10 replies to this topic

[Ian Hardaker]

I have just bought a 1994 Mini on Ebay from a super helpful guy in Cardiff, and I'm going to export it to my home in Ohio USA... However, to import a car that doesn't meet USA emissions and crash test standards etc, it needs to be 25 years old. I bouhgt this 1994 thinking that it's 25 years old, so no problem... But it seems that they go by either build date or first registration date. This Mini was first registered on 1st November 1994, so isn't 25 until 1st November 2019.... Bummer! 

So I am trying to find the build date, which must obviously be earlier, so I can import this Mini as soon as possible. Anyone know how to find the build date?

The VIN number is SAXXNNAYCBD098063

[phillrulz]

This may be helpful https://www.minimani...art_I__Revised_

 

Edit- Does not  help 

Edited by phillrulz, 02 March 2019 - 06:31 PM.

[unburntfuelinthemorning]

The British Motor Museum has an archive which may have the information you need.

 

https://www.britishm...m.co.uk/archive

[cal844]

Have a look on the doors(if original) and rear lamp units, basically any standard factory part that can have date code stickers

[nicklouse]

codes can be found on the glass and the wiper motor.

[Ian Hardaker]

Thanks guys, but I'm looking for an official document rather than dates on parts of the car. I need something that I can present to the US Government!

The British Motor Museum seem to only have records for Minis for 1959 to 69 & 1977 to 81. Strangely the other dates are missing!

[yeti21586]

What's the reg?

[Pops_Guild]

The British Motor Heritage org (link earlier) only had records upto 1986. All records for Rover Mini's (and other Rover marques) beyond 1986 were lost. Many of us have tried to get the same info for our newer Minis . 

 

Sorry to say but I really doubt you'll find an official doc with a build date. As folks have said there are parts of the Mini that are stamped with their build date but that isn't a doc.

 

There is usually a label (see mine) applied to the back of glove box (walnut/wood) dash which does have a build date on it but you'd need to still have it (many fall off, get thrown away or folks modify their minis) and I'm still not sure that would even cut it with the US authorities. The VIN number will be your car though.

 

Mine was registered as a 1st Jan 1997 Mini but built 20th Aug 1996.

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[Rorf]

You'll have to store the vehicle in the UK until the end of the year, hopefully it doesn't rust to pieces in that time.

[Ian Hardaker]

I think that Sticker inside the glove box may do.... But I doubt that it is there, it's been modified

Registration number is M963LVP.

[yeti21586]

The dvla reg check says it was built in 1994 but unfortunately doesn't say what month etc, I though there was a form that could be filled in to find that info from the dvla