FE number question

[Bart Smith]

Good evening everyone,

I know that FE numbers do not mean a whole lot. However, I am curious about one on my race car. The number is FE 15996. Just so someone doesn't waste time, the car has been re-shelled for sure and the front end changed at least once, probably more than once. Typical old race car. The thing is, I am curious and it annoys me that I do not know anything about the FE number. This number is welded above the radiator grill on the inner apron. Before anyone asks, the floors were replaced so there is no FE number there.

I can give more details if needed. What I want to know is, can this FE number suggest a date/year? If it can, what would that date/year be?

Thank you,
Bart Smith

[bill773mini]

Middle of Jan 60

[Simon776]

Before anyone asks, the floors were replaced so there is no FE number there.

There is an F number on floors not an FE Number.

Middle of Jan 60

A little bit later than that I would expect.

[Bart Smith]

Thank you for the replies. 1960 makes sense as the car has non-recessed screens, no drip rails, large floor plugs, ect. This info helps as now I know the front aprons, and FE number are consistent for the rest of the shell. What was thowing me was the front panel has the cut outs so I know it was replaced but I did not know how far back the repair went but the aprons do appear to be original.

In case anyone cares, the vin # is for a 1962 997 Cooper. The car was a street car until 1987 when it was built into a racer and raced for the first time in 1989. It was promptly destroyed at Firebird Raceway in Arizona and reshelled with its current shell. This shell has evidence of being an SCCA racer such as roll cage/bar holes, boxed firewall, modified flat dash, cut rear floor, ect. Not to mention the zillion holes I have welded up. I know where it came from and I am still trying to track that history down. The FE was just another piece of the puzzle.

Thanks again.

[bill773mini]

A little bit later than that I would expect.

More like first week of Jan then Simon? It's not a 59 number but could be on the cusp?

[Bart Smith]

Interesting Bill, as when I spoke to the person who reshelled it he said the new shell was a 59. Not alot of 59 left at this point so I don't think it matters.

Thanks again.
Bart

[bill773mini]

Hi Bart,

The latest 59 FE number I have recorded is in the 14,000's so it's close.

Do you have any photos of the front gutter corners? The factory drain slot was introduced new year 59-60 so it's a good dating point. I assume there is no body number present?

Have you looked for any other number on the shell?

http://1959miniregister.com/variations-numbers/

There could also be a body number stamped in to the bulk head on the flat dipped section under the carb. It would be hand punched in the the top surface but they are rare.

To be fair there is (apart from the drain hole in the gutter) no difference between a late 59 shell and early 60 shell.


Hope that helps

Bill

[Bart Smith]

Here are some photos of the gutters. Any ideas? There are no front holes.

[STG95F]

Looks like a 59 Shell to me . What do you think Bill ??


Ian

[bill773mini]

Certainly does Ian yes. Must be right on the change over with that FE number.

Presented with that shell and FE number (I know Simon disagrees) I would date it right on the new year of 59/60. I would think just like everything else BMC the introduction is blurred and confusing.

[STG95F]

Thats BMC for you !!

[Bart Smith]

Thank you for all the help. That 59 site is great. I will go over the shell more carefully and report back. Thanks again.

[bill773mini]

That 59 site is great

Thank you. I hope it's useful. No point learning any of this stuff and not sharing it. It's a collective of dozens of peoples knowledge and expertise in one place. All we do is collate it and share.