http://www.minimania.com/web/DisplayID/1489/SCatagory/General/DisplayType/Technical%20Information/ArticleV.cfmThe information used to compile the following was taken from factory service parts lists and factory microfiche. Under close scrutiny, there appears to be some conflicts and mistakes in the factory number schemes, but, for the most part, the listings are accurate enough for car identification.
Please note that the Chassis (VIN) number and the Commission number are only one indication of the actual model and date of the car. The Chassis number plate is easily duplicated, especially on early cars, and it is not unusual for later cars not meeting US DOT and EPA standards to have earlier Chassis number plates attached to them to get them into the US illegally. Also, Chassis number plates have been known to be “faked” to turn a less valuable car into a more valuable one; e.g., a standard Saloon into a Cooper or Cooper S.
