Another build date question for those knowledgeable

[forduane]

Asking for a friend who purchased a Mini minus a title. From my limited knowledge of Mini's, and the online research I've done. I "think" the vehicle in question is an early 1960 Mk1. From the following serial number on the left side plate, can this be confirmed with some certainty ? Thank you in advance.

A-A2S7L 16360

[mab01uk]

1959 thru September 1969 – English Built:-
First position A = Austin.
Second position (also "A") = A-series engine. Any standard Mini engine for the period.
Third position 2S = 2-door saloon/sedan.
Fourth position ("7") = Mk1 Austin.
Fifth position ("L") = Left-hand drive.
Number positions = The sequential build number: The first car at Longbridge was number 101, as was the first at Cowley.
Last position = Assembly plant. A = Longbridge, M = Cowley. This seems to be used inconsistently on English-built cars, and it is understood that the car was built at the “normal” factory if the letter is left off.
https://www.minimania.com/Mini_Chassis_ ... 1959to1969

A Heritage Certificate - will confirm the exact build date, etc.
£48 plus p&p
Own a 'Certified Copy of a Factory Record' for your classic car, showing your car's specification as it left the production line:-
https://www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk/ar ... rtificates

[forduane]

Thanks ! I did see that data on my searches and it clarifies several things. The sequential build number, 16360, is what I'm hoping gives a rough time frame as to its build (and thus, model year). Have I missed something in making this determination ? (I have no prior knowledge of anything Mini, so apologies if I'm overlooking something).

Thanks again !

Viz

[mab01uk]

An online search gave this example quoted on the Mini Mania website: "A2S7-12742 Chassis Number would be for a very early 1960 Austin Mini."
So your number seems to be in the right range for a 1960, hopefully others can confirm or narrow it down. As mentioned in my edit to my above previous post a Heritage Certificate would give an exact build date.

[Mrgoose]

My Dec ‘60 is 81133. You certainly have an earlier one than mine.

[CaliforniaMk1]

Mine is May-60 and has 37xxx number.

[forduane]

Could my friends car actually be a 59 with that low a number ?

[Polarsilver]

Mab has already mentioned get a Heritage Certificate the £48 spend will give the production information & answer your questions rather than speculate.

a Photo of the car that always helps on here ..as maybe someone will know some past History which is interesting for all.

[mab01uk]

This April 1959 photo of a Mini Van prototype is from the book "Mini: The Definitive History" by Jon Pressnell, which says "the longer wheelbase underpan design for Van/Traveller/Countryman was put together during 1959 in Dick Gallimore's Longbridge body experimental shop. The first of the three variants to be announced in June 1960, was the 5cwt van with Countryman and Traveller announced in September 1960 and finally Pick-up debut at Geneva Motor Show in March 1961, available in UK from June 1961."

[mab01uk]

There is a thread from 2012 on 'The Mini Forum' (TMF) which has the following quote which may be of interest:-
"Production began in January 1960 Starting at Chassis Number 12101 (Austin) and 12601 (Morris) and for export 80047 (Austin) 85302 (Morris). The export models had a wooden load bearing floor in the rear!"
https://www.theminiforum.co.uk/forums/t ... ?p=3222157

"Mini Van production officially ended in May 1983. However, production continued well into 1984 to complete outstanding orders that had been placed by The Police, Gas, Water and Electricity Utility companies. This explains why there are a number of A registered (1983/1984) vans."
https://www.theminiforum.co.uk/forums/t ... ?p=3348735

The full thread 'Who's Got The Oldest Minivan?' on TMF is here:-
https://www.theminiforum.co.uk/forums/t ... t-minivan/

Austin Early Mini Van Production numbers:-
http://mk1-forum.net/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=16908