7 replies to this topic

[lewisdw]

How get proof of the date of manufacture of my 1989 austin mini? I contacted the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust but they couldn't find anything on mine using the vehicle ID number from the plate under the bonnet. I really, REALLY need to find some way of showing the date of manufacture.

I purchased the vehicle about 1 yr ago here in Germany and want to take it with me back to the U.S. when I return next year (2013). The problem is, you can only EASILY import vehicles to the U.S. if they are 25 yrs old or older. This one will only be 24 yrs old. There is an exclusion in the DOT rules that states that cars built before 1 September 1989 are eligible for import. I'm hoping mine falls under that exclusion. Apparently, the ID numbers on the plate on the austin built minis does not show day and month of manufacture.

Help!

[Dan]

Records kept by Leyland during the late '70s and '80s were very poor, there is no easy way to prove this date. Presumably your problem is that it was registered after that September. Does the German motor industry keep import records?

[klivins]

Hi, I will not be helpful... Just wanted to ask, as I will need to import a car to USA as well - is it not enough to have your registration document normally? I see that in your case it is essential to get the datem but if car is clearly older than 25 years, registration document is all you need is it not?

As to your problem, may be it will be easier for you to get another mini...

[cagy]

British motor heritage won't have records on it because at a guess your mini like my 1275gt was a CKD from Belgium so there won't be any records of it.

[Pigeonto]

My '92 car has stamped on the doors,easily seen when the cards are removed,the date and day the doors were made.Dont know if they all do.Judging by the number of Minis that were being turned out then that would be pretty close? If they are dated and the date is after your cut off point then its bad news I suppose. Obviously the doors may have been changed.Its on the inner part,not the skin. Worth a look

[cagy]

You should also be able to check on the wiper motor. But who knows what was replaced and it's not really proper proof ideally he does need a heritage certificate but he can't get one.

You could do what I intend on doing and cheat... Get a custom plate made up with an extra line for the date...

[ANON]

don't be naughty though and buy an older V5 for the car

[dklawson]

It will not be enough for the owner of the car to identify production dates (based on components) to establish the age of the vehicle. The U.S. agents handling the importation will not accept such evidence from the owner since the components could be altered or swapped. You will need legal paperwork. Unfortunately in this case, if the earliest registration paperwork for the vehicle is only 24 years old and/or there is no mention on the ownership title of the date of manufacture... you are not likely to get around the age restrictions.

For those of you in Europe wishing to import your cars, I encourage you to visit eBay and locate the members/sellers "fatrickyd" and "Turky". Both of these people regularly import Minis from the U.K. to the U.S. I am NOT endorsing them. I have no interest and frankly I steer clear of the importers. However, these two guys will be able to tell you what to do, and what paperwork is required. HOWEVER, these guys are car salesmen. Do not expect a lot of help for free. If you approach them, do so with the up front declaration that you are looking for someone to act as your agent (for pay) to get your car imported to the U.S. Both of these guys will turn a deaf ear to you if you are asking for free advice. They are business people, not philanthropists.