13 replies to this topic

[Morris14]

Hi it's great to finally be apart of the gang!

 

I've recently purchased a Japanese import 1994 Rover Mini! In good shape but looking forward to the journey ahead.

I'd love to get in touch with other '94 Rover Mini owners and try get some insider tips!

 

If somebody could help clarify the model I have it would be great! I've narrowed it down to either a '94 Mini 35 Limited or '94 Mini Mayfair. It was sold as a 35 limited but some of the aesthetics don't seem to match up! Any help would be great!

 

I think it would be great to see some of the other '94 Mini's! I've seen some great work to date from this era!

 

 

Here's the first of many pictures!

 

Thanks again,

Aron

 

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[Dazols]

I have a 94 cooper. So welcome

[some1158]

I believe the Japanese 35 was different from the UK version (which had blue and pink seats, and blue, pink or white as the exterior colour).

 

The seats in your car, however, look from the trim and shape like they are originally from an 89/90 Racing/Flame/Checkmate (see http://www.roblightb...e-brochure.html) By 1994 most (all?) Minis had the 'Metro' shaped seats, so I think your's have been switched at some stage.

[scrumpix]

Also got a 94 Cooper, enjoy which incidently was first registered 21 years ago today

[peter-b]

This is my 94 japanese import, it's a Rover Cooper

 

[Morris14]

This is my 94 japanese import, it's a Rover Cooper

 

How long have you guys had Mini's? @peter-b your Cooper looks great - i'm a huge fan of the original styling, would you reccommend matching upholstery with the colour of the car? I've seen this before - what's your take on it? My fear is that there might be too much of a speficic colour.

 

Again she looks great!

[Morris14]

Also got a 94 Cooper, enjoy which incidently was first registered 21 years ago today

I'd love to see some pictures @scrumpix - from what I can see, your car looks like it has recieved a fair bit of investment!

[Morris14]

I believe the Japanese 35 was different from the UK version (which had blue and pink seats, and blue, pink or white as the exterior colour).

 

The seats in your car, however, look from the trim and shape like they are originally from an 89/90 Racing/Flame/Checkmate (see http://www.roblightb...e-brochure.html) By 1994 most (all?) Minis had the 'Metro' shaped seats, so I think your's have been switched at some stage.

@some1158 - thanks for getting back to me, the aforementioned info is a great help. I'm growing slightly frustrated trying to identify the model - I dont want to create a development plan that in turn ruins the cars's originality!

 

I tried to narrow the identification down by attempting to match the internal aesthetics such as the trimming, seats and facia - but as you rightly suggested I feel a lot has been changed todate. Similarly, it has a range of conflicting badges such as the leyland mini badge on the front, "rover" on the left side of the boot and a range of "35" decals that did not accompany the original.

 

Im curious, is there a method of mechanical identification accross the models? ie Engine layouts etc

 

Thanks for the help lads - much appreciated,

A

[some1158]

The Japanese Minis all had 'Rover' on the boot, so that's correct. I think they also had a Rover badge on the front.

 

The VIN plate should have some indication of the model BUT the LEs usually appear as City or Mayfair, so that's not much help.

 

I'm pretty sure you've got an export spec 35 LE, with a 1989/90 interior.  This (http://digilander.li...iniguest40.html or http://www.france-tr...nce-709194.html) seems to be the same model, presumably with the correct interior trim. I guess Rover felt that the UK-spec 35 wasn't the image they wanted abroad and went for something more tasteful (though I do like the UK version!)

[some1158]

It seems the decals are available: http://www.miniworks...mini_35_cl.html

 

Plus if you do want 'original' seats then cream leather as per the 35 Classic is easier to find than the trims of most of the LEs which no longer exist - a pain for those of us who want to keep things original.

 

(https://www.scalemat...mini-35-classic

may also be helpful)

Edited by some1158, 01 May 2015 - 06:56 PM.

[peter-b]

I have noticed a lot of Japanese cars were either changed when new in showroom or soon after to 'older style looks. The Japanese seem to go crazy over the retro stuff. Just thought I'd mention that as you car could have been extensively changed from original right from brand new. Do you have pictures?

Also, just answer your questions, I've had numerous minis over about 40 odd years and if the wife has her way this one will be the last.
Regarding matching interior to exterior, i suppose it depends on the colour and your taste. I'd probably like black with matching inside but bright yellow?......... I'd probably be sick each time I saw it. My mini is what I call 'safe' inside, grey and walnut.

[scrumpix]

Hi Morris 14 I'm working over the next few days, i'll try to put something up early next week & thanks,

[Morris14]

Hi Morris 14 I'm working over the next few days, i'll try to put something up early next week & thanks,

@Scrumpix - Great looking forward to it!

 

I have noticed a lot of Japanese cars were either changed when new in showroom or soon after to 'older style looks. The Japanese seem to go crazy over the retro stuff. Just thought I'd mention that as you car could have been extensively changed from original right from brand new. Do you have pictures?

Also, just answer your questions, I've had numerous minis over about 40 odd years and if the wife has her way this one will be the last.
Regarding matching interior to exterior, i suppose it depends on the colour and your taste. I'd probably like black with matching inside but bright yellow?......... I'd probably be sick each time I saw it. My mini is what I call 'safe' inside, grey and walnut.

 

@peter-b - She's a great last car to be fair! If the 40 year journey ends is most certainly not a bad car to finish in!

I think what your sayign here is great - grey and walnut is very clean in my mind! I have a Walnut facia myself so i'll definitely be looking to keep it!

 

The Japanese Minis all had 'Rover' on the boot, so that's correct. I think they also had a Rover badge on the front.

 

The VIN plate should have some indication of the model BUT the LEs usually appear as City or Mayfair, so that's not much help.

 

I'm pretty sure you've got an export spec 35 LE, with a 1989/90 interior.  This (http://digilander.li...iniguest40.html or http://www.france-tr...nce-709194.html) seems to be the same model, presumably with the correct interior trim. I guess Rover felt that the UK-spec 35 wasn't the image they wanted abroad and went for something more tasteful (though I do like the UK version!)

 

It seems the decals are available: http://www.miniworks...mini_35_cl.html

 

Plus if you do want 'original' seats then cream leather as per the 35 Classic is easier to find than the trims of most of the LEs which no longer exist - a pain for those of us who want to keep things original.

 

(https://www.scalemat...mini-35-classic

may also be helpful)

 

@ Some1158 - So what I have come up with is the following;

VIN Code: SAX-XN-W-A-X-K-B-D-08 (Color Code: LVD = Charcoal 1994 - 2000)

1990 On (1275cc cars only)

SAX = MG-Rover

XN = Mini 1275

W = HLS, Mayfair

A = 2-door saloon/sedan.

X = 1275 SPi (standard compression ratio, 9.4:1) Single Point Injection

K = RHD, Automatic

B = 1275 (not special edition) (I'd imagine this would be A - if it was a Mini 35 right)

D = Longbridge

 

So you are right - the VIN only clarified some aspects! I also came accross some interesting info here;

MODEL (Engine Size)        YEAR(s)                 PREFIX         Starting from Chassis No.

Mini Mayfair (1275)             1992-94                   XN-WA           049349

Mini Mayfair 1.3i (1275)      1994-96                   XN-WA           058254

(As Mine starts with 088 - it appears to be a Mini Mayfair 1.3i (1275))

 

You mentioned "I'm pretty sure you've got an export spec 35 LE, with a 1989/90 interior." to my understanding the LE was released as a Cooper 35 LE in 1996, as mine is not a Cooper and registered at 1994 (Boot latch confirms this at 12/1994), i'd imagine its either one of the following;

 

Mini 35 SE

Mini Mayfair (1275)

Mini Mayfair 1.3i (1275)

 

Again I could very well be wrong in this respect!

[andrewnorfolkminiowner]

I have a 94 mini cooper jap import, with air conditioning, not really sure how they got it all under the bonnet !!