7 replies to this topic

[Magneto]

I'm working on a car, supposed to be a 97 Japanese build, but I can't make the vin match anything I've found so far, maybe someone can point me to the right source of info or possible decode this one? I'll need to order parts and I want to be sure I'm getting the right stuff.

 

The car is an SPi, and appears to be all original, right down to the A/C and dash.

 

Austin Rover Group Ltd.

Vin - AA2SA 517759M

 

Thanks for any help! 

 

I think the second pic is a service reminder sticker.

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Edited by Magneto, 14 May 2020 - 04:18 PM.

[Magneto]

My grandson translated the sticker in Japanese that I found on the door.... it says "The next oil change is due at 24,820km at Auto Paris Garage" then the phone number

 

 

[nicklouse]

Does not really work as a chassis number. Did the cars imported to japan get their own number on arrival?

[Magneto]

That was kinda my question too....because otherwise it's not a real vin.

[timmy850]

Well it’s definitely not a “VIN” as they all have 17 digits. A 1997 car should definitely have a VIN starting with “SA” which means made in the UK.

It looks more like a Mk1 car identification number, as some of these were A-A2S....
Austin
A series
2 door sedan

But the number in your photo does not exactly match the Mk1 type either. I’d think someone has just made it up?

[evilpen14]

My import has the correct vin number from the rover factory, so I would suggest someone just bolted that on at some time. 

[nicklouse]

That was kinda my question too....because otherwise it's not a real vin.

Ok then have a look in the scuttle water drain channel between the wipers as the VIN should be stamped in there. If it had not been replaced.

[62S]

What is it actually registered as? Could it have be re-vinned with someone using a much earlier (i.e. Mk 1) chassis number? The M on the end would normally indicate a Cowley built car!