Morris Minor Owners Club Logo

Morris Minor Owners Club

Potteries Branch

Identifying your car

Morris Minors can be broadly classified into the following series:

Series MM - September 1948 > February 1953

Chassis numbers: 501 >  179839

Series II - August 1952  > September 1956 

Chassis numbers:  160001 > 448714

Early 1000 (Series III) - October 1956  > September 1962  

Chassis numbers:  448801 > 990289

Late 1000 (Series V) - September 1962  > April 1971 

Chassis numbers:  990290 > 1294082

NOTE:  Series IV was allocated to the Mini-Minor

The types can also be split up further depending upon vehicle variant.

  Series MM Lowlight Series MM Highlight Early Series II Late Series II Early 1000 Series 3 Late 1000 Series 5
Engine cc & Type 918cc SV 918cc SV 803cc OHV 803cc OHV 948cc OHV 1098cc OHV
Production Dates 09/48 > 09/50  09/50 > 02/53 08/52 > 10/54 10/54 > 09/56 10/56 > 09/62 09/62 > 04/71
2 Door Saloon X X X X X X
4 Door Saloon   X X X X X
Convertible X X X X X X
Traveller     X X X X
Van     X X X X
Pickup     X X X X

Note:  SV = Side Valve, OHV = Over Head Valve

As can be seen from above, there was never a Series MM Traveller, Van or Pickup.  Also there was never a Series MM lowlight 4-door.

Front Grilles

September '48 >

 September '50

 Lowlight front end

'Cheese-grater' grille 

 
September '50 >

October '54

 Highlight version

new larger headlamps mounted

on wings, sidelights mounted 

on grille
October '54 >

 August '61

 Sidelights moved onto wings

'slatted' grille introduced
August '61 >

 October '63

 Sidelight units changed to 

larger type
October '63 >

April '71

 Combined indicator/sidelight

units fitted

 

Lighting

Various lighting arrangements were used on the Minor and are listed below:

Rear Lights:

September '48 >

 March '49

'Central screw' single lamp with reflector on opposite side of car (L482)

March '49 >

 June '49

 Flush circular lights incorporating stop lamps (L488)
June '49 >

 December '54

 Triangular 'helmet' type (L471)
December '54 > 

October '56 

 L549 lens. Larger unit with reflector (chrome ring but painted base). 
October '56 > 

October '63

   L549 lens.

Fully chromed base.
October '63 >

April '71

 Larger units incorporating Indicators.

 Side Lights:

September '50 > 

August '61

L489
 August '61 >

October '63

L488
October '63 >

April '71

L632

Head Lamps:

September '48 >

September '50

 Small 5" 'low-light' headlamp units with integral 'pilot lamp'
September '50 >

December '52

 Larger 7" wing-mounted headlamp units

Split-type securing ring (screw at bottom) 
December '52 >

April '71

 One piece securing ring.

Sealed beam units fitted from September 1966
October '53 >

Jan/Feb '55

 Separate 7" headlamp in steel shell.

Fitted to early rubber winged GPO vans

Speedometer Identification

Please note: This chart is unfinished.  Additional information very welcome!

Serial No. TPM Colour Max Speed Axle Ratio Series Model From Chassis Number To Chassis Number
X69982 1600 White 80 MPH   MO Trip Meter    
X69982/5 1600 White 80 MPH   MO Trip Meter    
X70620/2 1600 White 80 MPH 4.55 MM All Series MMs    
X70620/7 1000 White 80 MPH 5.375 2 Early Series 2    
511440109 1000 Bronze 80 MPH 5.375 2 Late Series 2    
SN4401/9   Bronze 80 MPH   3 Saloon 444801 579227
Convertible 579227
572906
Traveller
SN4401/15 1500 Bronze 80 MPH 4.55 3 Saloon 444801 579227
Convertible
SN4406/00 1525 Bronze 80 MPH 4.55 3      
SN4406/08   Bronze 80 MPH 5.375 3 Saloon 579228 990289
Convertible
SN4407/00 1504 Bronze 80 MPH 4.55 3 Traveller 572907 953663
SN4410/00 1408 Silver 90 MPH 4.22 5      
SN4418/04 1376 Black 90 MPH          
SN4419/04   Black 90 MPH 4.22 5   1203563  
SN4419/05   Black KPH 4.22 5 2-Door 1082280 1203563
4-Door 1082284
Convertible 1082717
Traveller 1082537
SN4421/00SA 1248 Black 90 MPH 3.73   Mini    
SN4421/12 1408 Black 90 MPH 4.22 5      
SN4423/00 1504 Black 90 MPH 4.55 5 LCV    
SN4423/04 1408 Black 90 MPH 4.22 5 Traveller    
SN4423/06   Black 90 MPH 4.22 5 Saloon 1206703 End
Convertible
Traveller
SN4423/07   Black KPH 4.22 5 Saloon 1206703 End
Convertible
Traveller
SN4423/12   Black 90 MPH 4.22 5 Saloon Available throughout with special option 145-14 tyres
Convertible
Traveller
SN4451/15   Bronze 80 MPH 4.55 3 Traveller 444801 572907
SN4466/00   Bronze 80 MPH 4.55 3 Saloon 579228 953663
Convertible
SN4467/00 1504 Bronze 80 MPH 4.55 3      
SN4470/30 1376 Bronze 90 MPH          
SN4477/00 1504 Bronze 80 MPH 4.55 3 Saloon 953664 990289
Convertible
Disabled 957001 Onwards
SN4477/10   Bronze 80 MPH 5.375 3 Saloon 579228 990289
Convertible
SN4477/31   Bronze KPH 4.22 5 2-Door 990290 1082279
4-Door 1082283
Convertible
1082716
Traveller 1082536
SN4477/80   Bronze 90 MPH 4.22 5 2-Door 990290 1082279
4-Door 1082283
Convertible 1082716
Traveller 1082536
SN6401/56 1248 Black 90 MPH          

Fascia Layout

Steering Wheel Indicator/Trafficator From  Chassis Number To Chassis Number
Flat type with brown boss Trafficator switch on dash Sep 1948 501 1950?  
Flat type with gold boss 1950?   Oct 1956 448801
Dished 3-spoke with small centre Trafficator/horn control on steering column.  Indicator lamp on speedo Oct 1956 448801 Oct 1957 549923 - 555415
 

Indicator lamp moved from speedo to steering column mounted trafficator control

 

 Oct 1957 549923 - 555415 Mar 1959 705622
Dished 3 spoke with large centre Horn moved to centre of steering wheel.

3 lamp speedo introduced.

Self-cancelling indicator with green lamp on end.

Main beam warning lamp changed from red to blue.

 Mar 1959 705622 Oct 1964 2-door - 1082280
4-door - 1082284
Traveller - 1082537
Convertible - 1082717
2 spoke safety type Black faced speedo introduced with oil filter warning lamp Oct 1964 2-door - 1082280 Apr 1971 1294082
4-door - 1082284
Traveller - 1082537
Convertible - 1082717

Chassis Number Identification

There were three types of chassis plate and chassis numbering systems used during the Minor's production.  Here is an identification chart:
Sep 1948 > Apr 1952
Apr 1952 > Mid 1958
Mid 1958 > Apr 1971

Prefix: SMM. (Series Morris Minor)

MNR (Minor) / 

S = Synobel paint

SYN = Synthetic paint

No designation = Cellulose paint

First Letter F Morris Minor
O LCV
Second Letter A 4 Door Saloon
B 2 Door Saloon
C Convertible
L Traveller
E Van
F Pickup
G Chassis/Cab
H GPO Mail Van
J GPO Engineer's Van
Third Letter A Black
B Light Grey
C Dark Red
D Dark Blue
E Mid Green
F Beige
G Brown
H CKD Finish
J Dark Grey
K Light Red
L Light Blue
P Ivory
R White
S Mid Grey
T Light Green
U Dark Green
First Number 1 RHD Home market
2 RHD Export
3 LHD Export
4 North American Export
5 RHD CKD
6 LHD CKD
Second Number 1 Synthetic
2 Synobel
3 Cellulose
4 Metallic
5 Primer
6 Cellulose Body/
Synthetic Wings
First LetterMMorris
A Austin
Second LetterAA-series engine
Third LetterS4 Door Saloon
2S2 Door Saloon
TTourer/Convertible
WTraveller
VVan
UPickup
QChassis/Cab
GGPO Postal Van
EGPO Engineer's Van
Forth Figure3948cc
51098cc
CAustin LCV
Optional LetterDDeluxe
Post 1968 Suffix (Factory)MCowley
FAdderley Park

 

Engine Information

There were four types of engine fitted to the Morris Minor.  Each one corresponds to the series of car. 

Series Engine Capacity Compression BHP Torque Bore Stroke 0-50 MPH Top speed
Series MM Sidevalve 918cc 6.6:1 27.5 @ 4400 RPM 39 lb/ft @ 2400 RPM 57mm 90mm 37.1 Sec 62 MPH
Series II A-series 803cc 7.2:1 30 @ 4800 RPM 40 lb/ft @ 2400 RPM 58mm 76mm 29.2 Sec 62 MPH
Series 3 A-series 948cc 8.3:1 37 @ 4750 RPM 50 lb/ft @ 2500 RPM 62.9mm 76.2mm 18.5 Sec 75 MPH
Series 5 A-series 1098cc 8.5:1 48 @ 5100 RPM 60 lb/ft @ 2500 RPM 64.6mm 83.7mm 15.8 Sec 78 MPH

Note:- Two designs of side valve engine were fitted to the Series MM:

Type USHM 2. Up to engine no. 77000

No oil filter on early engines. No thermostat

No water pump – thermo syphon cooling

Dynamo attached to cylinder head

Type USHM 3.  Engine no 77001 on

Oil Filter. Thermostat in alloy housing

Blanking plate for optional water pump and heater

Alloy water jacket with dynamo attached

Engine drain tap when water pump fitted

Re designed cylinder head

Thermo syphon or water pump cooling

Gearbox / Rear Axle Information

ALL gearboxes fitted to the Morris Minor had synchromesh on 2nd, 3rd and top gears but not on bottom or reverse.

Series

Engine

Gearbox Type

Bottom

2nd

3rd

Top

Reverse

Diff ratio

Clutch

Series MM

Sidevalve

918cc

Cast Iron

3.95

2.31

1.54

1

3.95

4.55 (9/41) or optional 5.286 (7/37) or   5.375 (8/43)

6 1/4"

Spring

Series II

A-series

803cc

Aluminium alloy.  Smooth casing with no remote housing

4.09

2.588

1.679

1

5.174

5.286 (7/37)

6 1/4"

Spring

Series 3

A-series

948cc

Aluminium alloy.  Smooth casing with remote housing

3.628

2.374

1.412

1

4.664

4.55 (9/41)

6 1/4"

Spring

Series 5

A-series

1098cc

Aluminium alloy.  Ribbed casing with remote housing

3.628

2.172

1.412

1

4.664

4.22 (9/38)

7 1/4"

Spring
Midget A-series

1275cc

Aluminium alloy.  Ribbed casing with remote housing 3.2 1.916 1.357 1 4.114 3.9 (10/39) 6 1/2"

Diaphragm

NOTE:  The Midget gearbox information is included here for completeness but it was never factory fitted to a Morris Minor

Paint / Trim Colour Schemes:

Series MM

Paint Trim (2-door / Tourer) Trim (4-door) Carpets
Sep 1948 > Sep 1950
Black Beige/Brown piping

N/A

 Brown
Platinum Grey Beige/Brown piping

N/A

 Brown
Romain Green Beige/Green piping

N/A

 Green
Maroon Beige/Maroon piping

N/A

 Maroon
Sep 1950 > Oct 1951
Black Beige/Brown piping

Brown

 Brown
Gascoyne Grey Beige/Brown piping

Brown

 Brown
Mist Green Beige/Green piping

Green

 Green
Thames Blue Beige/Green piping

Green

 Green
Oct 1951 > Jun 1952
Black Red

Red

 Maroon
Gascoyne Grey Beige

Brown

 Brown
Mist Green Beige

Green

 Green
Thames Blue Beige

Green

 Green
Jun 1952 > Feb 1953
Black Maroon

Maroon

 Maroon
Clarendon Grey Maroon

Maroon

 Maroon
Empire Green Green

Green

 Green
Birch Grey Maroon

Maroon

 Maroon

Series II

Paint Trim Carpets (Saloon/Convertable) Carpets (Traveller)
Jul 1952 > Oct 1954 - Traveller production began Oct 1953
Black Maroon

Maroon

 Black*
Clarendon Grey Maroon

Maroon

 Black*
Empire Green Green

Green

 Black*
Birch Grey Maroon

Maroon

 Black*
*NOTE:  Standard Travellers had black rubber floor mats.  Deluxe versions had trim on the front wheel arches
Oct 1954 > Oct 1955 
Black Maroon

Maroon

 Black*
Clarendon Grey Maroon

Maroon

 Black*
Empire Green Green

Green

 Black*
Smoke Blue (to Feb '55) Maroon Maroon Black*
Sandy Beige (from Feb '55) Maroon

Maroon

 Black*
Oct 1955 > Sep 1956 
Black Maroon

Maroon

 Black*
Clarendon Grey Maroon

Maroon

 Black*
Empire Green Green

Green

 Black*
Sandy Beige  Maroon

Maroon

 Black*
May 1956 > Sep 1956 - Saloon ONLY Colours
Sage Green Green

Green

N/A
Dark Green Grey

Green

N/A
Birch Grey Maroon

Maroon

N/A

Series 3 (948cc)

Paint Trim Hood Carpets Headlining Grille Coachline Wheels
Sep 1956 > Feb 1959 
Black* Red* Maroon  Maroon Light Grey Grey Red Birch Grey
Green*  Grey Beagle Green
Grey Black
Clarendon Grey* Red* Maroon Maroon Light Grey Clarendon Grey Red Clarendon Grey
Grey Grey Black
Birch Grey* Red* Maroon Maroon Light Grey Birch Grey Red Birch Grey
Grey Grey Black
Sage Green Grey Grey Beagle Green Light Grey Sage Green Birch Grey Sage Green
Green
Turquoise Grey Grey Black Light Grey Turquoise Birch Grey Birch Grey
Cream Red Maroon Maroon Light Grey Cream Red Cream
Dark Green* Grey* Grey Black Light Grey Dark Green Birch Grey Birch Grey
Pale Ivory Red Maroon Maroon Light Grey Pale Ivory Red Pale Ivory
*NOTE:  Available as a colour / trim choice for Travellers
Feb 1959 > Jul 1960 
Black* Red Pearl Grey Red Pearl Grey Pearl Grey Red Pearl Grey
Frilford Grey* Red Maroon Red Pearl Grey Pearl Grey Red Pearl Grey
Pearl Grey Red Maroon Red Pearl Grey Pearl Grey Red Pearl Grey
Sage Green* Green Pearl Grey Beagle Green Pearl Grey Pearl Grey Pearl Grey Pearl Grey
Smoke Grey Blue-Grey Pearl Grey Blue Pearl Grey Pearl Grey Blue Pearl Grey
Clipper Blue* Blue-Grey Pearl Grey Blue Pearl Grey Pearl Grey Pearl Grey Pearl Grey
Jul 1960 > Oct 1961 
Black* Red Maroon Red Pearl Grey Old English White Red Old English White
Yukon Grey* Red Maroon Red Pearl Grey Old English White Red Old English White
Smoke Grey* Blue-Grey Pearl Grey Blue Pearl Grey Old English White Blue Old English White
Clipper Blue Blue-Grey Pearl Grey Blue Pearl Grey Old English White Old English White Old English White
Porcelain Green Oxford Beige Pearl Grey Fir Green Pearl Grey Old English White Leaf Green Old English White
Old English White* Red Maroon Red Pearl Grey Old English White Red Old English White
Oct 1961 > Oct 1962 
Black* Tartan Red Pearl Grey Tartan Red Light Beige Old English White Red Old English White
Dove Grey Tartan Red Pearl Grey Tartan Red Light Beige Old English White Red Old English White
Smoke Grey* Blue-Grey Pearl Grey Blue Light Beige Old English White Blue Old English White
Almond Green* Porcelain Green Pearl Grey Almond Green Light Beige Old English White Porcelain Green Old English White
Old English White* Blue-Grey Pearl Grey Tartan Red Light Beige Old English White Red Old English White
Tartan Red
Rose Taupe* Tartan Red Pearl Grey Tartan Red Light Beige Old English White Red Old English White
Maroon
Highway Yellow Blue-Grey Pearl Grey Blue Light Beige Old English White Blue Old English White
Trafalgar Blue Blue-Grey Pearl Grey Blue Light Beige Old English White Pearl Grey Old English White
NOTE:  From October 1961 Duo-tone trim was fitted to Deluxe cars.  Silver Beige panels contrasted with Tartan Red, Porcelain Green and Blue-Grey trim.  Standard Travellers had black rubber floor mats.  Deluxe versions had trim on the front wheel arches.

Series 5 (1098cc)

Paint Trim Carpets Hood Grille Coachline Wheels
Oct 1962 > 1964 
Black Tartan Red Red Pearl Grey Old English White Red Old English White
Dove Grey* Tartan Red Red Pearl Grey Old English White Red Old English White
Smoke Grey Blue-Grey Blue Pearl Grey Old English White Blue Old English White
Almond Green Porcelain Green Green Pearl Grey Old English White Porcelain Green Old English White
Old English White Tartan Red Red Pearl Grey Old English White Red Old English White
Rose Taupe Tartan Red Red Pearl Grey Old English White Red Old English White
Trafalgar Blue* Blue-Grey Blue Pearl Grey Old English White Pearl Grey Old English White
*NOTE:  NOT available as a colour choice for Travellers.  Deluxe models came with Duo-tone trim for this period with Silver Beige included as the contrasting colour.
1964 > 1967/1968 (gradual changeover from October 1967 to January 1968)
Black Cherokee Red Red Pearl Grey Old English White Red Old English White
Dove Grey* Cherokee Red Red Pearl Grey Old English White Red Old English White
Smoke Grey Blue-Grey Blue Pearl Grey Old English White Blue Old English White
Almond Green Porcelain Green Green Pearl Grey Old English White Porcelain Green Old English White
Old English White Cherokee Red Red Pearl Grey Old English White Red Old English White
Rose Taupe Cherokee Red Red Pearl Grey Old English White Red Old English White
Trafalgar Blue* Blue-Grey Blue Pearl Grey Old English White Pearl Grey Old English White
*NOTE:  NOT available as a colour choice for Travellers.  Old English White was used a a grille colour until around October 1967 where it was replaced with Snowberry White
Oct 1967 > Jun 1969 (Convertibles), June 1970 (Travellers), November 1970 (Saloons)
Black Cherokee Red Red Pearl Grey Snowberry White Red Dark Silver
Maroon
Maroon 'B' Cherokee Red Red Pearl Grey Snowberry White Gold Dark Silver
Smoke Grey Blue-Grey Blue Pearl Grey Snowberry White Blue Dark Silver
Almond Green Porcelain Green Green Pearl Grey Snowberry White Porcelain Green Dark Silver
Snowberry White Black Black Black Snowberry White Red Dark Silver
Maroon
Peat Brown Cherokee Red Red Pearl Grey Snowberry White Snowberry White Dark Silver
Trafalgar Blue Blue-Grey Blue Pearl Grey Snowberry White Pearl Grey Dark Silver
1969 > June 1970 (Travellers ONLY)
Blue Royale Galleon Blue Blue

N/A

 Police White  Gold Dark Silver
Faun Brown Autumn Leaf Brown

N/A

 Police White  Gold Dark Silver
Cumulus Grey Galleon Blue Blue

N/A

 Police White  White Dark Silver
Connaught Green Autumn Leaf Brown

N/A

 Police White  Gold Dark Silver
Glacier White Black Black

N/A

 Police White   Black Dark Silver   
Bermuda Blue Black Black

N/A

 Police White  White Dark Silver
White Cherokee Red Red

N/A

 Police White  Gold Dark Silver
White Blue-Grey Blue

N/A

 Police White  Gold Dark Silver
White Porcelain Green Almond Green

N/A

 Police White  Gold Dark Silver
White Black Black

N/A

 Police White  Gold Dark Silver
June 1970 > April 1971 (Travellers ONLY)
Aqua Navy Navy

N/A

 Glacier White  Prune Light Silver
Limeflower Navy Navy

N/A

 Glacier White  Prune Light Silver
Glacier White Navy Navy

N/A

 Glacier White  Flame Red Light Silver
Red
Red
Geranium
Bedouin Autumn Leaf Autumn Leaf

N/A

 Glacier White   Blaze Light Silver
Teal Blue Limeflower Olive

N/A

 Glacier White  Limeflower Light Silver  
Bermuda Blue Navy Blue Navy

N/A

 Glacier White  Prune Light Silver
NOTE:  On very late Travellers 'ash' coloured wing piping was used instead of body coloured wing piping

Body Colours:  Duration of use

Colour Introduced Chassis Number Series Discontinued Chassis Number Series Notes
Platinum Grey Sep 1948 501 MM Sep 1950 63326 MM  
Romain Green Oct 1948 510 MM Sep 1950 63489 MM  
Black Oct 1948 528 MM Nov 1970 1287903 5 #2
Jul 1969 1257121 #3
Maroon  Dec 1948 949 MM Jun 1950 49717 MM  
Mist Green Sep 1950 63542 MM Jun 1952 151267 MM  
Gascoyne Grey Sep 1950 63617 MM Jul 1952 153743 MM  
Thames Blue Sep 1950 63706 MM May 1952 147638 MM  
Clarendon Grey Jun 1952 149038 MM Jan 1959 694645 3  
Empire Green Jul 1952 151845 MM Apr 1956 426894 II #2
Sep 1956 448714 #3
Birch Grey Jul 1952 154129 MM Oct 1954 289575 II  
May 1956 430282 II Jan 1959 694239 3 #4
Sep 1956 449269 3 #6
Maroon Feb 1953 177640 MM Feb 1953 184201 II #1
Smoke Blue Oct 1954 290385 II Feb 1955 316731 II #2
289798 313418 #3
Sandy Beige Feb 1955 319579 II May 1956 433334 II #2
313543 Sep 1956 448560 #3
Dark Green May 1956 430352 II Feb 1959 695275 3 #2
Sep 1956 449129 3 #5
Sage Green May 1956 427459 II Mar 1959 708537 3 #2
Feb 1959 693808 3 704301 #3
Cream Sep 1956 449236 3 Apr 1958 608041 3 #7
Turquoise Oct 1956 449553 3 Jan 1959 695191 3 #8
Pale Ivory April 1958 608663 3 Feb 1959 695162 3 #7
Frilford Grey Jan 1959 692882 3 Jul 1960 847831 3  
Pearl Grey Jan1959 692902 3 Jul 1960 847250 3 #7
Clipper Blue Jan 1959 693589 3 Oct 1961 934932 3 #2
Jul 1960 846941 #3
Smoke Grey Feb 1959 695314 3 Nov 1970 1288358 5 #2
Jul 1960 846951 Jul 1969 1257326 #3
Yukon Grey Jul 1960 847397 3 Nov 1961 939211 3  
Old English White Jul 1960 848109 3 Jan 1968 1208986 5  
Porcelain Green Jul 1960 851256 3 Oct 1961 934714 3 #7
Dove Grey Oct 1961 934892 3 Jan 1968 1208363 5 #7
Rose Taupe Oct 1961 934900 3 Dec 1967 1207908 5  
Almond Green Oct 1961 935214 3 Nov 1970 1288024 5 #2
Jul 1969 1257418 #3
Highway Yellow Oct 1961 936910 3 Jul 1962 979650 3 #7
Trafalgar Blue Aug 1962 981731 3 Nov 1970 1288377 5 #2
Nov 1967 1205081 5 Jul 1969 1257371 #3
Maroon 'B' Oct 1967 1200480 5 Jul 1969 1257425 5 #3
Peat Brown Oct 1967 1200534 5 Nov 1970 1288376 5 #2
Jul 1968 1227264 #3
Snowberry White Oct 1967 1200773 5 Nov 1970 1288281 5 #2
Jul 1969 1257181 #3

Key:

#1 Only used on approximately 400 cars
#2 Saloon/Convertible
#3 Traveller
#4 Resumed for use on Saloons and Convertibles
#5 Used on Saloons, Convertibles & Travellers as well as 698997 (one-off)
#6 Used on Saloons, Convertibles & Travellers as well as 699014 (one-off)
#7 NOT used on Travellers
#8 NOT used on Travellers.  Also used on 698996 (one-off)

Various number plate formats have been used over the years.  Here is a list and the years of introduction:

1903 1925 1934 1955 1963 1983 2001
A 1 AB 1234 ABC 123 123 ABC ABC 123 A A 123 ABC AB 12 ABC

It should be noted that not every area changed over to the 'new' system if they had registrations still to be used up.

From 1st Jan 1963 year identifiers were included in registration numbers.  Here is a list of the years and the formats:

SBF 927 G        F 927 GBF         BD 04 GDB

Year Suffix From To   Year Prefix From To   Year Digits From To

A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
J
K
L
M
N
P
R
S
T
V
W
X
Y

 1st Jan 1963
1st Jan 1964
1st Jan 1965
1st Jan 1966
1st Jan 1967
1st Aug 1967
1st Aug 1968
1st Aug 1969
1st Aug 1970
1st Aug 1971
1st Aug 1972
1st Aug 1973
1st Aug 1974
1st Aug 1975
1st Aug 1976
1st Aug 1977
1st Aug 1978
1st Aug 1979
1st Aug 1980
1st Aug 1981
1st Aug 1982

31st Dec 1963
31st Dec 1964
31st Dec 1965
31st Dec 1966
31st Jul 1967
31st Jul 1968
31st Jul 1969
31st Jul 1970
31st Jul 1971
31st Jul 1972
31st Jul 1973
31st Jul 1974
31st Jul 1975
31st Jul 1976
31st Jul 1977
31st Jul 1978
31st Jul 1979
31st Jul 1980
31st Jul 1981
31st Jul 1982
31st Jul 1983

  

A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
J
K
L
M
N
P
R
S
T
V
W
X
Y

 1st Aug 1983
1st Aug 1984
1st Aug 1985
1st Aug 1986
1st Aug 1987
1st Aug 1988
1st Aug 1989
1st Aug 1990
1st Aug 1991
1st Aug 1992
1st Aug 1993
1st Aug 1994
1st Aug 1995
1st Aug 1996
1st Aug 1997
1st Aug 1998
1st Mar 1999
1st Sep 1999
1st Mar 2000
1st Sep 2000
1st Mar 2001		 31st Jul 1984
31st Jul 1985
31st Jul 1986
31st Jul 1987
31st Jul 1988
31st Jul 1989
31st Jul 1990
31st Jul 1991
31st Jul 1992
31st Jul 1993
31st Jul 1994
31st Jul 1995
31st Jul 1996
31st Jul 1997
31st Jul 1998
28th Feb 1999
31st Aug 1999
29th Feb 2000
31st Aug 2000
28th Feb 2001
31st Aug 2001		   51
02
52
03
53
04
54
05
55
06
56
07
57
08
58
09
59
10
60
11
61		 1st Sep 2001
1st Mar 2002
1st Sep 2002
1st Mar 2003
1st Sep 2003
1st Mar 2004
1st Sep 2004
1st Mar 2005
1st Sep 2005
1st Mar 2006
1st Sep 2006
1st Mar 2007
1st Sep 2007
1st Mar 2008
1st Sep 2008
1st Mar 2009
1st Sep 2009
1st Mar 2010
1st Sep 2010
1st Mar 2011
1st Sep 2011		 28th Feb 2002
31st Aug 2002
28th Feb 2003
31st Aug 2003
29th Feb 2004
31st Aug 2004
28th Feb 2005
31st Aug 2005 
28th Feb 2006
31st Aug 2006 
28th Feb 2007
31st Aug 2007 
29th Feb 2008
31st Aug 2008 
28th Feb 2009
31st Aug 2009
28th Feb 2010
31st Aug 2010 
28th Feb 2011
31st Aug 2011 
29th Feb 2012

The area of registration can be found by the last two letters of the three letter set in the registration number.  For example:

JFA 108        646 HVT        SBF 927G

Area identifiers (double letter - pre 1999):

AA Hampshire 
AB Worcestershire
AC Warwickshire
AD Gloucestershire
AE Bristol
AF Cornwall 
AG Ayrshire
AH Norfolk
AI Meath
AJ North Yorkshire
AK Bradford
AL Nottinghamshire
AM Wiltshire
AN West Ham
AO Cumberland
AP East Sussex
AR Hertfordshire
AS Nairn
AT Kingston upon Hull
AU Nottingham
AV Nottingham
AW Shropshire
AX Monmouthshire
AY Leicestershire
AZ Belfast		 BA Salford
BB Newcastle upon Tyne
BC Leicester
BD Northamptonshire
BE Lincolnshire
BF Dorset / Staffordshire
BG Birkenhead
BH Buckinghamshire
BI Monaghan
BJ East Suffolk
BK Portsmouth
BL Berkshire
BM Bedfordshire
BN Bolton
BO Cardiff
BP West Sussex
BR Sunderland
BS Orkney
BT East Yorkshire
BU Oldham
BV Blackburn
BW Oxford
BX Carmarthenshire
BY Croydon
BZ Down		 CA Denbighshire
CB Blackburn
CC Caernarvonshire
CD Brighton
CE Cambridgeshire
CF West Suffolk
CG Hampshire
CH Derby
CI Laois
CJ Herefordshire
CK Preston
CL Norwich
CM Birkenhead
CN Gateshead
CO Plymouth
CP Halifax
CR Southampton
CS Ayrshire
CT Lincolnshire
CU South Shields
CV Cornwall
CW Burnley
CX Huddersfield
CY Swansea
CZ Belfast		 DA Wolverhampton
DB Stockport
DC Middlesbrough
DD Gloucestershire
DE Pembrokeshire
DF Northampton / Gloucestershire
DG Gloucestershire
DH Walsall
DI Roscommon
DJ Saint Helens
DK Rochdale
DL Isle of Wight
DM Flintshire
DN York
DO Lincolnshire
DP Reading
DR Plymouth
DS Peebles
DT Doncaster
DU Coventry
DV Exeter
DW Newport
DX Ipswich
DY Hastings
DZ Antrim		 EA West Bromwich
EB Peterborough
EC Westmoreland
ED Warrington
EE Grimsby
EF West Hartlepool
EG Peterborough
EH Stoke-on-Trent
EI Sligo
EJ Cardiganshire
EK Wigan
EL Bournemouth
EM Bootle
EN Bury
EO Barrow in Furness
EP Montgomery
ER Cambridgeshire
ES Perthshire
ET Rotherham
EU Breconshire
EV Essex 
EW Huntingdonshire
EX Great Yarmouth
EY Anglesey
EZ Belfast		 FA Burton on Trent
FB Bath
FC Oxford
FD Dudley
FE Lincoln
FF Merionethshire
FG Fife
FH Gloucester
FI Tipperary (N. Riding)
FJ Exeter
FK Worcester
FL Peterborough
FM Chester
FN Canterbury
FO Radnorshire
FP Rutland
FR Blackpool
FS Edinburgh
FT Tynemouth
FU Lincolnshire
FV Blackpool
FW Lincolnshire
FX Dorset
FY Southport
FZ Belfast
GA Glasgow
GB Glasgow
GC London 
GD Glasgow
GE Glasgow
GF London 
GG Glasgow
GH London 
GI Tipperary (S. Riding)
GJ London 
GK London 
GL Bath
GM Motherwell
GN London 
GO London 
GP London 
GR Sunderland
GS Perthshire
GT London 
GU London 
GV West Suffolk
GW London
GX London 
GY London 
GZ Belfast		 HA Warley
HB Merthyr Tydfil
HC Eastbourne
HD Dewsbury
HE Barnsley
HF Wallasey
HG Burnley
HH Carlisle
HI Tipperary (S. Riding)
HJ Southend
HK Essex
HL Wakefield
HM East Ham   
HN Darlington
HO Hampshire
HP Coventry
HR Wiltshire
HS Renfrewshire
HT Bristol
HU Bristol
HV East Ham
HW Bristol
HX Middlesex
HY Bristol
HZ Tyrone		 IA Antrim
IB Armagh
IC Carlow
ID Cavan
IE Clare
IF Cork
IH Donegal
IJ Down
IK Dublin
IL Fermanagh
IM Galway
IN Kerry
IO Kildare
IP Kilkenny
IR Offaly
IS Mayo
IT Leitrim
IU Limerick
IV Limerick
IW Londonderry
IX Longford
IY Louth
IZ Mayo		 JA Stockport 
JB Berkshire
JC Bangor
JD West Ham
JE Ipswich
JF Leicester
JG Canterbury
JH Reading
JI Tyrone
JJ London
JK Eastbourne
JL Lincolnshire
JM Westmoreland
JN Southend
JO Oxford
JP Wigan
JR Northumberland 
JS Ross & Cromarty
JT Dorset
JU Leicestershire
JV Grimsby
JW Wolverhampton
JX Huddersfield
JY Plymouth
JZ Down		 KA Liverpool
KB Liverpool
KC Liverpool
KD Liverpool
KE Kent  
KF Liverpool
KG Cardiff
KH Kingston upon Hull
KI Waterford
KJ Kent
KK Kent
KL Kent
KM Kent
KN Kent
KO Kent
KP Kent
KR Kent
KS Roxburgh
KT Kent 
KU Bradford
KV Coventry
KW Bradford
KX Buckinghamshire
KY Bradford
KZ Antrim		 LA London 
LB London 
LC London 
LD London 
LE London 
LF London 
LG Chester
LH London 
LI Westmeath
LJ Bournemouth
LK London 
LL London 
LM London 
LN London 
LO London 
LP London 
LR London 
LS Selkirk
LT London 
LU London 
LV London
LW London
LX London 
LY London 
LZ Armagh
MA Cheshire
MB Cheshire
MC Middlesex 
MD Middlesex 
ME Middlesex 
MF Middlesex 
MG Middlesex 
MH Middlesex 
MI Wexford
MJ Bedfordshire
MK Middlesex
ML Middlesex
MM Middlesex
MO Berkshire
MP Middlesex
MR Wiltshire
MS Stirling
MT Middlesex
MU Middlesex
MV Middlesex
MW Wiltshire
MX Middlesex
MY Middlesex
MZ Belfast		 NA Manchester
NB Manchester
NC Manchester
ND Manchester
NE Manchester
NF Manchester
NG Norfolk
NH Northampton
NI Wicklow
NJ East Sussex
NK Hertfordshire
NL Northumberland
NM Bedfordshire
NN Nottinghamshire
NO Essex
NP Worcestershire
NR Leicestershire
NS Sutherland
NT Shropshire
NU Derbyshire
NV Northamptonshire
NW Leeds
NX Warwickshire
NY Glamorgan
NZ Londonderry		 OA Birmingham
OB Birmingham
OC Birmingham
OD Devon
OE Birmingham
OF Birmingham
OG Birmingham
OH Birmingham
OI Belfast
OJ Birmingham
OK Birmingham
OL Birmingham
OM Birmingham
ON Birmingham
OO Essex
OP Birmingham
OR Hampshire
OS Wigtownshire
OT Hampshire
OU Hampshire
OV Birmingham
OW Southampton
OX Birmingham
OY Croydon
OZ Belfast		 PA Surrey
PB Surrey
PC Surrey
PD Surrey
PE Surrey
PF Surrey
PG Surrey
PH Surrey
PI Cork
PJ Surrey
PK Surrey
PL Surrey
PM East Sussex
PN East Sussex
PO East Sussex
PP Buckinghamshire
PR Dorset
PS Shetland
PT Durham
PU Essex
PV Ipswich
PW Norfolk
PX West Sussex
PY North Yorkshire
PZ Belfast		 QA London* 
QB London*
QC London*
QD London*
QE London*
QF London*
QH London*
QI Belfast*
QJ London*
QK London*
QL London*
QM London*
QN London*
QP London*
QR London*

QQ London*
QS Edinburgh*
QT London*
QX London*
QY London*
QZ Belfast*

 

 RA Derbyshire 
RB Derbyshire 
RC Derby
RD Reading
RE Staffordshire
RF Staffordshire
RG Aberdeen
RH Kingston upon Hull
RI Dublin
RJ Salford
RK Croydon
RL Cornwall
RM Cumberland
RN Preston
RO Hertfordshire
RP Northamptonshire
RR Nottinghamshire
RS Aberdeen
RT East Suffolk
RU Bournemouth
RV Portsmouth
RW Coventry
RX Berkshire
RY Leicester
RZ Antrim
SA Aberdeen
SB Argyll
SC Edinburgh
SCY Truro (Isles of Scilly)
SD Ayrshire
SE Banffshire
SF Edinburgh
SG Edinburgh
SH Berwickshire
SI Dublin
SJ Bute
SK Caithness
SL Clackmannanshire
SM Dumfries
SN Dunbartonshire
SO Morayshire
SP Dundee
SR Angus
SS East Lothian
ST Inverness
SU Kincardine
SV Kinross
SW Kirkcudbright
SX West Lothian
SY Midlothian
SZ Down		 TA Devon
TB Lancashire
TC Lancashire
TD Lancashire
TE Lancashire
TF Lancashire
TG Glamorgan
TH Carmarthenshire
TI Limerick
TJ Lancashire
TK Exeter
TL Lincolnshire
TM Luton
TN Newcastle upon Tyne
TO Nottingham
TP Portsmouth
TR Southampton
TS Dundee
TT Devon
TU Chester
TV Nottingham
TW Essex
TX Glamorgan
TY Northumberland
TZ Belfast		 UA Leeds
UB Leeds
UC London
UD Oxfordshire
UE Warwickshire
UF Brighton
UG Leeds
UH Cardiff
UI Londonderry
UJ Shropshire
UK Wolverhampton
UL London 
UM Leeds
UN Denbighshire
UO Devon
UP Durham
UR Hertfordshire
US Glasgow
UT Leicestershire
UU London
UV London
UW London
UX Shropshire
UY Worcestershire
UZ Belfast

VA Lanark
VB Croydon
VC Coventry

VD Lanark
VE Cambridgeshire
VF Norfolk
VG Norwich
VH Huddersfield
VJ Herefordshire
VK Newcastle upon Tyne
VL Lincoln
VM Manchester
VN North Yorkshire
VO Nottinghamshire
VP Birmingham
VR Manchester
VS Greenock
VT Stoke-on-Trent
VU Manchester
VV Northampton
VW Essex
VX Essex
VY York
VZ Tyrone

 		 WA Sheffield
WB Sheffield
WC Essex
WD Warwickshire
WE Sheffield
WF East Yorkshire
WG Stirling
WH Bolton
WI Waterford
WJ Sheffield
WK Coventry
WL Oxford
WM Southport
WN Swansea
WO Monmouthshire
WP Worcestershire
WR West Yorkshire
WS Edinburgh
WT West Yorkshire
WU West Yorkshire
WV Wiltshire
WW West Yorkshire
WX West Yorkshire
WY West Yorkshire
WZ Belfast		 XA London
XB London
XC London
XD London
XE London
XF London
XG Middlesbrough
XH London
XI Belfast
XJ Manchester
XK London
XL London
XM London
XN London
XO London
XP London
XR London
XS Paisley
XT London
XU London
XV London
XW London
XX London
XY London
XZ Armagh
YA Somerset
YB Somerset
YC Somerset
YD Somerset
YE London
YF London
YG West Yorkshire
YH London
YJ Dundee
YK London 
YL London 
YM London 
YN London 
YO London 
YP London 
YR London 
YS Glasgow
YT London 
YU London 
YV London 
YW London 
YX London 
YY London 
YZ Londonderry		 ZA Dublin
ZB Cork
ZC Dublin
ZD Dublin
ZE Dublin
ZF Cork
ZG Dublin
ZH Dublin
ZI Dublin
ZJ Dublin
ZK Cork
ZL Dublin
ZM Galway
ZN Meath
ZO Dublin
ZP Donegal
ZR Wexford
ZS Dublin
ZT Cork
ZU Dublin
ZV Dublin**
ZW Kildare
ZX Kerry
ZY Louth
ZZ Dublin*		 Single letter area ID
From 1903 onwards
 
A London
B Lancashire
C West Yorkshire
D Kent
E Staffordshire
F Essex
G Glasgow
H Middlesex
J Durham / Jersey
K Liverpool
L Glamorgan
M Cheshire
N Manchester
O Birmingham
P Surrey
R Derbyshire
S Edinburgh
T Devon
U Leeds
V Lanarkshire
W Sheffield
X Northumberland
Y Somerset
Z Dublin

* = Temporary Import or Unknown date of manufacture

** = age related