31 replies to this topic

[Boycie]

3AXXL2S1020278749

That is actually-

SAXX-L2S10-20 278749 which according to my information, would make it a Mini City 'E' with 998cc engine, built between 1982 and 1988.

[MUNGO]

3AXXL2S1020278749

That is actually-

SAXX-L2S10-20 278749 which according to my information, would make it a Mini City 'E' with 998cc engine, built between 1982 and 1988.

Cool Thanks!

[Boycie]

Oh, and originally, the 'E' stood for economy, with a 2.9ish final drive. Would explain your 40+mpg and give a much healthier top speed

[spaceoctagon]

Thanks for the help. We don't have the UK Registration Doc. Where can I find the engine numbers? It's a shame that the car has been changed beyond it's identity.

Thanks, John

Well it is a Mini

Looks like its got fixed rear side glass which suggests city too.

Ritz's had fixed windows on them aswell.



Although, im not sure if mini city's or city e's had a radio, I know Ritz's did, and you seem to have the original arial hole aswell.


It's going to be very hard to tell what you've got as everything has been replaced, one of the most outstanding features of the ritz was is vibrant interior. The dash rails, clocks shroud, and seatbelts were blue. The door cards and seats were cream, orange and blue. But seeing as how it's been completly changed it doesn't look like your going to find out. If you had any documents from the UK it might help, but as all of the paperwork has been changed it seems unlikly.

If your very determined, you could try finding a discreet area and digging through the paint, if you find metalic silver in there its probably a Ritz.

If it didn't have a radio, it would still have a blanking plug to fill the hole for the aerial. As it doesn't have opening rear windows, suggests ita not a Mayfair although they could have been changed.

[Ethel]

This topic is more entertaining than time team

I can't see many people swapping opening 3/4 lights for fixed ones and the head looks to be the right colour for a HLE spec A+ (fitting the City E theory). I also noticed the windscreen filler strip is black, I think that's also right for Cities, they had matte black brightwork, if that oxymoron is allowable

[MUNGO]

This topic is more entertaining than time team

Everyone loves a good mystery!

[minimib]

hey wish i could help

just wanted to say love the pic of the car infront of the big ford F-series is it the F-650 or did i make that up lol

is it no abit scary driveing a mini in america with just about every car being atleast 2 times the size of yours lol

still something i would love to do drive across america in a mini would be cool lol

sorry couldnt help

Minimib

[MUNGO]

Yeah, it's an International (same as a Ford).
Everyone asks if it's scary to drive a Mini on the busy streets with huge SUVs. It doesn't bother me. I think it is such a unique car it catches everyone's attention and makes them more aware of you. You still have to be an offensive, defensive, and aware driver in any car over here.

[MUNGO]

A fellow member of www.sunshineminis.org found this info on www.minimania.com

SAX XL2S1 020278749

SAX - MG/Rover
X- placeholder
L - 998cc
2 - 2 door
S - Sedan/Saloon
1 - Round nose
0 or "O" - Specification Mini City E
20278749 - production number

http://www.minimania...82/ArticleV.cfm

[THE ANORAK]

A fellow member of www.sunshineminis.org found this info on www.minimania.com

SAX XL2S1 020278749

SAX - MG/Rover
X- placeholder
L - 998cc
2 - 2 door
S - Sedan/Saloon
1 - Round nose
0 or "O" - Specification Mini City E
20278749 - production number

http://www.minimania...82/ArticleV.cfm

well you even managed to get that wrong

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

so your build number is only the last 6 numbers = 278749

i could have told you that 2 days ago, but im sick to death of being called a know all by everyone on this site so i thought i'd let them figure it out for themselves bloody amusing it was as well

[MUNGO]

Minor details Mr. Know It All! Thanks for the clarification. I'm excited to know we have a "Mini City E". It sucked not knowing what model we had, even though it's been butchered over the years. Thanks for all the help guys!
I'm really glad I joined this forum.

[Dan]

That doesn't tie in with it being registerd as a '73 though, or with it having a chassis number plate rather than a VIN. The body started as a City E certainly but how much else is from that original car is anyone's guess.

[MUNGO]

It was registered as a 73 probably to get around the 20 year exemption law when ever it was imported. It's definitely a MK5 Mini City E with a 998cc. I'm not going to try and restore it back to original. I'm going to modify it for auto x. When I get a van and a pick-up, I'll be restoring them properly.

[mini_mad69]

If it didn't have a radio, it would still have a blanking plug to fill the hole for the aerial. As it doesn't have opening rear windows, suggests ita not a Mayfair although they could have been changed.

I didn't know the mayfair had opening windows in 85.