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 Posted: Jul 14, 2021 09:11PM
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Found this from a Japanese classic mini website, had to use a translator though.



JDM Rover Mini History

Rover Mini Changes in Domestic Sales

1976
BL Cars (Uk) re-incorporated the mass vehicle division as the Austin Rover Group (~1988).

1982
May: Japan-UK Motor Co., Ltd. (Japan), which has the import rights to minis, sells its own specifications for Japan in Japan. 1000HL with 999cc/39ps engine, 4-speed M/T, 10" wheels and 2-meter.

 
Mini 1000HL / 4 Speed M / T Right Handle.

1983
Japan Leyland (1977-) was changed to Austin Rover Japan (ARJ).
October: Japan-UK motor launches additional 4-speed M/T/4-speed A/T and luxury-equipped Mayfair on its 999cc/40ps engine. The 1000HL is also 40ps.
* Mini Mayfair 4-speed M/T/4-speed A/T right handle.

1984
July: Mini 25 is released in Japan to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the mini's birth. Silver exterior, 12-inch wheels, front disc brakes, 3-meter meter, etc. are adopted. Limited to Japan: 120 units.

 
Mini 25 4-speed M/T right handle.

October: Mini 1000H/L, Mayfair also equipped with 12-inch wheels, front disc brakes, etc.

1985
Japan-UK Motor Co., Ltd. transferred the import agency rights of mini to ARJ and dissolved. Since then, ARJ has become an importer.
June: ARJ starts selling regularly imported vehicles. The grade is singled out in Mayfair. 999cc/42ps?
*Mini Mayfair 4-speed M/T

 
Mini 25/4 speed M/T right handle.

November: The Ritz, equipped with a silver exterior, three-color seats, chrome bumpers, and more, is released in 50 units only in Japan. Mini Ritz 4-speed M/T right handle.

1986
BL Cars (Britain) changed its name to Rover Group.
Spring: Chelsea, equipped with a special interior and aluminum wheels, is released in 300 units only in Japan.
*Mini Chelsea 4-speed M/T/4-speed A/T right handle
Summer: Piccadilly is limited to available with cashmere gold exterior, three-color interior, chrome bumpers, and more.

 
Mini Piccadilly / 4-speed M / T / 4-speed A / T right handle.

1987
Spring: Park Lane, equipped with a black body, black and beige interior, chrome bumpers, etc., is released in 700 units only in Japan.
* Mini Park Lane 4-speed M/T/4-speed A/T right handle.

1988
Spring: Limited release of red hot and jet black with red or black exterior, special seats, chrome bumpers, etc.
* Mini Red Hot / Mini Jet Black 4 Speed M/T Right Handle
Autumn: The 1989 model was released. All cars are equipped with brake servos. Set the base car sprite. Mayfair adopts chrome bumper, new seat fabric, etc. The 4-speed M/T of the left handle is also set.
* Mini Sprite 4-speed M/T right handle.
* Mini Mayfair 4-speed M/T right-hand drive/left-hand drive.
* Mini Mayfair 4-speed A/T right handle.

1989
April: Limited release of white-roofed racing green on green and frame red with white roof in red. Mini Racing Green 4-speed M/T right handle. Mini Frame Red 4-Speed M/T Right Handle.
April: Pearl white, pink-roofed rose, pearl white and light blue sky are available for sale.
* Mini Rose 4-speed A/T right handle. Mini Sky 4-speed A/T right handle.
September: Austin Rover Japan changed its name to Rover Japan. After that, the name of the car was unified to the Rover Mini.
October: The 30th anniversary car, Therty, with a black or red metallic body, mirror and over fender of the same color, red leather-wrapped steering, etc. is released in limited release.

 
Mini-surti / 4-speed M / T / 4-speed A / T right handle.

1990
Spring: Added black/white checkmates in addition to racing green and frame red.
December: The Cooper 1.3, powered by a 1271cc/61ps engine, equipped with chrome grille, white roof, bonnet stripes, part leather seat, red leather steering, eight-spoke wheel, fog lights, sunroof, etc., is released in 650 units only in Japan.

 
Mini Cooper 1.3/4 speed M/T right handle.

June: The ERA Turbo, powered by a 1271cc+ turbo 95ps engine, features its own aero parts, interior, suspension tuning and 165/60R13 tires.

 
Mini ERA Turbo / 4-speed M/ T right handle.

Regular specifications that simplified the equipment of the limited car Cooper 1.3 are released. In addition, it is a regular change of name to clubman such as racing green. Additional Setting of Mayfair II equipped with chrome grille, leather-wrapped steering, etc.
* Mini Clubman 4-speed M/T Right-hand drive/Left-hand drive 4-speed A/T right-hand drive
* Mini Mayfair II 4-speed M/T right-hand drive/left-hand drive 4-speed A/T right-hand drive.

 
Mini Cooper 1.3 4-speed M/T right/left handle.

July: Limited to 400 canvas tops equipped with large canvas tops based on Clubman. Mini canvas top 4-speed M/T/4-speed A/T right handle.

1992
March: Changed non-Cooper engine to 1271cc+ injection/53ps. A simple 1.3 (sold out after one year) and a luxurious Mayfair 1.3. Changed the selector lever on the AT.
* Mini Mayfair 1.3 4-speed A/T right handle.
* Mini 1.3 4-speed M/T/4-speed A/T right handle


July: Injection is also adopted for Cooper's engine to 62ps. Added i to the car name. 53ps 4-speed A/T specification also appeared.
* Mini Cooper 1.3i (62ps) 4-speed M/T right/left handle
* Mini Cooper 1.3i (53ps) 4-speed A/T right handle

1993
Summer: Some specifications changed. Mayfair and Cooper both changed the seat shape.
Autumn: Released a modified cabriolet at ERA. The engine is 62ps for Cooper and sold until 1996. 

 
Mini Cabriolet 4-speed M/T right handle.

1994
January: Rover Group (Britain) is acquired by BMW.
June: Limited to 1,000 35th anniversary vehicles equipped with charcoal gray exterior, beige genuine leather interior, chrome grille, etc.
* Mini 35 Classic 4-Speed M/T/4-Speed A/T Right Handle
August: Some specifications changed.
November: Based on the Cooper 1.3i, the Cooper Monte Carlo Special, equipped with grey aluminum wheels, four fog lights and a red/cream genuine leather interior, is released for a limited edition of 1,000 units.

 
Mini Cooper Monte Carlo Special 4-speed M/T/4-speed A/T right handle.

1995
July: Limited to 2,000 tartans with door trim and tartan check on seats.
*Mini Tartan 4-Speed M/T/4-Speed A/T Right Handle

1996
February: Some specifications changed. Based on Mayfair, kensington equipped with beige genuine leather seats, fog lamps, etc. is added.
*Mini Kensington 4-speed A/T right handle
June: Limited to 2,500 Mini Cooper 35th anniversary cars equipped with almond green + white roof, green genuine leather interior (red body and black interior), 4 series fog lights, etc.
December: A wide range of improvements were made in the 1997 model year. A side impact bar is installed, and the antenna moves from the fender to the roof. The interior is equipped with a driver's airbag, and the seat shape changes, allowing pullback. The engine was ignited simultaneously, and the 4-speed M/T in Mayfair was also 62ps.
Set up heritage collections in Cooper and Kensington. Equipped with a special body color and coordinated genuine leather seat.

 
Mini Cooper 35th Anniversary 4-speed M/T/4-speed A/T right handle.

1998
January: Based on cooper, 600 Mini Cooper SportsPack Limited equipped with 175/50R13 tires, body-like wide spats, exclusive suspension, etc. are released.
*Mini Cooper Sports Pack Limited 4-speed M/T/4-speed A/T right handle

 
Mini Cooper 35th Anniversary 4-speed M/T/4-speed A/T right handle.

June: Limited release of 1,500 paul smiths, a collaboration product. Special color Paul Smith blue exterior (white and black are also available), instrument panel, meter of the exclusive design, etc., in addition to the engine head cover and citrus green color scheme in the trunk.

 
Mini Pole Smith 4-speed M/T/4-speed A/T right handle.

August: Based on cooper, 750 Mini Cooper BSCC Limited with stripes and emblems that mimic 1960s works race cars, 175/50R13 tires, exclusive suspension, green interiors, etc. are released.
*Mini Cooper BSCC Limited 4-speed M/T/4-speed A/T right handle

 
Mini Pole Smith 4-speed M/T/4-speed A/T right handle.

1999
March: Kensington ends sales.
June: Limited to 800 mini-40th anniversary cars released. Based on Mayfair, it features fog lights, eight-spoke wheels, red or blue genuine leather interiors, and fascia with polished aluminum.

 
Mini 40th Anniversary Limited 4-speed M/T/4-speed A/T right handle.

September: A limited edition of 1,000 Mini Cooper 40th anniversary cars are released, combining the interior of the 40th anniversary car with similar equipment to Cooper Sportspack Limited.
* Mini Cooper 40th Anniversary Limited 4-Speed M/T/4-Speed A/T Right Handle

 Posted: Jul 14, 2021 09:08PM
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Thanks ian for your reply, after alot of research online im also convinced its not a 1275. Im awaiting info from my guy in japan and should get some info this weekend. Im not sure how to answer the technical side yet….still learning 

 Posted: Jul 13, 2021 03:05AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by aravind7785
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dr Mini
I still say the head is from a 1275. The body appears to be pre-84. It's a Bitsa! It would be interesting to see what numbers are on the boot lock.
You do have a point because the guy says its a 1300cc engine which is 1275, after doing some research online and looking at so many pictures its confusing…i am waiting for more detailed pictures with answers to many of the above on this forum…i thank you for your time to reply.
I'll bet lots that its not a 1275... certainly not a 1275 head.

As well as a perpendicular to the CL heater tap base (which then pictured head has) all 1275 heads have a space between the rocker cover and the thermostat housing (where the extra S head bolt goes) and this head does not.  The photo shows the housing is hard up against the cover....

Does the block have tappet covers????

I'm with Dan that its a JDM version.  Looks too unmolested for an aftermarket air conversion.

aravind is right... Japanese Domestic Market Minis were made in UK by Rover...

Its a bit biblical really.... Austin and Morris begat BMC who begat BL who begat Leyland who begat JRA (Jaguar Austin Rover) who begat Austin Rover who begat Rover who ........  and I've probably forgotten a few...

Cheers, Ian

 Posted: Jul 12, 2021 03:43AM
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CA
You are sort of right both ways. Rover owned the production and names of Minis. They were the manufacturer. But they continued to use the Austin name on Minis. The Rover group also produces an assortment of other vehicles under other names. Before Rover, in the mists of time, British Leyland (BL) did a similar thing, making a large variety of vehicles and using both Austin and Morris on Minis.

.

"Hang on a minute lads....I've got a great idea."

 Posted: Jul 11, 2021 07:52PM
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Also please bear with me .. i am totally a newbie.
the guy says its an austin mini built by rover group, but isnt it known as just a rover mini because as history goes JDM minis from 1988 were rover right? ??

 Posted: Jul 11, 2021 07:48PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dr Mini
I still say the head is from a 1275. The body appears to be pre-84. It's a Bitsa! It would be interesting to see what numbers are on the boot lock.
You do have a point because the guy says its a 1300cc engine which is 1275, after doing some research online and looking at so many pictures its confusing…i am waiting for more detailed pictures with answers to many of the above on this forum…i thank you for your time to reply.

 Posted: Jul 11, 2021 05:12PM
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I still say the head is from a 1275. The body appears to be pre-84. It's a Bitsa! It would be interesting to see what numbers are on the boot lock.

"Retired:  No Job, No Money, Wife and I!  Will travel anywhere for Minis"

[email protected]

 Posted: Jul 11, 2021 02:57PM
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I don't think English Minis had AC just, so-called, JDM minis had AC. So you do have a Japan Domestic Market Mini.

 Posted: Jul 11, 2021 06:36AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by malsal
Close. It is an 88 through 90 998cc carbed Rover Mini probably a Mayfair model.
Thank you

 Posted: Jul 11, 2021 06:13AM
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Close. It is an 88 through 90 998cc carbed Rover Mini probably a Mayfair model.

If in doubt, flat out. Colin Mc Rae MBE 1968-2007.

Give a car more power and it goes faster on the straights,
make a car lighter and it's faster everywhere. Colin Chapman.

 Posted: Jul 10, 2021 11:58PM
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Thank you all for the replies, so to confirm this maybe a like a 1988 to 1990 1000cc SPI Japanese rover mini cooper?

 Posted: Jul 5, 2021 04:08AM
 Edited:  Jul 5, 2021 04:08AM
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CA
I agree the heating hose outlet on the back of the head appears to be straight as for a 998 head. I think only the head has been painted yellow - I can see dull red on the block to the left of the alternator and between the AC condenser and the coil. Probably only a rebuilt or replacement head.

.

"Hang on a minute lads....I've got a great idea."

 Posted: Jul 4, 2021 02:29PM
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Block colour is correct for a 1990's 998, as is the inline heater valve positioned on the hose rather than bolted to the head. The head is also 998cc, you can tell by the angle of the thermostat housing. Housings on small bore heads point towards the frame of the radiator. On 1275 motors the outlet points toward the front of the car.

 Posted: Jul 4, 2021 11:23AM
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Although the engine is painted that ugly yellow which would be typical of a 998, the heater control valve appears to be on a slant which would indicate it has a 1275 head. Am I seeing this wrong or what? Could it be they replaced the 998 with a 1275 and just painted it yellow to imitate the original color and engine, or could it be a modified 998 with a 1275 head? Again, I don't know, but what's everyone else's thoughts on the heater control valve?

"Retired:  No Job, No Money, Wife and I!  Will travel anywhere for Minis"

[email protected]

 Posted: Jul 3, 2021 08:48PM
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Thank you for your reply, just wanted to get it and build from scratch as in like a project.

 Posted: Jul 3, 2021 08:22AM
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Not an oil cooler-it is the A/C condenser....

SCUM #2. "Life is too short to own just one classic Mini!"

 Posted: Jul 3, 2021 08:16AM
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Engine compartment needs a clean up for sure, but I'm 100% in favor of that oil cooler.  Mine keeps the temps down even in stop and go traffic on hot days.

 Posted: Jul 3, 2021 07:04AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by aravind7785
hi,

i would really appreciate if anyone could let me know the year and model of this mini which is an import from japan which i am currently trying to get down. Thank you in advance.
Late 80's Jap spec 998cc.
It will either have the original UK SAXX vin number or the added 99X Japanese vin number.

If in doubt, flat out. Colin Mc Rae MBE 1968-2007.

Give a car more power and it goes faster on the straights,
make a car lighter and it's faster everywhere. Colin Chapman.

 Posted: Jul 2, 2021 06:36PM
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US
Not to rain on your parade but one look at the engine compartment would scare me away.  10 pounds of stuff in a 5 pound bag.  I subscribe to the principle of 'keep it simple".

 Posted: Jul 2, 2021 03:55AM
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Image Gallery
hi,

i would really appreciate if anyone could let me know the year and model of this mini which is an import from japan which i am currently trying to get down. Thank you in advance.