The difference between mm and series 2

[Mollymooz]

Hi

I believe mine is mm although the bonnet flash suggests series 2

The speedo and fuel gauge is in front of the steering wheel

The year is 53 is this a crossover year

The reason being I want to restore this to how it should be and don't want to do it to either series if that is incorrect

I've looked on this site and things are not clear for my car because for defo someone put a late grill on it and late side and rear lights

Hope someone can help
James

[HarryMango]

Late 52/early 53 was the crossover between MM & S11s - lots of cars have since had engines, grilles & badges changed etc - the only real way to tell is by the chassis no - if the prefix is SMM then it is a Series MM & if the prefix is FA or FB then it is a Series 11.

Rog

[mike.perry]

Late 52/early 53 was the crossover between MM & S11s - lots of cars have since had engines, grilles & badges changed etc - the only real way to tell is by the chassis no - if the prefix is SMM then it is a Series MM & if the prefix is FA or FB then it is a Series 11.Rog

Sorry Roger, you are wrong, the SMM series ran from 1948 until early 1952 when it was replaced by the FA, FB, FC series, still Series MMs. Three batches of four door Series IIs were built alongside the Series MMs in 1952, these were all for export. The only external difference was the bonnet badge. Series MMs ceased production in Feb 1953 and Series IIs contined until 1956

[HarryMango]

Ah - thanks for the correction Mike - the chassis no should still be able to determine whether MM or S11 though

Rog

[mike.perry]

Only with reference to records. 1952 Series IIs built in batches 159190 - 159201, 160001 - 161021 and 170001 - 170000
There was a 1952 car on ebay which looked exactly like a Series II. Records showed that it was originally a Series 'MM

[Mollymooz]

Ok so what Is the most likely scenario if for instance the oil / speedo and petrol gauge is directly behind the steering wheel
When was this introduced ?

And when was it phased out in favour of the centrally located instruments?
Thanks

[brucek]

The dials/gauges in front of the driver was introduced with the first Minor in 1948 and was not phased out until the main Series 2 facelift in October 1954. You either have an early Series 2 or a late Series MM. If you pm the chassis number to Mike Perry, he will be able to tell you whether it is an MM or S2 but it would seem more likely to be an early S2. Look also for the engine - if it is a side valve (and therefore an MM) it should look like this[frame][/frame]

If a Series 2 it should look something like this[frame][/frame]

Another possibility to check, if the engine still has its original sidevalve unit it should also have a curvy gear lever, if the 803 OHV this would be a long straight gear stick. Of course the later engine from a 1000 could also be in place too. Best to post some pics of the engine bay so we can at least tell you what engine you have Hope that helps?

[Mollymooz]

Thanks for the info guys

I shall pm the number to mike perry
Thanks brucek

James

[mike.perry]

If the chassis number is higher than 176410 (4 door), 178920 (convertible) or 179839 (2 door) then it is a Series II