Hi all...

I came across a classic Mini in my town yesterday... I've been desperately trying to figure out what it is... I'm really considering buying the car, I just want to know what it is before I do. The used car dealer does not open until monday, and I'd like to be able to call him as soon as he opens saying I'll buy the car.

It's advertised as a '71 (Probably re-vinned so it could be imported into the states). I'm guessing it's from the 90's as it has reverse lights, the bonnet release is inside, and the door hinges are not on the outside. There is one thing that is really confusing though... It says it's a Sprite on the back 2 rear 1/4 panels, naturally I went and looked up on Wiki what the Sprite had in the package... Apparently they were made in '83 and had a black grill. Now This one has a chrome grill, different wheel arches, and I'm really not sure what year it is.

I'll attach as many pictures as I can! Any help anyone could give me would be much appreciated!

Thanks,
Kyle

 

It is possible that it is an 83. But won't know for sure until you see under the hood.
Grilles, lights and arches can always be changed.

 

is it being sold at a stealership? what are they asking for it? just want to ensure you dont overpay! unless you have cash to pay in full on the car, you may ask the dealer if the car is financable. in my experience with buying three Minis, its cash only as finance companies cant pull up a "1971 Mini" in their database to check value as they werent imported for sale at that point. US prices are typically higher than they were sold for in their overseas markets when new.

if you're ok with owning a re-vin, later model car, it looks pretty nice.

 

According to this model history from MiniWorld magazine: An in-depth timeline covering the history of Mini production from 1959 to 2000.


there were two renditions of the Sprite

1983
Production of Mini Sprite
Details: Available in either Cinnabar Red or Primula Yellow with ‘Sprite’ body decals. Fitted with Mini Special alloy wheels and wheel arch extensions.
Engine size: 998cc


1992 - 1996
Production of Mini Sprite and Mini Mayfair 1,275cc
Details: Sprite had black wheel arch extensions and full width wheel trims but otherwise a similar specification to the City model. Mini Mayfair had added chrome and Chevron fabric interior. Full width burr-walnut dash from 1993, metro based front seats and internal bonnet release.

{1980 – 1992
Production of Mini City
Details: Similar specification to the previous Mini 850 City but with a larger capacity engine. Changed to 2 models in 1982- the Mini City E with economic 2.95 final drive ratio and 1000HL Saloon. Front disc brakes and 12 inch wheels from 1984. Two dial instrument pod from 1985. City E Model replaced with City model in 1988. Brake servo fitted from 1988.
Engine size: 998cc}


I would rate information from MiniWorld as very reliable as they have been a UK publication on Mini for a long time.
http://www.miniworld.co.uk/the-scene...ry-of-the-mini

On the other hand we can compare to what's on Wiki - who's information is often dubious


Mini Sprite
Year: 1983 (August)
Based on: Mini City
Engine: 998 cc
Exterior colours:
Cinnibar Red (CMT - BLVC399)
Primula Yellow (FMP - BLVC442)
Exterior trim: Black bumpers and grille centre
Decals/badges: Tapering side stripes with "Sprite" logo
Interior: Grey Herringbone seat facings
Equipment: Exaction 10-inch alloy wheels with 165/70R10 tyres, Mini special wheel arch extensions, twin door mirrors, 1275GT instrumentation


Wiki does not mention the 90's version


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Looking at the car I doubt those are the arches that would have come on either 'factory' Sprite as they appear much wider than any factory arch I've seen. Looking at a representative issue of MiniWorld (july 2012) their classifieds have a section for Sprite model and 3 are shown. Two are 95 and one 96. All have wheels larger than 10" and black narrow arches, and black grills. UK prices are 3,500 3,200 and 1,650


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95% of the Minis you find in the US are going to have been modified to some degree so that's not a show stopper, but knowing WHAT you looking at / buying is important.


What dash does the car have and what engine specifically (SPi)?

 

We really need interior pics...

 

Well I'm taking it for a test drive tomorrow morning... The dealer left the boot unlocked so I learned the trick of those little numbers on the back of the boot latch... It was made in week 7 of year 94!

I'll let you all know how the thing drives

Kyle

 

You mean the stamped metal on the boot latch? That would suggest that the latch was manufactured in 94, although it's possible that it's the original latch. Is there a part of the body that's stamped? I don't know about that. Both the boot lid and latch are easily replaceable.

In any case, it's not a '71. '83 likely, but not '71. Does that mean anything important? Not really since most parts are interchangeable, but things like door handles and much of the interior from a '71 will look considerably different than those from '83 (or '94). Drivetrain will be very different, but body stuff will be the same.

If it is a '94 production year car, than it was illegally brought through customs. That shouldn't be a problem since it's already been registered in the US (it has, right?)

Have fun on the test drive.
Jeff

 

You're welcome for the trick.

From what I've heard, they only stamp the latch when they leave the factory. If you replace the latch it won't have the year on it.

 

from what I've seen so far I suspect 94 is right

which brings me back to the engine

if this is an SPi or MPi I'd walk away. Finding the equipment to diagnose an SPi in the US is very difficult. Within the last year I talked to 3 different folks who were advised to stay away, bought anyway and within weeks had engine trouble like won't start, not getting gas etc. If it has SU carb you're in a much safer place.

builders plate on my 79



I guess it is an Austin Morris Leyland

 

+1 on what Capt. said, the SU Carb engines are much simpler...no ECU to mess things up too.

 

take a look at the wiper motor cover this will have a date stamped on it.....also the boot lock latch will have a date on it the doors under the door card have a no on them................from the 3 pics I would say a late 1995-2000.....as this has sport pack arches and 6"X13"s........does it have a carb......single point or multi point I very much Dout if its a 71......

 

Judging from the interior of this car (from what I can see through the back window) there is no way its a latter generation 1995 to 2000 - I would say its late 1980's / early 1990's, possibly 1990 or 1991