For sale: 1978 998 LS Mini Leyland
Specifications
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The prefix body code is a 6-digit code that appears on the first row of the data plate (top left), and confirms the model and year/month of manufacture. The first 4 digits of this code will be either JG23 (Falcon) or JG32 (Fairmont Ghia). Importantly, the same code should prefix the vehicle’s engine number (See section 5 of this guide for engine number details).
Example: “JG32YP” - This decodes as follows:
J = Ford Australia
G = Broadmeadows plant (passenger vehicle)
32 = Fairmont Ghia
Y = 1981
P = April
Note: The 5th and 6th digit of the body prefix refers to the year and month of manufacture, per the below table:
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | ||
| 1980 | X | B | R | A | G | C | K | D | E | L | Y | S | T |
| 1981 | Y | J | U | M | P | B | R | A | G | C | K | D | E |
| 1982 | A | L | Y | S | T | J | U | M | P | B | R | A | G |
Note, the month/year code in the Body Prefix above relates to the vehicle’s estimated ship date – being the date when the vehicle was estimated to be completed and shipped. As the body prefix was allocated at the commencement of production, this code may slightly differ (by a month or so) to the manufacture date stamped on the compliance plate. The latter represents the actual ship date.
Model codes:
As the ESP option was available on both the Falcon GL and Fairmont Ghia in the XD series (during different time periods), these codes will be relevant in determining a genuine vehicle. The model number is located on the foremost data plate in the engine bay (passenger side inner mudguard).
One of the following codes should appear under the heading “Model”, as shown in the images:
Falcon GL: 18933 (June 1980 up to October 1980)
Fairmont Ghia: 18938 (October 1980 – March 1982)
Vehicle location
Australia , Victoria , Kiata
It has been a long time since I've seen a good 998 LS for sale, and this has to be one of the best I've seen. Asking $25,000 in August 2022, this Nugget Gold example looks exceptionally original, even retaining its velour cloth intact! All features are correct for this late model Australian special edition. Although its estimated around 400 nugget gold 1275 LS cars were built, I think there would have been even less of these, the 998 LS.. No official production records kept but we do our best to keep adding these cars to classic register to have some idea.
Plenty of other 998 LS cars to see on the register - check them out below or in the search. See the original listing here.