Here are the list of information for all Mini cars model year from 1980 to 2000. The information used to compile the following was taken from factory service parts lists, factory microfiche, and factory CDs. Under close scrutiny, there appears to be some conflicts and mistakes in the factory number schemes, but, for the most part, the listings are accurate enough for car identification. Once again thanks to Chuck Heleker who compiled the list.

Here are the chassis/VIN Numbers for model year from 1980 to 2000. Click here to see Mini Chassis/VIN Numbers 1959 to 1980.

Oct 1980 to Nov 1985 – English Built

VIN

Note that the VIN plate for these cars is likely marked, “Austin Rover Group LTD”

It is possible that the dating in the factory microfiche is incorrect and the change date is October 1984, not 1985. Major changes were made by October 1984 (for instance, 8.4” brakes and 12” wheels became standard).

The general format for the VIN for these cars is:

SAX-X-K2S1N-XXX-A

VIN, First Three Positions (“SAX” in the above example):

This is the World Make Identifier. The factory microfiche indicates this was started on these cars in Feb 1981.

SAX = MG-Rover

VIN, Fourth Position (“X” in the above example):

This is simply dismissed by the factory as “non significant”!

VIN, Fifth Position (“K” in the above example):

= Engine type

C = 1098cc
K = 848cc
L = 998cc

VIN, Sixth (and Seventh) Position (“2S” in the above example):

= Body type

2S = 2-door saloon/sedan. Caution: bureaucratic bungles often interpret this as 25 (twenty-five)
2W = Estate (“2 Door Dual Purpose”)
G = P.O. Mail Van
U = Pick-up. Caution: U and V can be mistaken one for the other.
V = Panel van. Caution: U and V can be mistaken one for the other.

VIN, Eighth Position (“1” in the above example):

= Series of model

1 = Round nose, traditional Mini body style.
2 = Clubman, square nose style.

VIN, Ninth Position (“N” in the above example):

= Specification

N = HL, Special, HLE, or Mayfair
R = Mini 25
S = Mayfair (LHD – France only)

VIN, Number positions (“###” in the above example):

= The sequential build number:

Build numbers are not listed. It is suspected that they carry on with the numbers from the previous series of cars; i.e., numbers were not started from 101, again.

VIN, Last position (“A” in the above example):

= Assembly plant. Officially, “Internal Use Only”

If used at all, this would be “A” for English built cars.

A = Longbridge

Nov 1985 to Circa 1990?? – English Built

VIN

Note that the VIN plate for these cars is likely marked, “Austin Rover Group LTD”

It is possible that the start date is really November 1984, not 1985 as stated in the factory microfiche.

The general format for the VIN for these cars is:

SAX-X-L2S1N20-XXX-A

VIN, First Three Positions (“SAX” in the above example)

This is the World Make Identifier.

SAX = MG-Rover

VIN, Fourth Position (“X” in the above example):

This is simply dismissed by the factory as “non significant”!

VIN, Fifth Position (“L” in the above example):

= Engine type

L = 998cc

VIN, Sixth (and Seventh) Position (“2S” in the above example):

= Body type

2S = 2-door saloon/sedan. Caution: bureaucratic bungles often interpret this as 25 (twenty-five)

VIN, Eighth Position (“1” in the above example):

= Series of body

1 = Round nose, traditional Mini body style.

VIN, Ninth Position (“N” in the above example):

= Class

N = HLE, Mayfair (RHD)
O = E, City E
S = Mayfair (LHD)

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

VIN, Number positions (“###” in the above example):

= The sequential build number:

Build numbers are not listed. It is suspected that they carry on with the numbers from the previous series of cars; i.e., numbers were not started from 101, again.

VIN, Last position (“A” in the above example):

= Assembly plant. Officially, “Internal Use Only”

If used at all, this would be “A” for English built cars.

A = Longbridge

1990 XN—–010001 On (1300cc cars only) – English Built

VIN

The general format for the VIN for these cars is:

SAX-XN-N-A-Y-B-B-D-######

VIN, First Three Positions (“SAX” in the above example)

= World Make Identifier.

SAX = MG-Rover

VIN, Fourth and Fifth Positions (“XN” in the above example):

XN = Mini 1300

VIN, Sixth Position (“N” in the above example):

= Class

N = Sport, Cooper, Cabriolet
V = Kensington
W = HLS, Mayfair
Y = City, Sprite

VIN, Seventh Position (“A” in the above example):

= Body type

A = 2-door saloon/sedan.
B = Cabriolet

VIN, Eighth Position (“Y” in the above example):

= Engine

D = 1300 Carb
M = 1300 Carb
X = 1300 SPi (standard compression ratio, 9.4:1)
Y = 1300 SPi (high compression ratio, 10.1:1)
Z = 1300 MPi (high compression ratio, 10.1:1)

VIN, Ninth Position (“B” in the above example):

= 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

VIN, Tenth Position (“B” in the above example):

= Model Change

A = 1300 Special Edition
B = 1300

VIN, Eleventh Position (“D” in the above example):

= Assembly Plant

D = Longbridge

VIN, Number positions (“######” in the above example):

= The sequential build number:

Starting with 010001