ADO70: The Michelotti Mini
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ADO70 was conceived by Harry Webster as a fun car for the US market. However, the project foundered when the prototype met with an apathetic reaction by Leyland's management, and the required funds were not forthcoming. Although generally known as the Michelotti Mini, it should be noted that it was built - rather than designed - by the Italian company.

The original sketches by stylist Paul Hughes.

The prototype being prepared at Michelotti's styling studios in Turin.

The finished prototype, as photographed for the archives at Longbridge. The car's "GB" sticker bears testament to the fact that it had been driven back from Turin to Longbridge. Paul Hughes is said to have been "disappointed" with the way his original design had been interpreted (and, indeed, altered) by Michelotti.

Following its rejection as production proposition, the car was left to rot at Longbridge, before being rescued and restored. It now forms part of the Heritage Collection at Gaydon.

Copyright © 2002 Keith Adams