This is a very early Innocenti Cooper that had one owner in Italy, before a UK Mini enthusiast brought it back to the UK eight years ago and embarked on a thorough four-year restoration, during which the car was completely stripped to a bare shell.

No expense was spared during his process – the subframes are powder coated so are impervious to rust, and every effort was made to retain the unique Italian character of the car.

The work isn’t just skin deep either – take a peek at the pictures of the car’s underside and you’ll see shiny paint and no hint of grime or corrosion.

There’s more to an Innocenti than minor differences too.

Have a close look, especially inside, and you’ll see that this car is quite different to a UK model.

And, of course, it’s also much rarer.

This one retains all its original Italian spec too, making it a very original example.

The bodywork on this car is immaculate, the paintwork superb – that much is obvious.

This was no half-hearted restoration, and th...