Hi Dicko,
This may be of help; First part is for 1985 - 1990 and the second part is for cars after 1990.
*************Nov 1985 to Circa 1990 – English Built***************88 VIN Note that the VIN plate for these cars is likely marked, “Austin Rover Group LTD” It is possible that the start date is really November 1984, not 1985 as stated in the factory microfiche. The general format for the VIN for these cars is: SAX-X-L2S1N20-XXX-A VIN, First Three Positions (“SAX” in the above example) This is the World Make Identifier. SAX = MG-Rover VIN, Fourth Position (“X” in the above example): This is simply dismissed by the factory as “non significant”! VIN, Fifth Position (“L” in the above example): = Engine type L = 998cc VIN, Sixth (and Seventh) Position (“2S” in the above example): = Body type 2S = 2-door saloon/sedan. Caution: bureaucratic bungles often interpret this as 25 (twenty-five) VIN, Eighth Position (“1” in the above example): = Series of body 1 = Round nose, traditional Mini body style. VIN, Ninth Position (“N” in the above example): = Class N = HLE, Mayfair (RHD) O = E, City E S = Mayfair (LHD) VIN, Tenth Position (“2” in the above example): = Model year 2 = 1984 on (This conflicts with the microfiche indicating this position was used starting in November 1985.) VIN, Eleventh Position (“0” in the above example): = Steering 0 = RHD 1 = LHD VIN, Number positions (“###” in the above example): = The sequential build number: Build numbers are not listed. It is suspected that they carry on with the numbers from the previous series of cars; i.e., numbers were not started from 101, again. VIN, Last position (“A” in the above example): = Assembly plant. Officially, “Internal Use Only” If used at all, this would be “A” for English built cars. A = Longbridge *************1990 XN-----010001 On (1300cc cars only) – English Built ******************* VIN The general format for the VIN for these cars is: SAX-XN-N-A-Y-B-B-D-###### VIN, First Three Positions (“SAX” in the above example) = World Make Identifier. SAX = MG-Rover VIN, Fourth and Fifth Positions (“XN” in the above example): XN = Mini 1300 VIN, Sixth Position (“N” in the above example): = Class N = Sport, Cooper, Cabriolet V = Kensington W = HLS, Mayfair Y = City, Sprite VIN, Seventh Position (“A” in the above example): = Body type A = 2-door saloon/sedan. B = Cabriolet VIN, Eighth Position (“Y” in the above example): = Engine D = 1300 Carb M = 1300 Carb X = 1300 SPi (standard compression ratio, 9.4:1) Y = 1300 SPi (high compression ratio, 10.1:1) Z = 1300 MPi (high compression ratio, 10.1:1) VIN, Ninth Position (“B” in the above example): = RHD/LHD, Transmission type, Final Drive B = RHD, Manual, 3.105 C = RHD, Manual, 3.21 E = RHD, Manual, 2.76 K = RHD, Automatic M = LHD, Manual, 3.105 N = LHD, Manual, 3.21 R = LHD, Manual, 2.76 Y = LHD, Automatic VIN, Tenth Position (“B” in the above example): = Model Change A = 1300 Special Edition B = 1300 VIN, Eleventh Position (“D” in the above example): = Assembly Plant D = Longbridge VIN, Number positions (“######” in the above example): = The sequential build number: Starting with 010001
_________________ 1965 MK1 English Morris Cooper S (Downton) 1967 MK1 Morris Cooper S 1972 Clubman GT (6/72 Cadiz) 1968 MG Midget
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