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Innocenti Regent

The Innocenti Regent was the Italian version of the Austin Allegro, and it seemed that no one in Italy wanted to buy one…

A little more than 18 months in production, and just 11,213 sold, it made the Austin Allegro look like a raging success.


Innocenti Regent: short and not-so sweet

Innocenti Regent

This Italian version of the Allegro was produced at Innocenti’s factory in Milan, Italy under licence during 1974 and 1975. It must have seemed like a good idea when thrusting British Leyland executive Geoffrey Robinson helped devise the plan during 1973 to build this car to replace the moderately successful ADO16-based IM3. It would end up being the first Innocenti to market follow the company’s takeover by British Leyland.

It was offered with two engines – the 1.3-litre A-Series in twin-carburettor form developing 66bhp, and the twin-carburettor 1.5-litre E-Series in 79bhp form. The range consisted of 1300, 1300 L and 1500 L – with L for  lusso. Most adverts show the L model featuring the characteristic black paintwork on the roof.

The more luxurious versions came with special wheels, a sports steering wheel (in quartic shape, of course) and cloth-vinyl combinations on the seats. There are several differences between the British Allegro and the Italian Regent, most notably the fitment of front quarterlights, alternative steel wheels, and a more appealing steering wheel and instrument cluster (below).

Other changes include:

  • Different grille
  • Different boot lock and rear number plate positions
  • Seats, instruments (and even the gear lever knob) are particular to the Innocenti
  • Italian electrics in the engine bay
Not even the Italians were spared the indignity of the legendary Quartic steering wheel.
Not even the Italians were spared the indignity of the legendary Quartic steering wheel.

After its introduction right at the end of 1973, the Innocenti Regent lasted a scant 18 months in production. The Italians allegedly begged British Leyland to let it cease production, such was its lack of appeal. The ploy worked, because it was dropped so the company could concentrate on production of its successful Mini 90/120 model.

The biggest disadvantage to the Regent, though, was that Alfa Romeo’s new Alfasud had already hit the market running, and was proving popular. Another killer for the Regent was that the price was raised by nearly 50% just three months after launch.

And if you’re wondering why this most Italian of Allegros didn’t keep the Italianate sounding name, it comes down to meaning. In Italian, the word ‘allegro’ can mean cheerful or bright as in music, but it can also mean merry or drunk…

The twin-carb A-Series engine from the Innocenti Regent, featuring Italian electrics.
The twin-carb A-Series engine from the Innocenti Regent, featuring Italian electrics.

Innocenti Regent 1300 specifications

  • Production:  1973-1975
  • Body: Four-door saloon body type
  • Transmission: Front-wheel drive, manual four-speed gearbox
  • Engine: Four-cylinders, engine capacity 1275cc, maximum power 66bhp, maximum torque 71lb ft
  • Dimensions: length 3853mm, width 1613mm, wheelbase 2442 mm, kerbweight 875 kg
  • Performance: Maximum speed 92mph, 0- 60mph 13.6 seconds, standing 1/4 mile 19.3 seconds
  • Fuel consumption: 27.2mpg (average)

Innocenti Regent gallery

(Picture: Gaetano Zagra)
(Picture: Gaetano Zagra)


Blogs, articles and features

Austin Allegro (ADO67)

The cars : Innocenti Regent development story

20 June 2020 Keith Adams 6

The Italian Allegro that, it seemed, no one wanted… Short and not-so sweet There’s not much to say really about the Innocenti Regent. This version of the Allegro was produced […]

Innocenti Regent for sale
Innocenti Regent

News : Innocenti Regent goes up for sale in Italy

15 June 2019 Keith Adams 4

An Innocenti Regent coming up for sale is worthy of holding the front pages of all the classic car press. And that’s why we’re highlighting this one, not only because it’s […]

Yes, in this Innocenti Regent video, the poor Italian Allegro is being hammered up a railway…
Innocenti Regent

Video : Innocenti Regent advert (Italian TV)

17 March 2019 Keith Adams 6

The Innocenti Regent advert is a piece of TV that you really won’t want to miss. It’s absolutely horrible, and yet you can’t take your eyes off it. …a bit […]

AROnline

Car of the Month : December 2015 – Rainer Höltschi’s Innocenti Regent 1300

1 December 2015 Alexander Boucke 14

The members of our Editorial Team have, over the years, been fortunate enough to see most of the cars featured on AROnline in the metal, but there are still some exceptions. That’s why being […]

Austin Allegro (ADO67)

Tech : Recharging Hydragas spheres

5 May 2015 Alexander Boucke 32

The main problem with Hydragas is that, over time, the sealed units would lose gas and become less effective. Alexander Boucke describes the steps involved in getting your Hydragas suspended […]

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