*SAXXL2S1N10109143*
my 1982 Mini 1000 HL was imported to the US from Germany. I've been trying to find out more about where it started life. the VIN info I've found seems to jive up until the "N" engine designation character. After that, the number goes off the rails from anything I've been able to find.
Anyone know how to read this VIN number? thanks.
The numbering after the 'N' is the "sequential build number". Those tended to had unusual starting points (based on MK #) and sometimes jumped chunks (reserved blocks for things like a series of Cooper or Cooper-S models).
I suspect that being an '82 the series actually started with #10000001 and went up from there. Yours would likely then be # 109143 built for that MK series.
thanks. another bit of info that doesn't appear to be in the VIN is the last letter. From what I've read, an "A" designates having being built at Longbridge. mine has no letter at the end...
The "A" designation suffix just applies to earlier VINs, like for Mk I cars, and not the standardized 17 character VIN post 1980 I believe. By the 1980s all British Minis were made at Longbridge anyway.