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Approximate Built Date Of Spi Mini


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#1 MaximMini

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Posted 27 October 2020 - 10:51 AM

Hi Everyone,

 

I have bought myself another Mini (see non-project Mini Open SPI). This car is a bit of a mix-match of parts from various sources as it was supposed to be cater as a donor before the PO decided to rebuild it to sell it on. The VIN reads SAXXNYAXMBD107xxx and I wonder if someone has a Mini with a VIN that's close to mine and can tell me the build date of his car. I do know how to decipher the VIN code and I know that it would be the safest option to just apply for a heritage certificate. But honestly, I don't want to spend the money.

 

Looking forward to your replies.

 



#2 Pops_Guild

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Posted 27 October 2020 - 04:41 PM

I don’t believe you can get heritage certificates for the SPIs as most of those records were lost. There are few sources of build data out there but they are fragmented and not publicly available. I recently pieced together the build info for the 200 UK cars on Cooper 35 LE so might be able to help you, just message me.

If you have the original dash still in place the build label may still be there, stuck to the back of the glove box but they often fall off and people throw them away. That will be the closest you will be able to get to an actual production line date for an SPi.

#3 Itsaminithing

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Posted 27 October 2020 - 06:04 PM

UK built Minis from 1990....

SAX = MG Rover

XN = Mini1300

Y = Mini City or Sprite  (which is confusing me as the 'Open' was based on the Mayfair model so it should be W)

A = 2 Door Saloon/Sedan

X = 1300 SPi (standard compression ratio, 9.4:1)

M = LHD, Manual, 3.105

B = 1300

D = Longbridge

107*** = The sequential build number started from 010001

 

'British Open' would make it between July1993 & Oct 1996.

The trunk lock will have a 4-number date stamped on it (month/year) if it falls in the date range of a 'British Open' then the chances are that it is the original lock.

The windscreen motor also used to be stamped with the month/year (but i can't get to mine to check if later cars still had this).


Edited by Itsaminithing, 27 October 2020 - 06:07 PM.


#4 beardylondon

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Posted 27 October 2020 - 06:48 PM

I think you mean the boot lock, a trunk is what an elephant has!

#5 cal844

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Posted 27 October 2020 - 07:41 PM

Check the inside of the doors in the area behind the door card, there will be a week and year date on a 90s car

#6 Itsaminithing

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Posted 27 October 2020 - 08:55 PM

I think you mean the boot lock, a trunk is what an elephant has!

Don't you wish you had what an elephant has?....

Those ears would be brilliant to cool you down in the summer.

 

Don't know why but i thought i was responding to someone from America, has Germany moved continents lately :huh:



#7 beardylondon

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Posted 27 October 2020 - 10:20 PM

Well now I know why it's boot or trunk!

 

http://www.worldwide.../qa/qa-boo5.htm



#8 MaximMini

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Posted 29 October 2020 - 06:55 AM

Hi Everyone,

Thank you very much for your comments.

Is the 'British Open' been the only SPI Mini that came with a folding roof?

I still wonder if someone has a Mini with a VIN close to mine and could tell the date it was first registered.


Cheers

#9 some1158

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Posted 29 October 2020 - 09:34 AM

Hi Everyone,

Thank you very much for your comments.

Is the 'British Open' been the only SPI Mini that came with a folding roof?

I still wonder if someone has a Mini with a VIN close to mine and could tell the date it was first registered.


Cheers

re the folding roof - yes

 

Date first registered doesn't necessarily relate well to date manufactured as the car could have sat in a carpark/field at Longbridge or at the dealer for some time before being registered. Unlike the approach taken by most maufacturers now, where the majority of cars are built to individual specific order, Rover would in those days build a set number and they would be parked up until sold. 

 

Some of the components will be date stamped - the screenwash bottle and wiper motor, for example. Obviously they will have been made before the car, perhaps some months before, but it might help add to the evidence.






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