Today, when somebody mentions the word “hybrid” in connection to motor vehicles, the first vehicle that will pop into the heads of most people, is the Toyota Prius. Well, why not the Innocenti Turbo De Tomaso? Alright, technically this isn’t a hybrid in the current automotive sense, but it does combine elements of British design, Japanese engineering, and Italian flair into one very tiny package. That lineage has to make it a hybrid, of sorts. This 1985 model is in exceptional condition and is loaded to the brim with luxury. It would suit an enthusiast who is hunting for a smaller classic but would like something really different. It is located in Terrebonne, Quebec, Canada, and has been listed for sale here on eBay. The owner has set a BIN of C$35,000, although there is an option available to make an offer.

The Innocenti can trace its lineage all the way back to the original Mini, but it would be fair to say that Sir Alec Issigonis probably wouldn’t recognize much of his original creation in this car. Apart from the fact that it wears panels that completely transform the car’s appearance, it also features a rear hatch. This doesn’t make much difference to luggage space with the rear seat in the upright position, but I can think of more than a few owners of the original Mini who would have relished the prospect of not having to crouch down to unload the tiny trunk of their pride and joy. The overall presentation of the vehicle is essentially spotless, with no issues or problems to report. The paint shines superbly, the glass looks to be perfect, while the charcoal grey alloy wheels appear to be free from any form of damage or curb strike. The fender flairs, side skirts, hood scoop, and deeper front bumper with integrated chin spoiler, all combine to provide the Innocenti with a very flamboyant appearance that, when coupled with the red paint, is anything but subtle.

Now to the interior of the Innocenti, and before we consider its strong points, I have to comment on the most obvious thing that I don’t like. The aftermarket radio/CD player looks out of place when compared to the rest of the interior. It might seem like a pretty petty issue, but when you are talking about an interior like this one, I think that it just looks kind of cheap. Now, if you happen to be partial to leather upholstery, then you will find acres of it inside this car. Not only are the seats upholstered in leather, but so is the dash, the door trims, and even the headliner. All of the leather appears to be in good condition, and those heavily-bolstered front seats don’t show any of the outer edge wear that can plague this type of seat. The carpet is in as-new condition, so on first impressions, it all looks really good. The leather on the dash is a bit ill-fitting in a few spots, but this is not that unusual in what is effectively a hand-stitched interior. I am sure that a bit of work by a good upholsterer could pull it all into shape with a minimum of cost.

Pivoting the hood forward reveals the Innocenti’s party piece. The previous model’s BMC A-Series 4-cylinder engine has made way for a 993cc 3-cylinder engine from Daihatsu. The “Turbo” decals that grace the car’s exterior aren’t purely for show, because the 993 has had a turbocharger bolted to it, allowing the engine to produce 71hp. In a further upgrade, the original Mini 4-speed manual transmission has been consigned to the pages of history, and in its place is a Daihatsu 5-speed unit, that provides smoother shifting with quieter and more refined operation. Now, 71hp doesn’t sound like a lot of power…and it isn’t. However, the Innocenti tips the scales at a paltry 1,500lbs, so this little car is actually capable of bursting through the ¼ mile in 17.5 seconds. Alright, maybe that’s not the fastest time on the planet, but for a car with an engine of less than 1-liter, it has to rate as impressive. The Innocenti only has a touch over 58,000 original miles showing on its odometer, and the owner states that it has always been properly maintained. Therefore, it is no surprise to learn that the vehicle runs and drives perfectly.

This 1985 Innocenti Turbo De Tomaso really is a pocket rocket. It might not be overflowing with power, but what it does have, it uses very effectively. Our own Scotty Gilbertson has a real affection for small cars like this, so if someone could buy this one, they could be saving him from himself! In reality, these are a rare little car, especially in the USA. I won’t pretend that it’s a cheap car, but it is undoubtedly the nicest example that we’ve seen here at Barn Finds, and if the right person comes along, I suspect that the owner might well get their asking price.