Looking at a 1977. Should make it a BL Mk IV. Seller says it's an 850 (848cc) but that is a 1976 engine. 1977 should be a 998cc. Could be a '76 titled in the year of sale? Could have an 848cc junkyard replacement engine?

Now... will a 1275 bolt straight into this Mk IV?

EDIT: Upon inspection it appears to be a 1976 Mk III with the 848cc TITLED as/in 1977 in the UK. I think it was the practice to issue the plate in the year of sale as I've seen this on older Triumph motorcycles.

 

My Mini is titled as a '79, but upon closer inspection it's likely a '75. So it is quite possible that you may be right about the actual model year of the car. Lots of Minis have engines, gearboxes, and other parts installed from a variety of years. Mine originally had a 998 but that engine was toast, so a 1275 (from an Austin America I think) was rebuilt an installed with no problems. Good luck!

 

think it was the practice to issue the plate in the year of sale

YEP

and as far as I've seen you can bolt up thru a 1275 to any previous tranny .... probably more.

I've a 79 1000 (or 850 depending on the paper I read) that was re-engined with a Metro 1275 . . .

everything lines up . . .

 

Here is the ad. He's at $4,250 which tells me he paid way too much for a Mini eat up on both sides with rust, needs brakes and has a $99 special paint job.

It is a car Ms B found and would like to make into at least presentable driven class car. I think we need to be into it for $2,500 and Ms B is thinking something like $3,000 with a $3,250 gag. There are too many decent drivers out there for $5,000.

http://louisville.craigslist.org/cto/4271164674.html