How accurate are Minor books...?

[POMMReg]

Dealt with a query today from the owner of a 10/57 4dr.

Car prefix is FAP - Ivory wasn't introduced until 1958 so
Ray's book says?

Confused!

[Scott]

I don't know about 1957/1958 but these days next years model would be released in the later part of this year.

If that was the case 50 odd years ago too, October 1957 built might well be classed as a 1958 model (if they were sold like that).

[simmitc]

Having spent many happy hours looking at the original production ledgers at Gaydon, there are enough oddities to make any reference work "approximate" or "subject to what the factory did rather than what they said". Also, all entries are handwritten, and maybe subject to interpretation. Some cars had two engines! Traceability was not as good in those days; so if the car looks right then it probably is.

[ManyMinors]

New models (or new colours etc) tended to be introduced at the Motor Show which always took place in October. Therefore, yes, the 1958 range would have been introduced in October 1957

[POMMReg]

Thanks for the replies!

Everything tied up on the car numberwise - bit thrown by the
"FAP" though!

The way I've approached this research lark is to note details directly FROM
Vehicles,this way there's less of a chance of errors as someone may have
made a boo-boo recording details when the vehicle was built.

Body numbers of LCVs were never recorded by BMC/BL, so any LCVs get
scrapped - and numbers not noted - info has gone forever!

Thanks again - Merry Christmas!

[mike.perry]

There are numerous opportunities for data entry errors from the Gaydon records, my Series MM Register and text books. The problem is that if these errors are not corrected they become accepted as fact.

[POMMReg]

There are numerous opportunities for data entry errors from the Gaydon records, my Series MM Register and text books. The problem is that if these errors are not corrected they become accepted as fact.

Exactly!

If you cannot rely on Contempory Parts Books nor Factory Records to provide accurate information, what hope
is there of historians being accurate?

I have yet to visit BMIHT Records, so have to see whether THEIR records are consistant with MINE!

A lot of data I collect wasn't even recorded at the factory, which makes it far more difficult for me!

Had hoped to finish the Oz dating by Christmas, dragging on longer than anticipated AND I haven't even started
Brittain(Dublin) stuff - Hindustan Minor's quite easy though.

Mr.Turkeysuprise