(I edited my previous post to fix the image links)

 

based on this: https://mk1-performance-conversions.co.uk/akd_3503.pdf page viii (9 of 394), the body number is precisely what I had found on the floor (location number 4).

 

I checked the other three locations, and did not find anything else.

Unfortunately Harridi, you don’t have the body number. Both the FE plate and the plate on the floor were used for management of the manufacturing process and were not permanently recorded. Heritage won’t be able to provide any certification based on these plates.

The “Body Number” was stamped on a small plate (about 1/2 x 1/1/2 ins) spotwelded to the bonnet slam panel about 6 ins left (as you look at it) of the bonnet latch.

Have a careful look. The plate is often heavily covered in paint and is quite inconspicuous. Its worth looking because Heritage can provide identity documentation based on this number

The FE number won’t identify a car as a Morris or Austin.

An engine number will not identify a car either. Heritage may provide a certificate that designates the car that the engine was originally fitted to. I suppose an unscrupulous person might just make up a number (there’s enough info about to ensure that person could choose a relevant number). Then they might apply for a certificate for that number (Heritage don’t do any ownership enquiries). Some cars had the number stamped on the body (again, info available as to where) but some didn’t..... so no one can tell you if your particular car should have, shouldn’t have or might have had these stamps. So, if someone was to turn up with a nice certificate and a car with the matching stamps on the car, who could argue??

As long as the person didn’t choose a number already in the local system (maybe one in a couple of million chance???)

Good luck, Ian

PS Not that I would ever advocate anything illegal ...just a commentary to anyone considering the use of a Heritage Certificate in any significant decision process they may be contemplating.....

Markiss.. minis with 17 digits vin numbers all have the confidential vin numbers stamped in the rain gutter.. after sometime in early  1980..well unless the scuttle panel was replaced due to RUST..  PHD.

Wowsers. You have a bit of a mess on your hands here. If the wrong number was used to register it before, you're going to need an inspection of the car later once you declare the correction. Hopefully they clear it. But you're making the correct steps in trying to get a cert from the maker and maybe a VIN plate along with it. Good and smart choice. 

Just in case it ends up being too much for you to want to try to deal with and, I wouldn't try to continue running it until this got sorted. If there ever is a bad event that occurs with the car and this gets found out, the car could be a wash and you may be denied coverage for any claim(s). 

Not sure if they were stamping the VIN into the drain gutter of the back side of the bonnet, under the windshield area with those earlier Minis. Where the backside of the hood meets the lower windshield surround. In case you haven't checked that area. 

This may help make sense of what to look for in regards to a VIN if it's still on the car somewhere: https://www.minimania.com/Mini_Chassis_VIN_and_Commission_Numbers__Part_I__Revised_

Harridi..  I think it could be done with title bond in Fla.. but  unless you know someone at FLA DMV enforcement in Tallahassee  Fla.. on first name basis.  you are going get state vin number   and you will still  have to have bond.. and they are going to SEIZE that new vin plate when you show up to have it inspected.. fyi I have NHTSA  and DMV lic and theft  manufacture status.  so I can just stamp my own vin  numbers and issue my MSOs.. but only the cars I import..   PHD..

I'm each State and/or Province treats this differently but this is my experience.
I picked up a '67 Sedan that was missing all of its front sheet metal. It looked to have been in an accident early in its life. The only thing I had to go on was the engine number. I ordered up a Heritage Certificate based on the engine number, then wrote a story on as much as I knew about the history of the car and submitted it to our motor vehicle system, happily it was accepted and registration was issued to me. I then submitted the registration to MiniMail and obtained a new VIN plate.
If I were you I would use the body number to get a certificate and go from there...

I got a stamped VIN plate from Mini Mail. There may be other suppliers.

So, I've recently purchased what is titled as a 1962 Austin, without a VIN, that is using the FE number as the 'VIN' (Registered missing the F, as: E546769). It has been titled as such from GA since at least 1981 (I have that registration).

My understanding is that an FE number makes this a Morris, along with holes in the bonnet that are 150mm apart. The wiper motor has a date stamp of 3 63, which I assume is original to the car, making it a 63 Morris, not a 62 Austin.

I just discovered the body number plate located on the left front footwell, which is L237037, and sent this info to British Motor Heritage for a possible cert.

Anyone have insight into doing any of this? It won't really change a thing, but the FL DMV could be complete asshats about the situation. I wouldn't attempt unless I managed to get a Heritage Cert, and possibly a new VIN plate, if they manage to match a VIN to the body number.