4 replies to this topic

[DB64]

I own a Japanese Mini (1990) that was re-imported to the UK in 2021.

The car has 2 different VIN numbers:-

 - One stamped on the boot floor: 99X-194**-AR. This is the number that is listed on the V5 registration document (I have used ** to hide the identity of my car on this post).

 - One stamped on the windscreen scuttle: SAXXL2S1N2048****. This number is also on the Chassis Plate that is pop riveted in the inner wing.

 

I have read that the boot floor stamping was applied only to Japan export vehicles, however, I am unsure if this is true.

 

Questions:

1) Were both stamping made when the car was originally built in 1990?

2) Has the importer used the wrong number for the V5 registration, ie should they have used the windscreen shuttle number?

 

 

 

[nicklouse]

The SAX….. is the factory stamped number as it will comply with the VIN standard. The different number in the boot is likely to comply with the Japanese import rules.  Similar to the UK built cars imported to AUS have a stamped number on the front bulkhead that is added on import.

[Aria Aradhea]

This is a quote taken from the JDM Classic Mini Owners Club on Facebook:

 

When registering a car in Japan, the VIN number needs to be stamped to the body of the car. The VIN is checked by someone at the transport office before you get the seal of approval.

Grey imports imported into the country therefore had a stamp somewhere on the frame of the body as per local regulations.

Early 60s/70s car typically stamped on the left side of the engine bay with a Chinese character depicting location of inspection. The engine block too was also stamped.

Those stamped in the boot with AR are Austin Rover grey imports as early as the mid-80s and are stamped chronologically from 1 up.

ARJ became Rover Japan in the early 90s and so all cars sold officially through Rover Japan used the 17-digit VIN on the scuttle panel.

A1 added to that number is for an automatic

 

Hope that info helps...

[AndrewJ530]

Just resurrecting this thread from earlier in the year. I'm going to look at a Japanese import car and I'm wondering where on the Scuttle is the vin stamped? Surely not into the paintwork? Is it underneath in the wheel well?

[Bobbins]

My ‘98 JDM Mini has the Rover issued VIN stamped in the rain channel central on the scuttle, hidden with the bonnet closed and the same as UK Minis of that era. The chassis plate with colour and trim details is in the boot near the battery earth strap. Not a Japanese grey import.