I can confirm the YG2S4 for one in June at least.

I wonder what it meant for the factory in particular to change the number for a simple parts change. The body was the same, the model was the same, the exterior shape and trim was the same, just a different parts fit out.

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SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

All garage work involves equal measures of enthusiasm, ingenuity and a fair degree of irresponsibility.

I have a couple of references to changing of stampings to "reduce the number of stamping operations".
The digit that was removed was pretty useless when the car was only being sold under one brand anyway. (and they added the digit back for export cars)

If you have a look at issue 14 of the mini experience (Craig Watson) there is an article named mystery machines-1969 cooper S. In that article there are a couple of shots of radiator shrouds on genuine cars and they are all YG2S4 and there are also photos of the numbers in the drain channel, approx 500 less.

Sorry, I didn't see Winabbey's post

The cost of simple things can't be underestimated in manufacturing. The Navy's new LHDs will have frame zero (the number of feet from the front is how compartments are identified) at the stern because the cost to have frame 0 labeled the bow would have cost in excess of 5 million dollars in drawings conversions

Five million is also the number I have had related to me for design change to something as simple as a side mirror made at Ford.

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SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

All garage work involves equal measures of enthusiasm, ingenuity and a fair degree of irresponsibility.

Imagine the savings when someone is hammering engine numbers.
If he bashed his thumb one in a thousand times and the engine number is 10 digits long and he stamps 100 motors a day...

No, I clearly have a lot more to learn.
Something as basic as chassis and engine numbers are going to need to be spot on for me.
I'm happy to deal with appearance issues but the history of the car would be important to me.

And you didnt think every say 10th mini would be faked into a cooper s 45 years later

I have car number 2014 and its build date is 05/70, which would agree with Winabbey.

Why is the accelerator pedal grey and not black? Gear stick doesn't look right. When did they change from tin to plastic brake master cylinders?

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Member VMCI #19

I'm confused with the build date 05/07.

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1963 Morris 850 Smoke Grey
1963 Morris 850 Shadow Blue
1965 Morris Mini Smooth Van
1966 Morris Mini Van
1969 Morris Mini Deluxe Resto
5/72 Clubman Gt

Must have been stamped on a Friday.

Could have been.

Scoop, why are you confused with my build date? What are you basing your dates on?

Maybe if we had access to this elusive register we might have a better idea of what was stamped at the factory.

My car is also fitted with an early thin flange Mk2 block, which I have been told on numerous occasions never existed, in that all Mk2 blocks were thick flange.

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Member VMCI #19

Should have said 05/70 instead of 05/07 that was all.

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SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

All garage work involves equal measures of enthusiasm, ingenuity and a fair degree of irresponsibility.

Dyslexic me.

Thanks Mick

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Member VMCI #19

Q: What does a dyslexic atheist ponder about in the middle of the night?

A: Is there a Dog?

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SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

All garage work involves equal measures of enthusiasm, ingenuity and a fair degree of irresponsibility.

Has anyone spoken to Paul Gulson about this car to see if he remembers any of its history?

New to the forum but am learning at a rapid rate with the wealth of info on here!

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1969 Mk1 Cooper S - "Madge" (the plastic surgeon is calling....)
1970 Mk2 Cooper S - "Vinnie" (Almost there....almost there...)