Innocenti

The Innocenti car brand was an Italian manufacturer best remembered for compact cars that combined British engineering with Italian styling. Founded by industrialist Ferdinando Innocenti, the company first became successful with Lambretta scooters before entering automobile production in 1960. Early models included locally built versions of the Austin A40 and Mini, adapted for Italian buyers. Innocenti later introduced the Bertone-designed Mini 90 and 120 hatchbacks, followed by sportier De Tomaso versions and models using Daihatsu engines. After several ownership changes, Fiat acquired the company in 1990 and retired the Innocenti name in 1996. Today, its cars appeal mainly to collectors of distinctive European small vehicles.