mk1-forum.net

Hello chaps,

I'm going to look at a 1969 cooper S tomorrow and my knowledge of identifying a real one isn't as great as I would like it to be!
So I was wondering if you guys could help me by listing some check points to make sure what I'm looking at is the real deal and not a re-shelled mess! For example engine numbers how would that look? Chassis number, what would that start with what would it include? Fe number? Would it have one? Commission plate?
I'm sure there was a mini mania web page that gave out imformation on how to ID a car but I can't seem to find it. Also if you guys know of the odd ball things about them that you can point out so I can make a list to check off I'd be ever so glad of it.

Thanks very much! chris

You really need a copy of Parnell's book to check the numbers, glass etc. Re the shell ensure it has boot board brackets, factory right hand tank fittings, neat remote gear change cut out with the two 'notches', oil cooler fitting, servo fitting. You can check the dates on the wiper, boot lock to see if they tie in with the build date, bearing in mind they could have been changed over the years.
Have a look over on the Mini Cooper Register forum, should give you a few more ideas.
Good luck!

999 ORX wrote:Hello chaps,

I'm going to look at a 1969 cooper S tomorrow and my knowledge of identifying a real one isn't as great as I would like it to be!
So I was wondering if you guys could help me by listing some check points to make sure what I'm looking at is the real deal and not a re-shelled mess! For example engine numbers how would that look? Chassis number, what would that start with what would it include? Fe number? Would it have one? Commission plate?
I'm sure there was a mini mania web page that gave out imformation on how to ID a car but I can't seem to find it. Also if you guys know of the odd ball things about them that you can point out so I can make a list to check off I'd be ever so glad of it.

Thanks very much! chris

...for a 69 er 9f say 5**** engine nmbr,. comm no,s 250 s *** etc.. later mk 2 s types slam panel plates as opposed to comm no,s on the inner left hand wing panel (red and black)..fe no,s sometimes not retained on major panel replacements i have noticed...jp,s book will be invalueable for id.......foxy52

steve1071 wrote: neat remote gear change cut out with the two 'notches'

Not forgetting ordinary Mk2 1000s also had a remote cut out. The presence of right hand tank breather tabs welded on the rear bulkhead and under the rear parcel shelf should give the game away straight away, usually left off a reshell, not that a reshell is the end of the world if the car's got good/some history. Is it still hydro ?

Cheers for the info!

Pete, I've not seen the car yet, I know nothing about it apart from the fact it's a 69 and it's almond green! The fella is about 80 and I'm not sure if he knows an awful lot about mini's in general which worries me considering he apparently gave 18k for it so it should be a really good one, unless he's been sold something wrongly!?
I was supposed to be going tomorrow but he's now told me he's working tomorrow! Haha! So I'm going on Sunday now.. Gives me a bit more time to research them though. Ps that's a very good pointer to the breather tabs under the parcel shelf. I'm not going to make my mind up on it there and then so I'll take some photos of things and email you them Pete if you don't mind.

No probs.