At what stage of Australian production did the engines change from the UK "BMC Green" to the metallic green? Would it be around the same time as the engines were starting to be assembled here and stamped with the 8Y engine numbers? Or was it when the Deluxe/Cooper S were introduced?

_________________

I would say it would have been with the introduction of the Aussie content and 8Y engine numbers ,my 850 is a very early 1965 and has the metallic green engine with the dark green underneath visible in a few places ,and the Aussie bootlid with short flap .....(owned by old lady driven on Sundays to church)

_________________
1965 Morris 850
1966 Morris Mini Minor
1967 Morris Cooper 'S'
1977 Leyland LS

Mine still has the long number plate, but it did have the 8Y engine (the Y is stamped from the front, so possibly around the changeover time?). I'm not sure what colour it would have been?

_________________

Good match between what little clean Sherwood Green Metallic paint on the 1973 1098 power unit and a FORD Lime Gold, sounds odd but it looks to be a very close.

_________________
Select a gear, bring up the revs and release the clutch...off you go!