mk1-forum.net

I found this name stamped into a hydro rear subframe I intend to rebuild. Is this just an aftermarket brand name? Looks like firsal, can't say I've come across this name before.

I believe it's Firsat. The company made wheels and subframes for Innocentis.

Nick is spot on, probably an Italian made frame.

I've heard of these being found on early UK 1275GTs and Clubmans so maybe they were shipped over to the UK towards the end of Hydro production to use up stock.

I have one on my 1967 Austin Cooper. I believe it's the original hydrolastic subframe fitted at Longbridge when new.
The front subframe has MOWOG stamped on it.

I am 99% sure they are both on the car since new. Am I wrong?

Brett,

Anything is "possible" but it is unlikely that the Firsat frame on your car is a factory fitted item. It would take a lot of unusual circumstances for an Italian made frame to end up on a UK factory built car.

my mk2 has one fitted, I took it off a very rotten car in a breakers in the late 80’s it was much newer than the car, hence probably a replacement frame. They were probably common aftermarket frames, it fits very well though lined up perfectly with m machine floor and heritage boot floor. Dimensionally correct from front reference points.

I have also such a Firsat frame wich came from a 1972 Pickup.

Can't say if it was factory fitted, but what i can say that it was in pretty good shape when the owner of the pickup want to drop it in 2010 for a new Subframe.

I then got it for free, powder coated it and its now sitting on a 1975 Mini 1000.

In my opinion much better quality than the ones you get today..