The Innocenti C was a small coupé built in Milan from 1966 to 1968. Derived from the 950 Spider, it had a Ghia-modified chassis, a 1098 cc engine of 58 hp and a price high enough to make life difficult against the Fiat 850 Coupé.
Innocenti C at a glance
| Maker | Innocenti, Lambrate, Milan |
|---|---|
| Production | 1966-1968 |
| Body | two-door coupé by Ghia |
| Based on | Innocenti 950 Spider |
| Engine | 1098 cc BMC four, 58 hp |
| Chassis | longer wheelbase and wider track than the Spider |
| Transmission | four-speed manual |
| Price | 1,190,000 lire |
| Built | a few hundred |
| Presented | Turin motor show, November 1966 |
The C has no English Wikipedia article; this page is based on the Italian article (one source), with the 950 Spider article for context.
History of the Innocenti C
A coupé to answer Fiat
After Fiat presented the new 850 Coupé and Spider, which won enthusiastic reviews for their performance, Innocenti tried to react by enlarging the engines of its small sports cars and adding a coupé to the 950 Spider range. The result was not the best: the Fiat 850 Coupé was technically superior, more modern, able to carry four people and considerably cheaper.
Derived from the Spider
The Innocenti C was presented at the Turin motor show in November 1966 and was clearly derived from the 950 Spider, but with considerable changes, including structural ones. Ghia prepared a modified chassis with a longer wheelbase and wider track so that the cabin was more comfortable for tall people. The grille and the horizontal rear lights were new. The larger BMC engine, with 58 hp, gave decent performance thanks to the car’s low weight. Under the fixed roof the interior was well finished, with contoured seats and a complete instrument panel.
Too expensive, too late
The weak point was the price: 1,190,000 lire ex-dealer, rather expensive against the Italian competition such as the Fiat 850 Coupé and the various specials built on the same mechanicals by Abarth, Moretti, Vignale and other coachbuilders, Ghia included. The C left the scene after only two years of production and a few hundred cars built.
Design and features
- Ghia-modified chassis: longer wheelbase and wider track than the 950 Spider.
- 1.1-litre engine: a BMC four of 58 hp in a light body.
- Well-finished cabin: contoured seats and a complete instrument panel.
- Rarity: only a few hundred cars built in two years.
Innocenti C versions
- Innocenti C (1966-1968): the only version, with the 1098 cc engine.
- Related Spider models: the 950 Spider, 1100 Spider and Innocenti S shared the same mechanical base.
The C was derived from the Innocenti 950 Spider and was built alongside the Innocenti A40. More models are in the Innocenti collection.
Sources
- Innocenti C, Italian Wikipedia: history, chassis, engine, price, production
- Innocenti 950 Spider, Italian Wikipedia: the model the C was derived from
