Here is Mini Mare No.5!

I've been away for a while. It was getting too hot behind my desk and became about time for a cool breeze. I was not on my own. Nazzica from Rome went to Portofino to do a great discovery there: the 5th Innocenti Mini Mare - an Italian sibling of the Mini Beach Car. And he was kind enough to share it. But let's start at the beginning. At first, from Italian information, I believed only three Mini Mares were built. But then, not long after I wrote an article about them here (click), a message came in from the USA by John Stanmeyer who told me he owned such a car, too (see here). That was number 4! Furthermore John said he thought he'd seen another in Portofino 'back in about 1985'. Well, well. Some 27 years later that car, too, has now resurfaced and so number 5 can be validated. It is still out and about in Portofino where it is still in use, or so it seems. This one may not wear a mysterious marine decal on its bonnet but there is no doubt that this is another Mini Mare. Love it! 

But now, will there ever appear a 6th? John Stanmeyer adds: "Regarding a potential 6th... as mentioned before, I recall my father saying there were two Mini Mares on the island of Nassau, Bahamas, where my family had purchased outs back around 1974/75. Would be surprised if this second Mini ever returned to Italy where all the other Mini Mares appear to be located. There's a very vague recollection of my father saying this second car on Nassau was in poor condition, acting more as a parts mini, but do not hold me to that memory... I was only about 11 years old. If there are any readers of your blog in Nassau, it couldn't hurt to ask them if between say 1977 till today, has anyone ever seen one of these rare Minis out and about. It's a mighty small island (7-22 miles in size) making it very possible someone else might have seen it..."

In Portofino, Innocenti Mini Mare No.5 is even properly badged as such

Picture courtesy Nazzica

Not all the cars have wicker seats with frame surrounds. This one does

Picture courtesy Nazzica

Wood used throughout the car is said to be of Libanese cedar trees

Picture courtesy Nazzica

Wicker bumper, bamboo grille and Inno logo. Is that a Milan plate?

Picture courtesy Nazzica