Not quite Chuck, because the Mini went from a flat windscreen panel to flanged panel in October 1960...therefore the nose on the shell predated the July 1961 build date by 8-9 months.  The flanged windscreen panel on the rear section would be consistent with production after October 1960.

The two sections are welded through the A pillars where the flanged (top/rear section) & flat (bottom/nose section) panel joining can be seen.  Almost dead centre in the photo.

So the question is really focused on the external tank.

We know that Morris Mini Minor and Austin Seven production began in May 1959 to build up dealer stocks before the late August launch that year.  I have specifically asked Heritage Trust if they can address this matter and if external tank models were being built to provide dealer inventory for October.  We'll see.

Rick, somebody married a front of a Mini with a wrecked back to the back of a Mini with a wrecked front. John MacDonald did this some 20 years ago with a MkI rear and a MkIII front.

That October date for the change seems to be a pretty good one. If all of your car was built on the Heritage date of July 19, 1961 one would expect the tank to be an inside one. If I understand correctly, youi have an internal tank front matched up with an external tank rear.

oFull court press on to identify when the first Austin Se7en Countryman models were built with external fuel tanks.  Mini Estate, Cupcake, Chuck???

Common references cite October 1961 as the month in which the external tank models rolled out.  But according to heritage Trust Certificate LUCKY was built July 19, 1961 and shipped to a Dealer in New York on thev 21st...Tartan Red with Whitewall Tyres & Heater.  When were stocks for Dealers built up?

Yes, I have gone to BMIHT, The Mini Forum and the Traveller & Countryman Register...we'll see what they can add.

The VIN plate I have for LUCKY is confidently associated with the Orange Countryman Chas. P. sold to Dennis T. in Ohio with title registered on August 17, 1981 (I have that document).  That same Mini found its way to California and to Canada and since those who had possession of the then unregistered Mini are well known to me i am confident in the transfers of possession (I have written agreement of sale from Kent S. in California to the Canadian buyer Chris H. & Canada Customs import documents).

Working on the steel, I see the holes where the roof rack was mounted and on the doors, bonnet & hinges, I see the same Orange paint as in the photo taken (circa 1980) when Chas. P. owned the Countryman.

I also see that the shell is comprised of 2 halves a pre-Oct. 1960 flat windscreen panel nose and a post-Oct. 1960 flanged windscreen panel rear - welded through the A pillars, doorsteps & across the front floors/tunnel.

More than a little curious to see how this turns out!

Meanwhile the build goes on.