OK, here's the definitive guide to spotting a real Mini-Cooper:
1. Chassis number: All Cooper's have a unique prefix:
MKI's Austins= C-A2S7
Morrises= K-A2S4
Cooper S models start from chassis no 384101 (Austin)
384601 (Morris)
MKII's Austins= C-A2SB
Morrises= C-A2S6
MKIII's Body number prefix is B-20-D
2. Cylinder head numbers: MKI's 997cc engines= 126 185
998cc engines= 12G 295
All others AEG163 or 129 940
3. Trim: MKI Coopers should have bumper overriders and raised corner
bars, raised brake pedal and chrome strips around the door
windows. Trim is colour coded.
MKII Coopers have doubled-skinned bootlids.
MKIII Coopers have the same shell as the Mini 1000,
and single colour trim.
Note: Not all Coopers have two-tone paint jobs.
3. Mechanical spec: Engines are painted green up to the MKIII
MKIII engine is painted black.
970, 1071, 1275S have 71/2" disc brakes with servo assistance.
Twin fuel tanks were standard after Jan '66.
Cooper S driveshafts run on needle-roller bearings-
tougher than standard shafts.
4. Of course, check the badges, and the general "feel" of a car.
I hope this helps you go out and buy your Cooper- they
are great little cars...
Simon Bateson
University of Keele
England
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