Two things about these photos.

Firstly, as neither is of a De Luxe, it doesn't answer the original question.

Secondly, I would argue that the Mini-Matic engine is green. Consider it has been painted over the English Engine Green (all Matic engines were imported) and the exposure of the two photos is completely different.

Yes, it does appear to be different from the green on the van engine, but it is nowhere near gold enough to be Classic Gold as per the Morris 1100 engines. It does still appear to have a green tint to it - reproduction issues as previously mentioned not withstanding.

A different base colour, different mileages and ages could all contribute to the different colour, but again, without seeing it first hand, I would consider that engine to be more green than gold. It is also possible that the mix of the two greens may be different - perhaps BMC changed the formula or changed the paint supplier. There are still a lot of variables.

Cheers,
Watto.

My 3/70 Matic donk was light green metallic painted over the UK dark green.
Definitely not gold.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

[quote="watto"]
Firstly, as neither is of a De Luxe, it doesn't answer the original question.
Secondly, I would argue that the Mini-Matic engine is green. Consider it has been painted over the English Engine Green (all Matic engines were imported) and the exposure of the two photos is completely different.
quote]

Craig, the "minimatic" is an automatic version of a Mini Deluxe, later versions were built along side the Mini K used the Mini K Dash (with oil pressure & temp gauges), Mini K indicator stalk & cowl & they had a different auto selector "Knob". I have owned both types of Matic, and have never seen a green matic engine (except for my own "coopermatic" that i painted myself)
I am not trying to disagree with you, I belive the Deluxes had green engines & Mini Ks had gold engines, what i am trying to convey is that there is a very noticable difference between the two. Many years working at NMP & judging "original" class at the concourse has taught me a few things over the years and i can tell the difference between the two.

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Have a Nice Day.
If already having a nice day please disregard.

Well, I spoke to John Smidt today and he is adamant that the De Luxe and the Mini K had gold engines. He said he even went out and dug out a couple of old gear box cases to check (in case his mind was playing tricks on him).

John said the Mini 1100 (base model) and vans with both 998 and 1100 had the green engines, but the De Luxe and the K were definitely gold.

Oh well.

I'd still like to see at least one original untouched engine in the metal, but I'm not going to argue with John. He has certainly been around the Mini game a lot longer than me.

Cheers,
Watto.