I probably should have just bought a used Civic. Shipping cars from England just doesn't seem to be worth it. I was told that my 1980 Austin Mini is too old to have a VIN and didn't think much of it. Now I'm being told that not only does it has to have a VIN to get through customs, but that they did have VINs in the UK in 1980.

Can someone tell me where I'm going to have to look to find the VIN? There is also a 17 digit number on my bill of lading that is where *a* VIN should go, but it doesn't seem to be valid (on the online VIN checks that I tried). What should it's number look like?

I hope I'm not buying a stolen car. I can't afford to ship it back.

~Melissa

PS, Sorry for the cross-post, I didn't see the classic mini link right about the european one!

 

All mini left the factory with a VIN.

10/1980 to 11/1985 British built (something like this)- SAX-X-K2S1N-XXX-A

If built earlier it may look like something like this: X-K2S1N-XXX-A

for more information regarding VINs, check out the Minimania site : http://www.minimania.com/web/Display...n/ArticleV.cfm

IF THE SELLER TOLD YOU THAT YOU BOUGHT A MINI WITHOUT A VIN, EXPECT THE WORSE.

Did you consult or research the process before buying one? Did you consider buying one that is already here in the USA?

 

I had a 1962 Austin Mini 850 back when it was almost new. The VIN started with AA2S7L, the 7 being the Austin model number for the Mini.

I gather that VIN swapping is rather common on Minis; there used to exist a shop in CA that sold used Minis with lines like "registered as a 1964 but looks like a '78."

 

I am sorry to hear about your problem. Please keep us posted on the progress of this, though. You will find some moral support here, besides all the information. Maybe someone else can learn from your experience. I wish you the best of luck.

 

The number on my bill of lading is: 786VXL2SIN66699A or maybe just XL2SIN66699A, but it's hard to tell if it's a line break or a seperate number. I did research the process, but didn't find out about the VIN thing until much much later. The girl I bought it from seems really genuine. She was not seeking out an overseas buyer by any means. She told me after dropping it off that when she told the guy it didn't have a VIN, the person who worked there said that he'd find it and write on on the BoL. She really just seemed clueless.

I did research the process, but I didn't know about all of the details. I looked into buying one in the US, but classics were out of my small price range. With shipping this is only going to cost me $6000 and I'm getting an automatic, which were never sent to the US unless someone imported one.

Thank you for the link, I will check that out!

~Melissa

 

That link was great! I do have a VIN it's the XL2S1N666199A It fits perfectly with the set up.

Oh god. I'm so relieved.

THANK YOU!!!!

 

Creatrix, Where are you located? State?

Have you researched the aging needed to register and smog the mini in your state?

I'm in CA, we have a very tough smog and importation law here. To much mumbo jumbo!

 

If you're in California, you are SOL with a 1980....you'll have to sell it out of state.

 

Glad you were able to find the VIN.
I am assuming that you are in MD by one of your other posts?
I don't think you will have any issues with emissions as long as the engine is running ok and not a mass polluter. I know in Va, on cars older than 25 yrs, no emissions check is required. But if you happen to be driving by one of the roadside check stations and your emissions are too high, your plate gets photographed and they send you an invite to an emissions station for a check.

 

Yeah, I'm in MD and getting historic plates, so I'm exempt from safety and emissions checks... it did pass MOT in the UK, though, so it would probably pass here as well.

 

Creatrix,

I would suggest that you join or be familiar with mini clubs in your area. Members are a great help and support when it comes to helping fellow mini owners.

One more thing, make sure to source out a mechanic that would be able to work on your car. Don't wait until you breakdown to look for one. Your local mini club would be able to help you in locating a competent mechanic.

Automatic, I hav'nt had the oppurtunity to own an automatic mini, I've heard that some are troublesome. good luck and welcome to the classsic mini community.

may I suggest that you frequent the Mini Mania classic mini forum http://www.minimania.com/msgthreads.cfm
, there are much more classic mini owners there.

 

Copied from my response to your other post:
Classic Minis did have VINs, going way back. My car came from England, is registered as a 1978 and the VIN looks like this: XE2D2479nnn where the nnn is 3 more digits.

There should be a compliance plate with the VIN stamped into it riveted somewhere easily spottable under the bonnet. Mine is on the cross-member above the grille.

The VIN will most likely be rejected by any US automated system. Too short if nothing else, but the cars weren't sold in the US, so the VINs aren't likely to be in the system. Several of the US Mini parts places sell blank compliance plates that you can have stamped with your VIN (once you determine what it is) and mount to the car.

 

I drove my classic back from Baltimore last year. Has to be one of, if not the funnest car I have ever driven. Too bad I spun a bearing on the trip back.
Its undergoing a total rebuild at the moment. It has a couple of rusty spots that need attention. Hopefully will be ready to paint the body in July.
Hope all goes well with your import. Hopefully will see you out on the road, as we drive up that way to visit friends.