50th Birthday Question

[Shawn]

G'day All,

My recently registered Minor is approaching his 50th birthday (of date of original sale). It is a 1958 4 Door saloon, and the ID plate states he's from the Zetland plant in New South Wales, which is to be expected.

I've read a fair bit about the Zetland plant, its history and the processes used there, (including the excellent stuff in the current "The Mini Experience" magazine) but I want a couple of specifics.

My car number is: FA51/6/598707/08991

I'm trying to discover two things:

1/ Was this car a CKD import?

2/ Was the Rotodip process used for CKD cars and was it in use when mine was there? (I believe it commenced in Zetland in early 1958)

Any information or directions to info would be greatly appreciated. (Some of you will have seen that I've also posted the same question on the UK MMOC site!)

Thanks
s

[John Ballard]

As a foundation member of the first formed Mini car club ( Morris 850 Car Club ) I went to BMC at Zetland for a Club visit a few times and I saw Minis on the Roto dip but this was in 1962.
It would appeared at the time that this was a common piece in the assembly line.
Minis were controlled on the "pole" by the tear drop shaped hole in the firewall behind the speedo.
Which is common on the later Morris Minors.

[Scouse]

The easiest way to tell a CKD is by the ID tag.
Zetland = CKD
Cowley = full import

Looking at your number sequence, it's a CKD car.
The last 5 digits are stamped into your firewall & also probably under the back seat.

[Triumph Man]

[John Ballard]

Just like a good wine I get better with age'