IBC,

That's a relief to hear. I'll shoot them another message next week and see how their search is going. My fiancee's Mini ("Oswald") was made in the UK for export to Germany. From there it made its way to Canada where she purchased him.

I have never had problems getting BMHT cert on  ANY minis made in the UK..  or CKDS from most countries..  Australia  is NOT available  ..   bc

I currently have them combing their archives to see what they have. Unfortunately, their records for the mid-80s are incomplete.

the BMHT cert is MUST now for all UK imports.. 

Hey Infamous Bill Cox,

Thank you for the information!

According to my fiancee everything on the car is original minus the doors (rust), rear pan (rust...), paint (resprayed after the doors were replaced - stock color) and the alternator (died). She also has all the paperwork minus the BMHT certificate. If the BMHT is unable to provide her with that paperwork, I'm hoping the original German documentation will suffice.

Again, thanks!

hi docJJH..  you be fine with just the foreign title and the BMHT cert.  bill of sale. the DOT doc.. ( HS7 ) and  EPA doc.. ( 3501..   just make sure EVERYTHING matches on the   title. and that you have the original engine..  windsceen and seatbelts.. ect   I always use  a CUSTOMS Broker.. BUT I am a commercial importer NOW..   ( I only import for  other LIC manufacturers now.) and export for other lic dealers..    the infamous bill cox  [email protected]  phone.. 1.704.487.6406

Dimitris--

 

*Were... (Sorry for the typo!!)

 

Actually, I already have the BMIHT on the case! I'm hoping to hear back from them within a week.

 

Thank you for your help!

the best place to find out more about your car is British Motor Heritage although I m not sure if they hold records for 80s on Minis. Contact them

https://www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk/archive

 

Hey Dimitris--

 

Where there any "hold outs" after 1981? My fiancee's Mini is a 1985.

Before 1981 the VIN format was not standardized and varied by manufacturer. If your 10th digit is number 2 most of these databases will tell you its a 2002 model cause their algorithm is based on these standards.

Dimitris--

 

Good point!

dont rely on online vin decoders! I used to work for a car parts business and they didnt even fully decode newly models when I needed info..

Thank you all for the information! I can assure you that it is both helpful and deeply appreciated.

 

Does anyone have any idea why the Mayfair's VIN shows as a "2002 Austin Rover Mini"? Is it because the car was never intended for the North American market? As I said in my original post, the VIN matches the number on the car's original German paperwork so I know it is authentic...

Sarnia, Blue water bridge, O K, l crossed that Bridge in December on my way to Montana Just have all your paperwork in order

Big AL

The numbers stamped into the bootlock, wiper motor, coil, dizzy and assorted other components are the build date of those individual components NOT the car...

My '85 City-E had a 1997 wiper motor fitted by the PO, so don't read too much into them.

And if that is too lightly stamped to read which they sometimes are look at the wiper motor it will have the same or similar set of four digits.

Sorry Big Al!

 

My fiancee will be crossing into the US via the Blue Water Bridge (between Sarnia and Port Huron). 

 

The boot lid tip is BRILLIANT, thank you! I'll have her give it a look.

Hey Dan,

 

As things currently stand that would be a LONG commute...!!! It is a VERY real possibility, however, once I get back to Michigan. 

Just to verify the actual build date, open the boot,look on the plate that holds the locking assembly on the inside of the boot (trunk), usually a bronze material, look closely and you will see 4 digits, in very small font, eg: 04 95 , meaning built in the fourth week of 1995

Big AL

Once again where are planning on crossing into the USA ? Big AL