How To Identify The Model Of A Mini

[Crosswind]

There are lots of Minis in Sri Lanka with various number plates. However, that may not reflect the true year of manufacture of the car as well as its model.

There are Mini 850s 1000s 1275s, Coopers, Cooper S's, MkI, MkII... Mk VII etc.

Any Mini expert like to tell me how to identify a particular model based on its outside appearance?

[k89]

Mk1 59-67

Mk2 67-69

Mk3 69-76

Mk4 76-84

Mk5 84-91

Mk6 91-96

Mk7 96-00

Mini Production by Model. Some of these figures are approximations.

Mini MkI

Austin Se7en/Mini 435500

Morris Mini-Minor 510000

Auston Countryman 85500

Morris Traveller 75500

Total 1106500

Mini Cooper MkI

Austin Mini Cooper 997cc 12395

Morris Mini Cooper 997cc 12465

Austin Mini Cooper 998cc 17737

Morris Mini Cooper 998cc 21627

Total 64224

Mini Cooper S MkI

Austin Mini Cooper S 1071cc 2135

Morris Mini Cooper S 1071cc 1896

Austin Mini Cooper S 970cc 481

Morris Mini Cooper S 970cc 482

Austin Mini Cooper S 1275cc 6489

Morris Mini Cooper S 1275cc 7824

Total 19307

Mini Mk II

Austin Mini 154000

Morris Mini 206000

Austin Countryman 22500

Morris Traveller 23500

Total 406000

Mini Cooper Mk II

Austin Mini Cooper 998cc 9168

Morris Mini Cooper 998cc 7228

Total 16396

Mini Cooper S Mk II

Austin Mini Cooper S 1275cc 2687

Morris Mini Cooper S 1275cc 3642

Total 6329

Mini Clubman

Mini Clubman saloon 275583

Mini Clubman estate 197606

Mini 1275GT 110673

Total 583862

Mini MkIII/IV/V/VI

Mini 850 407670

Mini 1000/City/Mayfair 1439819

Mini 1100 78853

Mini 1300 (export) 21360

Mini Sprite 17833

Mini Mayfair 16250

Mini Cooper RSP 1650

Mini Cooper Carburettor 19899

Mini Cooper 1.3i (92-96) 42880

Mini Cabriolet (LAMM) 75

Mini Cabriolet (Rover) 1081

Total 2047370

Mini MkVII (1996-2000)

Mini & Mini Cooper Total 65695

Mini Van

Austin Minivan 174000

Morris Minivan 169249

Mini Van 850 94899

Mini Van 1000 82356

Total 521494

Mini Pick-up

Austin Mini Pick-up 18000

Morris Mini Pick-up 12652

Mini Pick-up 850 12130

Mini Pick-up 1000 15397

Total 58179

Mini Moke

Austin Mini Moke 5422

Morris Mini Moke 9096

European Total 14518

Australian Mini Moke 26142

Portuguese Mini Moke 9277

Total 49937

Riley Elf

Elf MkI 3522

Elf MkII 17816

Elf MkIII 9574

Total 30912

Wolseley Hornet

Hornet MkI 3166

Hornet MkII 16785

Hornet MkIII 8504

Total 28455

check here too.

http://www.austin-rover.co.uk/index.htm?engineaseriesf.htm

The Mk1: 1959-1967

The Mk1 is for some the best incarnation of the Mini, myself included. It has unique smaller tail lamps that will only feature on the Mk1's. Its simplicity wins over the hearts of many.

The start of the Mini and a very important time for Alec Issigonis. The Mini is met with a cool reception from some, with only the 850cc engine available.

These are the models that were available during the Mk1 Period (August 1959 - October 1967)

Basic saloon (August 1959 - October 1967)

De Luxe saloon (early) (August 1959-Septermber 1962)

Super saloon (September 1961-September 1962)

Cooper saloon (September 1961-October 1967)

Cooper 'S' saloon (April 1963-October 1967)

Super de Luxe saloon (September 1962-August 1964)

De Luxe saloon (September 1964-October 1967)

The Mini is put on sale on August 26th 1959. The 848cc Austin Seven built at Longbridge and the mechanically-identical Morris Mini Minor from Cowley go on sale at the same time.All three works 850s fail to finish the RAC Rally in their first outing.

In 1960, determined to change the record, Mini makes its first assault on the Monte Carlo Rally, lining up six 850s ahead of several similarly-equipped privateers. Four of them reach the finish; Peter Riley's 23rd place finishing the highest. Don Morley scores Mini's first international rallying class win as he finishes 14th overall on the Geneva Rally (in an 850, remember).

In 1961, the Mini Cooper is introduced with a 997cc engine.

In 1962, the Seven tag on the Austin variants is replaced by Mini. Pat Moss's Cooper brings Mini its first international rally victory on the Tulip Rally. John Love wins the British Saloon Car Championship.

In 1963, the Cooper S first appears in 1071cc guise.Rauno Aaltonen wins the Alpine Rally in it. Rob Slotemaker wins the 1300cc European Saloon Car Championship with a Downton-tuned Cooper S.

In 1964, Paddy Hopkirk and Henry Liddon take 33 EJB to victory in the Monte Carlo Rally. The 997 Cooper is replaced with the 998 and the Cooper S gains 970cc and 1275cc engines, but loses the 1071cc. Hydrolastic suspension is standard on every new mini sold.

In 1965,Timo Makinen in a 1275S wins Mini's second Monte Carlo Rally, the Circuit of Ireland, Geneva and Czech international rallies. The Cooper 970S is dropped. Alec Issigonis drives the 1,000,000th Mini off the line at Longbridge. Mini gets an automatic option. Its innovative and effective design has no rivals for many years.

In 1966, BMC merges with Jaguar to form British Motor Holdings (BMH). French scrutineers deny the Abingdon-based team a third straight win. Makinen, Aaltonen and Hopkirk had finished one-two-three. The win goes to a frenchman.

In 1967, Aaltonen takes Mini's third Monte win, denying the scrutineers the chance to suppress the Mini's glory. The Mini Mk2 is launched.

The Mk2: 1967-1969

The Mk2 showed the introduction of the rear lights that would last the next 33 years, and was also had the shortest production run of any mark of Mini.

The mark 2 Mini is launched at the London Motorshow in 1967. It has a wider rear window, new light clusters, bigger grille and other changes. There are standard and Super Deluxe versions. Issigonis's projected Mini replacement, a square hatchback codenamed 9X, is cancelled. Thank god. First Mini Festial in Brands Hatch. A revised steering rack reduces Mini's turning circle to 28 feet from 31.

In 1968, Syncromesh becomes standard on all four gears. The cable system (pull to open doors) is superseded by conventional handles. BMH merges with the Leyland Motor Corporation to form the British Leyland Motor Corporation. Donald Stokes, joins the company. The US loses the Mini to emission regulations.

In 1969, Mini production at Cowley ends. The Mark 3 is introduced.

The Mk3: 1969-1976

The Mk3 is the biggest revamp of the Mini yet, heralding the end of external hinges, sliding window and the Cooper Name for the Mini.

The mark 3 Mini is introduced in 1969, offering wind-up windows, internal hinges and dry suspension among many changes. Austin and Morris tags dropped in favour of plain Mini. Mini production reaches 2,000,000. The Italian Job is released in cinemas, using Mk1 Cooper S Mini's, bringing the Mini even more fame and popularity. Alec Issigonis is knighted for his services to the motor industry. The 998 Cooper is dropped.

In 1970, the mark 3 Cooper 1275S is introduced, to be the last ever "S". In BL's final full works entry, Paddy Hopkirk takes a 1275GT to second place on the Scottish Rally.

In 1971, the Cooper name is dropped and the S discontinued. Mini has its best year for sales figures at 318,000. Issigonis retires from BL. Hydrolastic suspension is retired also.

In 1973, alternator replaces dynamo across the range. The magic wand gearchange disappears from the 850 and is discontinued.

In 1974, inertia reel seatbelts become standard across the range and 850 drivers get a heater at no extra cost. The Bertone-styled Innocenti Mini appears from Italy, based on Mini's platform and running gear. It comes from the same firm which built Minis and kept the Cooper in production for three years after BL stopped.

In 1976, the mark 4 Mini is introduced.

The Mk4: 1976-1984

The Mk4 Mini holds the first ever Limited Edition Mini, quite unusual in 1976, and has a long production run of 8 years.

The mark 4 Mini is introduced in 1976, with twin-stalk controls, heated rear window, hazard lights, radial tyres, a new switch panel and larger pedals all standard across the range. The Mini 1000 Special becomes the first factory Limited Edition (LE) model. It proudly sports green and white paint, striped seats and a coachline. Production passes the 4,000,000 mark.

In 1977, reversing lights, reclining seats, dipping rear view mirror all become standard across the range.

In 1978, Mini no-longer available in Australia.

In 1979, the Mini celebrates its 20th anniversary with the 1100 Special LE (production: 5,000). The City is launched, with the 848cc engine. Later in the year it gets the 998, marking the end of the smaller engine in the saloons. BL makes a development plan including the axing of the Mini in 1982.

In 1980, all Clubman variants are dropped. The Mini gets a new trim level - the HL. The Austin Mini Metro is launched. It shares much of the Mini's platform, but neither outsells or outlives the donor car.

In 1982, This would have been the end of the mini if BL hadn't decided against the development plan of 1979. The HL becomes HLE and is then re-launched as the Mayfair.

In 1984, the next generation of the mini, the Mk5 is introduced.

The Mk5: 1984-1991

The Mk5 was the era of the Limited Editions, with no less than 20 LE's in 7years. It also has one of the most important developments to date: disc brakes and 12-inch wheels standard across the range.

The mark 5 Mini is introduced in 1984, with 12-inch wheels, front disc brakes and plastic wheel arch extensions standard across the range. The 25 LE is introduced. Thousands attend Mini's 25th birthday party at Donington. BL changes their name to the Austin Rover Group.

In 1985, the City loses its central instrument layout - the last Mini to do so. But the Mayfair gets a rev counter. The Ritz LE is introduced.

In 1986, Mini production passes the 5,000,000 mark. Issigonis celebrates his 80th birthday. The Chelsea and Picadilly LE's are introduced.

In 1987, the Advantage and Park Lane LE's are introduced. Austin Rover Group becomes plain Rover Group.

In 1988, the second saddest year in Mini history, Sir Alec Issigonis dies. Red Hot, Jet Black and Designer LE's are introduced. Rear seatbelts and servo-assisted brakes become standard across the range. City gets headrests, radio cassette becomes standard on Mayfair. Tory government sells Rover Group to British Aerospace.

In 1989, Rose, Sky and 30 LE's are introduced (production of Mini 30: 3,000). Semi-official ERA Mini Turbo introduced with Metro Turbo engine and 93bhp. Huge Mini 30th birthday party at Silverstone. Flame Red and Racing Green LEs introduced, featuring Cooper-style paint and a rev counter.

In 1990, second versions of Flame Red and Racing Green LEs are introduced with Minilite-style alloys and a revised diff for better acceleration. They are joined by the black-and-white Check Mate and Studio 2 LE's. The Cooper makes a return as a limited edition of 1,000 cars (61bhp 1275 carb) prepared by Rover Special Products (RSP). A mainstream production model is decided upon with minor differences.

In 1991, the Mk6 is introduced.

The Mk6: 1991-1996

The Mk6 was a big leap for the Mini. The bodyshell was modified to make the first production Injection Mini ever. The main reason was to meet with emissions regulations.

The mark 6 Mini is introduced in 1991. It is re-engineered for a revised SPi engine and a closed-loop cat. Neon LE introduced. Cooper gets a 63bhp SPi version of the 1275 engine with a closed-loop cat and ECU, plus standard spots and stripes. Lamm Cabriolet LE (production: 75) launched by Rover - First official Mini with 13 inch wheels.

In 1992, City and 998cc are replaced by the Sprite. It and the Mayfair get a new 50bhp carb-plus-cat version of the 1275cc engine. British Open Classic LE introduced, the first production Mini with an electric folding sunroof. Italian Job LEs introduced (red, white, blue and green). John Cooper Garages Si conversions becomes a dealer option. Security improvements include alarm/immobiliser option and an internal bonnet release.

In 1993, Cabriolet re-introduced with SPi Cooper engine and 12 inch wheels instead of the Lamm's 13s. Rio (production: 750) and Tahiti (production: 500) LE's are introduced. Cooper gets a standard alarm and a wooden dash option. Mayfair gets the latter standard. Mini production is down to under 21,000.

In 1994, the purchase which will mean the end of the Mini as we know it, BMW buys Rover Group. Cooper Monte Carlo LE introduced (production: 200) to mark 30th anniversary of first Monte win. To mark the event various arms of Rover enter three 'works Cooper SPi group A cars on the Monte. Paddy Hopkirk and Ron Crellin pilot L33 EJB to 52nd overall, fourth in class. 35 LE is introduced (production: 1,000). Mini's 35th birthday party draws 120,000 to Silverstone. Cooper Grand Prix LE is introduced (production: 35).

In 1995, BMW approves the E50 project and begins work on developing a Mini replacement. Sidewalk LE is introduced (1,000). The Mini is voted 'car of the century' by readers of Autocar magazine. Monaco half-leather trim and wooden dash now standard on Cooper.

In 1996, The mark 7 Mini is introduced.

The Mk7: 1996-2000

The Mk7 was the Final generation of the Mini. The most desirable to some, the least to others.

The mark 7 Mini is introduced in 1996. Changes include twin-point injection, higher final drive, driver airbag, side impact beams, better sound insulation, improved front seats, a front-mounted radiator and a sportspack option. Cooper 35 LE introduced (200). Equinox LE introduced.

In 1997, The Mini Classic is introduced as the new non-Cooper model. The Mayfair is dropped. Sportpack-equipped models with fat 13 inch wheels become another revival for the Mini, proving very popular.

In 1998, Paul Smith LE is introduced (1,800). Cooper Sports LE is introduced (100). The model carries 1960s British Vita team colours.

In 1999, 40, Cooper S Works Touring/5 Sport and John Cooper LEs are introduced. Mini's 40th birthday party at Silverstone is huge once again.

In 2000, BMW sells Rover to the Phoenix consortium, but retains the rights to the Mini name and future. Cooper Sport 500 LE introduced (500). Mini production ends when the final Cooper Sport 500 LE rolls off the Longbridge production line ( No. 5,387,862). John Cooper dies Christmas Eve.

Edited January 5, 2007 by k89

[Devinda_Z]

BMW is set to debut its 4WD Crossover Concept of the MINI at the Paris Show

[john cooper]

Nice information mate....... thanx,

check on this link:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mini

ma mini is MKVI lolll

[The Don]

BMW is set to debut its 4WD Crossover Concept of the MINI at the Paris Show

You know something, call me a nostalgic fool ......... but I for one don't want a Mini 4WD ! The Mini was great for what it was, for what it is .... a Mini ! and I'm sure the great engineers at BMW would have injected all the character of the old mini to this 4WD version, the same way they did to the modern mini ! but not everybody who liked the old mini's like the new mini ! Its a great car no doubt, but its no so mini

I think the shape, function and application is an integral part of a car's character, especially one which has cult status and to tinker with it too much is to well ....... kind of take it away from its fan base !

I mean Devinda, admit it, you would not like your Land Rover Defender to do anything differently or look anything different would you ?

[Devinda_Z]

You know something, call me a nostalgic fool ......... but I for one don't want a Mini 4WD ! The Mini was great for what it was, for what it is .... a Mini !

I mean Devinda, admit it, you would not like your Land Rover Defender to do anything differently or look anything different would you ?

No argument there - i wouldn't have it any other way & dreading what may come of it with the impending redesign