7 replies to this topic

[s2ulk]

Hi all,

Am I right in thinking that UK made Minis were fitted with Lucas rear lights and not Carello? So if in theory you were making a concourse UK car then you would fit Lucas for it to be ‘correct’?

Thanks!

[mab01uk]

The Carello rear lights with reversing lights were fitted to Innocenti Minis several years before the UK built Mk4 Mini 1000 got the rear lights with built in reverse lights in July 1977. I remember ordering the later rear lights to update my Mk3 Mini from a local BL Dealer when they first appeared in the UK and they were made by Carello with the circular pattern on the lens, so I think they were fitted to the early Mk4 Minis possibly until Lucas versions became the default fit on UK Minis. BL also used to have more than one manufacturing source for some bought in components to ensure constant supplies even during factory strikes or problems at suppliers like Lucas, so there may not be a definitive date for which brand of rear light was fitted.

 

The rarer Carello rear light units are now more sought after for Innocenti Mini restorations and repairs and so more expensive to buy in good condition.

Edited by mab01uk, 16 November 2024 - 04:17 PM.

[nicklouse]

My Belgium built Special had the Carello lights fitted.

[bluequinn]

My Mini has one of each. Can't tell the difference.

[imack]

Didn't the lenses of the carello rear lights have a 'frosted' appearance, whereas the lucas lenses were textured but clearer.

[s2ulk]

My Mini has one of each. Can't tell the difference.

I have one Lucas and one Carello off the car at the moment and the Carello is darker:

Attached Files

•  IMG_6787.jpeg   67.86K   1 downloads

Edited by s2ulk, 16 November 2024 - 06:40 PM.

[mab01uk]

The original Innocenti Carello Mini rear lights which had reversing lights built in had a circular pattern on the lower lens as below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited by mab01uk, 16 November 2024 - 08:23 PM.

[bluequinn]

Ahh, Mine are in the stripy Lucas style. I guess Rover changed supplier or Carrello changed design. Or my car’s previous owner only changed the top part.