10 replies to this topic

[Albannach]

I own a Rover Mini, which was first registered in Japan on 1st September 1992. I imported it back to the UK over 2 years ago and registered it in my name. The V5C states first registered on 1st Sep 1992 overseas. So it was probably built at least 3 months earlier than that, especially as it has the earlier under dash style AC blower outlet.
Due to US Customs getting their knickers in a twist about Minis, Land Rovers etc not being 25 years old and therefore NOT eligible for entry under the Rolling 25 year exemption, I thought I'd try to get a Certificate of the cars build date from Heritage. No joy as they only verify up to 1981.
Rather than have the car sitting on a US dockside racking up storage charges, I thought I'd pay to get Build Date info verified in the UK.
Where else can I get this information? I'm willing to pay for any official confirmation.
The Vin number is...SAXXNYAX etc

Edited by FlyingScot, 07 August 2017 - 07:30 AM.
Vin disguised

[Albannach]

Did you try myminivin.com online vin lookup service ? It usually provides production date and full list of manufacture options. Website also has a blog post about how to identify classic mini by vin.
Check it out!

Isn't letting me past the, "I'm not a robot" part.

[Albannach]

This can help you decode it
 
http://www.minimania...umbers__Part_II

Thanks Sam, I was aware of that Thread, however it doesn't tie down the exact date it came off the Production Line. Jim

[cal844]

You can narrow it down by looking on certain electrical components (rear lights, starter etc) these have a build week/year

[Albannach]

Cal844....I already know what year it is. I am aware of date stamps on Wiper Motors, Starters etc, as well as Boot handles,glass.

The point I'm trying to make is.....Homeland Security couldn't give a damn how long a car sits in storage. It's ultimately me, the Shipper/Owner who suffers because of their intransigence.

[nicklouse]

Heritage or BMW that's your options.

[Albannach]

Heritage or BMW that's your options.

Heritage emailed me this morning saying that unfortunately they couldn't help, but suggested BMW.

Pigs will fly before I buy anything with a BMW badge on it.

[nicklouse]

 

Heritage or BMW that's your options.

Heritage emailed me this morning saying that unfortunately they couldn't help, but suggested BMW.

Pigs will fly before I buy anything with a BMW badge on it.

 

then you will be selling the Mini or having it crushed.

[CityEPete]

Why not just wait the three weeks?

[Albannach]

Why not just wait the three weeks?

That's what I'm going to do anyway....but Customs aren't easily satisfied, even when it's a genuine 25 year old car. Just trying to get my "ducks in a row" so it will sail through with no problems. There was a recent episode where Homeland Security siezed Land Rovers from various owners. They had to give them back...eventually....when it was proved the cars were totally legal.

[Albannach]

Tried BMW to see if they could tie down the exact build date of this car....but they wrote back saying they don't hold records for this period, prior to them buying Rover. Seems to be a BIG section of information missing between 1981 and mid 90s.

If I'm struggling in the UK.....then a US Customs guy isn't going to bust his chops trying to find its build date.