What Year Spring do you have?
The Spring was produced approximately between 1968-1970. Approximately two-thirds of all Springs were built as a 1968 model. The 1970 models were just leftover 1969's, and were not any different. The big difference was between 1968 and 1969. With US regulations kicking in at the start of the 1969 year, the following changes occured:
Engine: The engine was reduced from 843 to 817 cc to get under the 50 cubic inch rule so smog equipement wasn't necessary.
Seatbelts: Seatbelts were added.
Doorlocks: Doorlocks were added.
Windshield: The folding windshield was replaced by a fixed version.
Tailights: Larger taillights that complied with regulations were added.
Sidelights: Rear body sidelights were added - the front ones already existed.
Brakes: A dual line brake master cylinder was added.
Dashboard: The real wooden dash was replaced by a plastic one with a black and simulated woodgrain appearance. Added were warning lights for the parking brake, 4-way flasher, brake fluid low. The windscreen washer pump was moved on the dash.
Seats: The low back seats were replaced by ones that featured a backrest with integral headrest.
Manufacturing Plates: A plate stating that the Spring met the regulations for having no pollution control equipment because the engine size was below 50 cu's, was added.
Serial Numbers: The serial numbers was changed from just a 4-digit sequential number to the following for 1969:
1st char: A letter, usually the letter 'A'...unknown but speculated that this was a letter designating which country the Spring was exported to.
2nd char: A 2-digit number signifying the model year.
3-6 char: The sequential production run number.
In the 1970 model year, the production month and 2-digit production year preceeded the numbers listed above.