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Engine
Numbers (Sprite & Midget)
The engine number prefix comprises a
series of numbers and letters, describing in
code the displacement and make, the ancillaries
fitted, and the type of compression.
On pre 1975 cars the engine number is located
at the right
front on a small plate above the #1 spark
plug.
1975 and later it was located on the left
rear on a small ledge above the #4 spark
plug. *
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1st Prefix Group- Cubic Capacity
and Make
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9
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948cc
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10
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1098cc
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12
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1275cc
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15
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1489cc
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16
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1622cc
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48G
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Gold Seal Recon.
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1st Prefix Group- Type
(additional letters indicate the
series)
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C
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Austin Healey Sprite, Austin Sprite,
MG Midget
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AMW or AA
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Austin/Morris/Wol.
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1st Prefix Group- Series
(internal engine revisions)
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G, C, J
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early engines with numbers starting
"10CG" have weaker crankshafts than the
later "10CC" type
Anyone know what J? Email
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2nd Prefix Group- Gearbox and
Ancillaries
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DA or Da
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close ratio center change
gearbox
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U
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Mk I only, also designated Close
Ratio Center Change Gearbox, may have
denoted the "smooth cased" boxes used
on the early cars.
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3nd Prefix Group-
Compression
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H
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High Compression
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L
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Low Compression
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3nd Prefix Group- Serial
Number
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-
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Serial Number
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4th Prefix Group- engine crank
revisions
very rare number used when factory did
crank work
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DD
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+020" oversize bore or -012"
undersize crank.
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FF
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+030" oversize or -030" under
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HH
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+040" oversize or -040" under
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Exp: 10CC / Da / H 101 = 1000-1100cc Sprite with
close ratio gearbox and high compression
engine
*In 1975, Midgets received a 1500cc
engine, the same as in the Triumph Spitfire.
It's number will begin with FP.
(compression: 9:1-world, 7.5:1-US, 9:1-US in
1976 only)
For more info about this engine visit
this link.
Engine
Numbers (MGB)
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1st Prefix Group- Series
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18
G
V
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1798cc
MG
Vertical (in-line)
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2nd Prefix Group- Gearbox and
Ancillaries (18G)
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U
R
RC
RWC
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Center gear change
Overdrive
Automatic
Center gear change w/ overdrive
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2nd Prefix Group- Gearbox and
Ancillaries (18V)*
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581F
581Y
582F
582Y
583F
583Y
584Z
585Z
672Z
673Z
797AE
798AE
801AE
802AE
846F
847F
Z
AE
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Bf+Pf+We
Bf+Pf+We
Bf+Pf+We+R
Bf+Pf+We+R
Bf+Pf+Rc
Bf+Pf+Rc
Re+Bf+Pf+We
Re+Bf+Pf+We+R
Re+Bf+Pf+Ck+We
Re+Bf+Pf+Ck+We+R
Re+Bf+Pf+Ck+Hl+We
Re+Bf+Pf+Ck+Hl+We+R
Re+Bf+Pf+Ck+Jl+We
Re+Bf+Pf+Ck+Jl+We+R
Bf+Pf+Tl+We
Bf+Pf+Tl+We+R
Carburetor crankcase ventilation,
evaporative loss control and twin
carburetors.
Carburetor crankcase ventilation,
air temperature control and
evaporative loss control.
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3nd Prefix Group-
Compression
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H
L
L (2nd)
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High compression
Low compression
Left hand drive
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3nd Prefix Group- Serial
Number
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-
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Serial Number
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*Group 2 (18V) Coding Symbols
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Bf
Ck
Pf
R
Re
We
Hl
Jl
Tl
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Lucas 16ACR or 17ACR alternator
with negative earth
Anti-run on valve
Pre-engaged starter motor
(when not normally fitted)
Laycock overdrive
Exhaust emission control
Center gear change
1975 Federal regulation
1975 California regulation
1975 requirements
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Chassis
Numbers
The car number prefix comprises a
series of numbers and letters, describing in
code the make, engine type, body type, the
series and left hand steering (if applicable).
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1st Prefix Letter- Make
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G
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MG
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H
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Healey
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A
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Austin
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R
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Riley
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2nd Prefix Letter- Engine
Fitted
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A
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-
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H
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engine between 1400cc &
2000cc
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3rd Prefix Letter- Body
Type
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D
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GT or coupe
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N
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2 seater roadster
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S
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4 door
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4th Prefix Letter- Series of
Model
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1
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1st series MG- Mk1 (1961-1962)
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2
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2nd series MG- Mk1 (1963-1964)
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3
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3rd series MG- Mk2 (1965-1966)
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4
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4th series MG- Mk3 (1967-1969)
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5
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5th series MG- Mk4 (1970-1974) or
Sprite Mk1 (58-61)
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6
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6th series MG- Mk4 (1975-1979) or
Sprite Mk2 (61-62)
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7
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7th series Sprite Mk2 (63-64)
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8
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8th series Sprite Mk3 (65-66)
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9
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9th series Sprite Mk3 (65-66)
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10
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10th series Sprite/Austin Mk3
(67-69)
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5th Prefix Number- Only used
different than right hand drive
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U
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USA (left hand drive)
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L
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left hand drive
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R
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right hand drive
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6th Prefix Number- Model Year (US
and Canada)
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A
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1970
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B
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1971
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C
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1972
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D
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1973
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E
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1974
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F
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1975
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G
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1976
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H
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1977
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J
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1978
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L
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1979
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7th Prefix Number- Serial
Number
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-
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Serial Number
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Suffix Letter- Where
Manufactured
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G
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Abingdon (M.G. Assembly Plant)
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M
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Cowley (Morris Assembly Plant)
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Exp: G A N-3-25788 = MG Midget with "A" engine,
2 seater, 3 series, and serial number 25788
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