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Where's the VIN on a UK Mini?

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Creatrixx

Creatrixx

Jedi Hopeful
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I probably should have just bought a used Civic. Shipping cars from England just doesn't seem to be worth it. I was told that my 1980 Austin Mini is too old to have a VIN and didn't think much of it. Now I'm being told that not only does it has to have a VIN to get through customs, but that they did have VINs in the UK in 1980.

Can someone tell me where I'm going to have to look to find the VIN? There is also a 17 digit number on my bill of lading that is where *a* VIN should go, but it doesn't seem to be valid (on the online VIN checks that I tried). What should it's number look like?

I hope I'm not buying a stolen car. I can't afford to ship it back.

~Melissa
 
Below is a link to the MiniMania website decoding VIN codes.

https://www.minimania.com/web/SCatagory/G...89/ArticleV.cfm

Your mini should have a VIN number, but I am not sure where the plate is attached. On my brother's (1986) mini the VIN plate is attached to the right-hand inner wing valance. Looking up VIN codes through the internet does not work, because these cars are not in the US database.

Have the seller supply you with information about the other ID numbers (engine number and body number)

Hope this helps,
Steven
 
Thanks, everyone! I got my car through customs now. Due to a busted hose, it is now a very adorable driveway ornament.
 
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