Thanks for looking.

For additional generic Innocenti Spider info I have pirated the following from the internet for your enjoyment:

The Innocenti Spyder S was based on the Austin-Healey Sprite, s it used the same suspension, teering, rivetrain, nd engine, ut it had a unique body styled by Ghia. It also included some luxuries not seen in the Sprite, uch as wind-up windows, arger doors, nd external door handles. This car is a Spyder S, hich was introduced in 1963 with a slightly larger engine versus the original cars. The engine came from the Mark II Sprite. The S was different cosmetically over the earlier Innocenti Spyders, ith a new grille, adging, ubcaps, nd interior. Innocenti was formed in 1931 by Ferdinando Innocenti with the purposes of manufacturing steel tubing. The company experienced success in the years that followed until their progress was slowed by World War II. Their facilities were destroyed which left Innocenti scrambling to secure government grants to rebuild their factories. The buildings were reconstructed in Milan where the company ventured in the scooter manufacturing business. This led to the production of automotive parts and car-body presses for many companies such as Alfa Romeo, iat, ancia and more. Later, ith a merge with BMC, nnocenti began producing automobiles beginning with the A40 Farina. The Turin based design studio, hia, as tasked with designing a bodyshell, ased on the Austin-Healey Sprite. The result was a an MK1 Sprite with a stylish body and luxurious amenities. A 948 cc A-series four-cylinder engine, orrowed from the Mini, as slightly modified and placed in the engine bay. The interior was plush with amenities such as roll-up windows, love box, eater, nd interior light. Practicality was reinforced with wider doors and a trunk that was lockable. In 1961 the 950 Ghia Spyder was introduced, time in history when the MK1 Sprite was nearing the end of its lifespan and the mechanical components were no longer being produced. This meant that only 624 of the 950 Spyders were created using the MKI chassis. With the introduction of the Sprite MKII, roduction continued for the Innocenti 950 Ghia Spyders with around 4176 examples utilizing this configuration.  By 1964 the 950 received mechanical and visual updates that included a larger 1098 cc engine and an improved chassis. The name was changed to reflect these changes becoming the 1100 Spider.