Innocenti Regent Classic Cars for Sale

History of the Innocenti Regent

The Innocenti Regent marks a special chapter in Italian automotive production, manufactured between 1974 and 1976 by Innocenti, drawing heavily from the British-Leyland Austin Allegro. Born from a collaboration aimed at tailoring the British family car to Italian tastes, the Regent refined numerous details—both aesthetic and technical. The short production run of approximately 3,000 units underlines its rarity in the classic car landscape. While the Austin Allegro was immensely popular in Britain, Italian customers encountered the Regent as a higher-spec alternative, featuring details and finishes rarely seen in British versions. The Regent represents an interesting cross-European partnership, created at a time when cross-border collaborations were rare in the mid-range segment.

Model History

The Regent’s genesis can be traced back to the Austin 1100 and 1300’s market withdrawal, which was succeeded by the Allegro in the UK, and the Regent in Italy. Positioning itself as a modern, more continental take, the Regent incorporated mechanical updates, interior refinements, and styling cues specific to Innocenti. Its production ended in 1976, with no direct successor, as Innocenti shifted its focus to compact vehicles based on Minis. Hence, the Regent remains a singular entry in both Innocenti’s and Italian automotive history, bridging the gap between conservative British engineering and Italian design sensibilities.

Highlights of the Innocenti Regent

The hallmark of the Innocenti Regent lies in its customized details, such as a distinctive black grille, repositioned rear license plate, and a uniquely designed one-piece dashboard featuring a tachometer in all versions—contrasting the often simpler UK-spec Allegros. Its interior is more refined and equipped compared to the standard Allegro, including modern trim and the signature quartic steering wheel. The 1275 cm³ engine with dual carburettors delivers up to 66 hp and supports noticeably brisk acceleration, resulting in real-world speeds of up to 150 km/h. Only about 3,000 units were produced, further reinforcing its exclusivity.

Technical Data

Special Editions and Collectible Models

There are no documented factory special editions of the Innocenti Regent, but the twin-carburettor versions equipped with the full 66 hp are particularly sought after, as they capture the Italian market’s appetite for performance and stand out from standard single-carburettor models.

Engine and Performance, Transmission and Handling

The Regent’s lively 1275 cm³ engine—derived from the classic Mini Cooper block—delivers up to 66 hp, offering a noticeable improvement over many comparable British Allegros. Equipped with twin carburettors, the car combines responsive throttle input with robust acceleration, enabling a real 1300 to reach 137–150 km/h. The gearbox is direct, while the suspension is tuned for both comfort and agility, producing balanced road handling. The braking system is well-dimensioned for the lightweight body and contributes significantly to the driving safety in daily and spirited use. The most attractive models from a technical perspective are those equipped with the 1275 cm³, 66 hp twin-carburettor engine, especially versions featuring a tachometer and modernised interior layout, making them especially appealing to enthusiasts seeking authentic Italian classics with British roots.

Interior, Comfort, Exterior and Design

Inside, the Innocenti Regent features a distinctive, modern dashboard formed from a single moulded piece, complemented by a tachometer and a characteristic quartic steering wheel – a marked departure from the conservative layouts of the Allegro. Its upholstery and trim further reflect Innocenti’s attention to delivering higher standards and Italian refinement. Externally, the opaque black grille and repositioned rear license plate set it apart immediately from British relatives. As for comfort, the Regent targets a more demanding audience, blending classic Italian fabric choices with features like full instrumentation and ergonomic switches. Factory accessories specific to the Italian market, including additional gauge packages and distinct wheel options, underline the Regent’s individuality.

Other Relevant Features

With a production run limited to roughly 3,000 vehicles, the Innocenti Regent remains a rare sight on classic car circuits and presents unique advantages for connoisseurs interested in Anglo-Italian automotive collaborations. Its brief period on the market means that original, unmodified examples are highly regarded for their authenticity and period-correct details, reflecting not only technical competence but also Italian market preferences from the mid-1970s.

Summary

The Innocenti Regent is a true cross-cultural creation, fusing British engineering with Italian design initiatives. With its limited production, advanced features for its time, and technical ties to the Mini Cooper, it represents a notable and rare chapter in both Italian and British auto history. Its distinctive aesthetic and technical adaptations set it apart from its British counterpart, making it a rewarding discovery for enthusiasts searching for a classic with genuine exclusivity and character.