Find out the true identity of your Mini engine. Using the VIN number stamped on a plate on the inner wing or bonnet slam panel, and also stamped into the scuttle on later models. There should also be an identification tag on the engine block with the VIN number on.
To decode your VIN number, scroll down to find the approximate year. If unknown, check through each section.
Re-edited information as sourced from MiniMania.com
1959 - September 1969
Early car VIN format is like this:
C-A2S7L-###A
First position (e.g. C-A2S4L-###A):
A = Austin (non-Cooper and S)
C = Austin Cooper or Austin Cooper S
K = Morris Cooper or Cooper S
M = Morris
R = Riley
W = Wolseley
Second position (e.g. C-A2S4L-###A):
= A-Series engine.
Engines for this period included: 848cc, 970cc Cooper S, 997cc Cooper, 998cc Cooper and non-Cooper, 1071cc Cooper S, 1275cc Cooper S
Third position(s) (e.g. C-A2S4L-###A):
= Body type:
2S = 2-door saloon
B = Moke
U = Pick-up
V = Minivan
W = Estate (with or without wood).
Fourth position (e.g. C-A2S4L-###A):
= Series of Austin, or Morris, etc.:
1 = MkI Riley Elf, Wolseley Hornet, and Austin/Morris Moke
2 = MkII Riley Elf or Wolseley Hornet
3 = MkIII Riley Elf or Wolseley Hornet
4 = MkI Morris
6 = MkII Morris
7 = MkI Austin
B = MkII Austin
Fifth position (e.g. C-A2S4L-###A):
D = De-Luxe.
L = Left hand drive. (no right hand drive designation)
S = Super De-Luxe
Number positions (e.g. C-A2S4L-###A):
= The sequential build number:
Cars produced at Longbridge and Cowley both started with the numbers 101. These were mixed up across all model types. The numbers extend to seven digits by September 1969.
Last position (e.g. C-A2S4L-###A):
= Assembly plant
A = Longbridge
M = Cowley
October 1969 to 1974
The VIN format for these cars is like this:
X-A2S1N-XXX-A
First Position (X-A2S1N-XXX-A):
Not used
Second Position (X-A2S1N-XXX-A):
= Engine type
A = A-Series (inc. 848cc, 998cc, 1275cc Cooper S and 1275 GT)
Third Position (X-A2S1N-XXX-A):
= Body type
2S = 2-door saloon. (not MkIII Cooper S and 1275GT)
2W = Estate
D = 2 door saloon (MkIII Cooper S and 1275GT only)
U = Pick-up.
V = Minivan.
Fourth Position (X-A2S1N-XXX-A):
[Blank] = Mini 850
1 = Round nose
2 = Clubman
Fifth Position (X-A2S1N-XXX-A):
N = Mini 1000
Number positions (X-A2S1N-XXX-A):
= The sequential build number:
Each model type is numbered in sequence from 101
Last position (X-A2S1N-XXX-A):
= Assembly plant.
A = Longbridge
Commission Number
Commission Number format:
N20S-XXX
First Positions (N20S-XXX):
= Car type
20U = Pick-up
20V = Van
20W = Clubman Estate
D20S = Mini 850
N20D = Mk III Cooper S
N20S = Mini 1000
S20D = 1275GT
S20S = Clubman
Commission Number positions (N20S-XXX):
Numbering in sequential order starting at 101 for each model.
1974 - 1980
The VIN format for these cars is like this:
X-K2S1N-XXX-A
First Position (X-E2S1N-XXX-A):
Not used
Second Position (X-E2S1N-XXX-A):
= Engine type
A = [Unknown if this was used. If so, it indicated any of the A series engines still in production at that time]
C = 1098cc
E = 1275cc
K = 848cc
L = 998cc
Third Position (X-E2S1N-XXX-A):
= Body type
2S = 2-door saloon (not 1275GT)
2W = Estate
U = Pick-up
V = Minivan.
Fourth Position (X-E2S1N-XXX-A):
1 = Round nose, Mini body style. Includes: Mini 850, Mini 850 City, Mini 850 Special Deluxe, Mini 1000, Van (848cc and 998cc), Mini Special 1098cc, and Pick-up (850cc and 998cc).
2 = Clubman, square nose style. Includes: Clubman Saloon (998cc Automatic and 1098cc Manual), Clubman Estate (998cc Automatic and 1098cc Manual), and 1275GT.
Fifth Position (X-E2S1N-XXX-A):
N = Special Deluxe. Including the Mini 850 Special Deluxe, the Mini 1000, and the Mini Special 1098cc.
Number positions (X-E2S1N-XXX-A):
= The sequential build number:
Each Mini model began with the number 101 and continued in sequence. The 1100 Mini Special numbering began as 1012011
Last position (X-E2S1N-XXX-A):
= Assembly plant.
A = Longbridge
COMMISSION NUMBER
The Commission number format for these cars is like this:
N20S-XXX
First Positions (N20S-XXX):
= Car type
20U = Pick-up
20V = Van
20W = Clubman Estate
B20S = Mini City
D20S = Mini 850
J20S = Mini 1100 Special (UK only)
N20S = Mini 1000
S20D = 1275GT
S20S = Clubman
T20S = Mini 850 Super
Commission Number positions (N20S-XXX):
Starting numbers are as follows:
20U = 13205L
20V = 84679L
20W = 77031A
B20S = 101
D20S = 83622L
J20S = 101
N20S = 20531L and 230547A
S20D = 19416A
S20S = 104632A
T20S = 101
There is no explanation for the “A” and “L” endings.
1980
VIN plate marked, “BL CARS LTD”
The VIN format for these cars is like this:
X-C2S2N-XXX-A
First Position (X-C2S2N-XXX-A):
Not used
Second Position (X-C2S2N-XXX-A):
= Engine type
C = 1098cc
E = 1275cc
K = 848cc
L = 998cc
Third Position (X-C2S2N-XXX-A):
= Body type
2D = 1275GT
2S = 2-door saloon (not 1275GT)
2W = Estate
U = Pick-up
V = Minivan
Fourth Position (X-C2S2N-XXX-A):
= Series of model
1 = Round nose, traditional Mini body style.
2 = Clubman, square nose style.
Fifth Position (X-C2S2N-XXX-A):
= Specification
N = Special Deluxe
Number positions (X-C2S2N-XXX-A):
= The sequential build number:
Numbers carried on from previous production
Last position (X-C2S2N-XXX-A):
= Assembly plant.
A = Longbridge
Oct 1980 to Nov 1985
VIN plate marked, “Austin Rover Group LTD”
The VIN format for these cars is like this:
SAX-X-C2S1N-XXX-A
First Three Positions (SAX-X-C2S1N-XXX-A):
World Make Identifier. Started Feb 1981.
SAX = MG-Rover
Fourth Position (SAX-X-C2S1N-XXX-A):
Not used
Fifth Position (SAX-X-C2S1N-XXX-A):
= Engine type
C = 1098cc
K = 848cc
L = 998cc
Sixth (and Seventh) Position (SAX-X-K2S1N-XXX-A):
= Body type
2S = 2-door saloon
2W = Estate
G = P.O. Mail Van
U = Pick-up.
V = Minivan.
Eighth Position (SAX-X-K2S1N-XXX-A):
= Series of model
1 = Round nose, traditional Mini body style.
2 = Clubman, square nose style.
Ninth Position (SAX-X-K2S1N-XXX-A):
= Specification
N = HL, Special, HLE, or Mayfair
R = Mini 25
S = Mayfair (LHD – France only)
Number positions (SAX-X-K2S1N-XXX-A):
= The sequential build number:
Build numbers continue with the numbers from the previous series of cars
Last position (SAX-X-K2S1N-XXX-A):
= Assembly plant.
A = Longbridge
Nov 1985 to 1990
VIN plate marked, “Austin Rover Group LTD”
The general format for the VIN for these cars is:
SAX-X-L2S1N20-XXX-A
First Three Positions (SAX-X-L2S1N20-XXX-A)
World Make Identifier
SAX = MG-Rover
Fourth Position (SAX-X-L2S1N20-XXX-A):
Not used
Fifth Position (SAX-X-L2S1N20-XXX-A):
= Engine type
L = 998cc
VIN, Sixth (and Seventh) Position (SAX-X-L2S1N20-XXX-A):
= Body type
2S = 2-door saloon
Eighth Position (SAX-X-L2S1N20-XXX-A):
= Series of body
1 = Round nose, Mini body style.
Ninth Position (SAX-X-L2S1N20-XXX-A):
= Class
N = HLE, Mayfair (RHD)
O = E, City E
S = Mayfair (LHD)
Tenth Position (SAX-X-L2S1N20-XXX-A):
= Model year
2 = 1984 on
Eleventh Position (SAX-X-L2S1N20-XXX-A):
= Driving position
0 = RHD
1 = LHD
Number positions (SAX-X-L2S1N20-XXX-A):
= The sequential build number:
Numbers continue from the previous series
Last position (SAX-X-L2S1N20-XXX-A):
= Assembly plant.
A = Longbridge
1990 On (1275cc cars only)
The general format for the VIN for these cars is:
SAX-XN-N-A-D-B-B-D-######
First Three Positions (SAX-XN-N-A-D-B-B-D-######)
= World Make Identifier.
SAX = MG-Rover
Fourth and Fifth Positions (SAX-XN-N-A-D-B-B-D-######):
XN = Mini 1275
Sixth Position (SAX-XN-N-A-D-B-B-D-######):
= Class
N = Sport, Cooper, Cabriolet
V = Kensington
W = HLS, Mayfair
Y = City, Sprite
Seventh Position (SAX-XN-N-A-D-B-B-D-######):
= Body type
A = 2-door saloon/sedan.
B = Cabriolet
Eighth Position (SAX-XN-N-A-D-B-B-D-######):
= Engine
D = 1275 Carb
M = 1275 Carb
X = 1275 SPi (standard compression ratio, 9.4:1)
Y = 1275 SPi (high compression ratio, 10.1:1)
Z = 1275 MPi (high compression ratio, 10.1:1)
Ninth Position (SAX-XN-N-A-D-B-B-D-######):
= RHD/LHD, Transmission type, Final Drive
B = RHD, Manual, 3.105
C = RHD, Manual, 3.21
E = RHD, Manual, 2.76
K = RHD, Automatic
M = LHD, Manual, 3.105
N = LHD, Manual, 3.21
R = LHD, Manual, 2.76
Y = LHD, Automatic
Tenth Position (SAX-XN-N-A-Y-B-B-D-######):
= Model Change
A = 1275 Special Edition
B = 1275
Eleventh Position (SAX-XN-N-A-Y-B-B-D-######):
= Assembly Plant
D = Longbridge
Number positions (SAX-XN-N-A-Y-B-B-D-######):
= The sequential build number:
Starting with 010001
Early car VIN format is like this:
C-A2S7L-###A
First position (e.g. C-A2S4L-###A):
A = Austin (non-Cooper and S)
C = Austin Cooper or Austin Cooper S
K = Morris Cooper or Cooper S
M = Morris
R = Riley
W = Wolseley
Second position (e.g. C-A2S4L-###A):
= A-Series engine.
Engines for this period included: 848cc, 970cc Cooper S, 997cc Cooper, 998cc Cooper and non-Cooper, 1071cc Cooper S, 1275cc Cooper S
Third position(s) (e.g. C-A2S4L-###A):
= Body type:
2S = 2-door saloon
B = Moke
U = Pick-up
V = Minivan
W = Estate (with or without wood).
Fourth position (e.g. C-A2S4L-###A):
= Series of Austin, or Morris, etc.:
1 = MkI Riley Elf, Wolseley Hornet, and Austin/Morris Moke
2 = MkII Riley Elf or Wolseley Hornet
3 = MkIII Riley Elf or Wolseley Hornet
4 = MkI Morris
6 = MkII Morris
7 = MkI Austin
B = MkII Austin
Fifth position (e.g. C-A2S4L-###A):
D = De-Luxe.
L = Left hand drive. (no right hand drive designation)
S = Super De-Luxe
Number positions (e.g. C-A2S4L-###A):
= The sequential build number:
Cars produced at Longbridge and Cowley both started with the numbers 101. These were mixed up across all model types. The numbers extend to seven digits by September 1969.
Last position (e.g. C-A2S4L-###A):
= Assembly plant
A = Longbridge
M = Cowley
October 1969 to 1974
The VIN format for these cars is like this:
X-A2S1N-XXX-A
First Position (X-A2S1N-XXX-A):
Not used
Second Position (X-A2S1N-XXX-A):
= Engine type
A = A-Series (inc. 848cc, 998cc, 1275cc Cooper S and 1275 GT)
Third Position (X-A2S1N-XXX-A):
= Body type
2S = 2-door saloon. (not MkIII Cooper S and 1275GT)
2W = Estate
D = 2 door saloon (MkIII Cooper S and 1275GT only)
U = Pick-up.
V = Minivan.
Fourth Position (X-A2S1N-XXX-A):
[Blank] = Mini 850
1 = Round nose
2 = Clubman
Fifth Position (X-A2S1N-XXX-A):
N = Mini 1000
Number positions (X-A2S1N-XXX-A):
= The sequential build number:
Each model type is numbered in sequence from 101
Last position (X-A2S1N-XXX-A):
= Assembly plant.
A = Longbridge
Commission Number
Commission Number format:
N20S-XXX
First Positions (N20S-XXX):
= Car type
20U = Pick-up
20V = Van
20W = Clubman Estate
D20S = Mini 850
N20D = Mk III Cooper S
N20S = Mini 1000
S20D = 1275GT
S20S = Clubman
Commission Number positions (N20S-XXX):
Numbering in sequential order starting at 101 for each model.
1974 - 1980
The VIN format for these cars is like this:
X-K2S1N-XXX-A
First Position (X-E2S1N-XXX-A):
Not used
Second Position (X-E2S1N-XXX-A):
= Engine type
A = [Unknown if this was used. If so, it indicated any of the A series engines still in production at that time]
C = 1098cc
E = 1275cc
K = 848cc
L = 998cc
Third Position (X-E2S1N-XXX-A):
= Body type
2S = 2-door saloon (not 1275GT)
2W = Estate
U = Pick-up
V = Minivan.
Fourth Position (X-E2S1N-XXX-A):
1 = Round nose, Mini body style. Includes: Mini 850, Mini 850 City, Mini 850 Special Deluxe, Mini 1000, Van (848cc and 998cc), Mini Special 1098cc, and Pick-up (850cc and 998cc).
2 = Clubman, square nose style. Includes: Clubman Saloon (998cc Automatic and 1098cc Manual), Clubman Estate (998cc Automatic and 1098cc Manual), and 1275GT.
Fifth Position (X-E2S1N-XXX-A):
N = Special Deluxe. Including the Mini 850 Special Deluxe, the Mini 1000, and the Mini Special 1098cc.
Number positions (X-E2S1N-XXX-A):
= The sequential build number:
Each Mini model began with the number 101 and continued in sequence. The 1100 Mini Special numbering began as 1012011
Last position (X-E2S1N-XXX-A):
= Assembly plant.
A = Longbridge
COMMISSION NUMBER
The Commission number format for these cars is like this:
N20S-XXX
First Positions (N20S-XXX):
= Car type
20U = Pick-up
20V = Van
20W = Clubman Estate
B20S = Mini City
D20S = Mini 850
J20S = Mini 1100 Special (UK only)
N20S = Mini 1000
S20D = 1275GT
S20S = Clubman
T20S = Mini 850 Super
Commission Number positions (N20S-XXX):
Starting numbers are as follows:
20U = 13205L
20V = 84679L
20W = 77031A
B20S = 101
D20S = 83622L
J20S = 101
N20S = 20531L and 230547A
S20D = 19416A
S20S = 104632A
T20S = 101
There is no explanation for the “A” and “L” endings.
1980
VIN plate marked, “BL CARS LTD”
The VIN format for these cars is like this:
X-C2S2N-XXX-A
First Position (X-C2S2N-XXX-A):
Not used
Second Position (X-C2S2N-XXX-A):
= Engine type
C = 1098cc
E = 1275cc
K = 848cc
L = 998cc
Third Position (X-C2S2N-XXX-A):
= Body type
2D = 1275GT
2S = 2-door saloon (not 1275GT)
2W = Estate
U = Pick-up
V = Minivan
Fourth Position (X-C2S2N-XXX-A):
= Series of model
1 = Round nose, traditional Mini body style.
2 = Clubman, square nose style.
Fifth Position (X-C2S2N-XXX-A):
= Specification
N = Special Deluxe
Number positions (X-C2S2N-XXX-A):
= The sequential build number:
Numbers carried on from previous production
Last position (X-C2S2N-XXX-A):
= Assembly plant.
A = Longbridge
Oct 1980 to Nov 1985
VIN plate marked, “Austin Rover Group LTD”
The VIN format for these cars is like this:
SAX-X-C2S1N-XXX-A
First Three Positions (SAX-X-C2S1N-XXX-A):
World Make Identifier. Started Feb 1981.
SAX = MG-Rover
Fourth Position (SAX-X-C2S1N-XXX-A):
Not used
Fifth Position (SAX-X-C2S1N-XXX-A):
= Engine type
C = 1098cc
K = 848cc
L = 998cc
Sixth (and Seventh) Position (SAX-X-K2S1N-XXX-A):
= Body type
2S = 2-door saloon
2W = Estate
G = P.O. Mail Van
U = Pick-up.
V = Minivan.
Eighth Position (SAX-X-K2S1N-XXX-A):
= Series of model
1 = Round nose, traditional Mini body style.
2 = Clubman, square nose style.
Ninth Position (SAX-X-K2S1N-XXX-A):
= Specification
N = HL, Special, HLE, or Mayfair
R = Mini 25
S = Mayfair (LHD – France only)
Number positions (SAX-X-K2S1N-XXX-A):
= The sequential build number:
Build numbers continue with the numbers from the previous series of cars
Last position (SAX-X-K2S1N-XXX-A):
= Assembly plant.
A = Longbridge
Nov 1985 to 1990
VIN plate marked, “Austin Rover Group LTD”
The general format for the VIN for these cars is:
SAX-X-L2S1N20-XXX-A
First Three Positions (SAX-X-L2S1N20-XXX-A)
World Make Identifier
SAX = MG-Rover
Fourth Position (SAX-X-L2S1N20-XXX-A):
Not used
Fifth Position (SAX-X-L2S1N20-XXX-A):
= Engine type
L = 998cc
VIN, Sixth (and Seventh) Position (SAX-X-L2S1N20-XXX-A):
= Body type
2S = 2-door saloon
Eighth Position (SAX-X-L2S1N20-XXX-A):
= Series of body
1 = Round nose, Mini body style.
Ninth Position (SAX-X-L2S1N20-XXX-A):
= Class
N = HLE, Mayfair (RHD)
O = E, City E
S = Mayfair (LHD)
Tenth Position (SAX-X-L2S1N20-XXX-A):
= Model year
2 = 1984 on
Eleventh Position (SAX-X-L2S1N20-XXX-A):
= Driving position
0 = RHD
1 = LHD
Number positions (SAX-X-L2S1N20-XXX-A):
= The sequential build number:
Numbers continue from the previous series
Last position (SAX-X-L2S1N20-XXX-A):
= Assembly plant.
A = Longbridge
1990 On (1275cc cars only)
The general format for the VIN for these cars is:
SAX-XN-N-A-D-B-B-D-######
First Three Positions (SAX-XN-N-A-D-B-B-D-######)
= World Make Identifier.
SAX = MG-Rover
Fourth and Fifth Positions (SAX-XN-N-A-D-B-B-D-######):
XN = Mini 1275
Sixth Position (SAX-XN-N-A-D-B-B-D-######):
= Class
N = Sport, Cooper, Cabriolet
V = Kensington
W = HLS, Mayfair
Y = City, Sprite
Seventh Position (SAX-XN-N-A-D-B-B-D-######):
= Body type
A = 2-door saloon/sedan.
B = Cabriolet
Eighth Position (SAX-XN-N-A-D-B-B-D-######):
= Engine
D = 1275 Carb
M = 1275 Carb
X = 1275 SPi (standard compression ratio, 9.4:1)
Y = 1275 SPi (high compression ratio, 10.1:1)
Z = 1275 MPi (high compression ratio, 10.1:1)
Ninth Position (SAX-XN-N-A-D-B-B-D-######):
= RHD/LHD, Transmission type, Final Drive
B = RHD, Manual, 3.105
C = RHD, Manual, 3.21
E = RHD, Manual, 2.76
K = RHD, Automatic
M = LHD, Manual, 3.105
N = LHD, Manual, 3.21
R = LHD, Manual, 2.76
Y = LHD, Automatic
Tenth Position (SAX-XN-N-A-Y-B-B-D-######):
= Model Change
A = 1275 Special Edition
B = 1275
Eleventh Position (SAX-XN-N-A-Y-B-B-D-######):
= Assembly Plant
D = Longbridge
Number positions (SAX-XN-N-A-Y-B-B-D-######):
= The sequential build number:
Starting with 010001