The Ford Barn - View Single Post - 31 model A truck bodies sold as 1932 production

DavidG · 02-26-2012, 04:14 PM

It depends on how you define "authenticity". The physical characteristics of a late '31 (or '32) Model A are distinct enough to indentify what in your case I assume is a cab without a chassis or an engine and that sort of leaves you at a dead end. A re-made VIN tag assumes that both the owner and the licensing authority had complete knowldege of the facts, which is, of course, not likely to be the case. More likely it comes down to what the licensing authority will accept in terms of proof of ownership.

Some jurisdictions are willing to create titles out of thin air, say for kit cars where no single part has proof of ownership beyond valid receipts. In those cases, attempting to interpret the meaning of a resulting VIN is right up there with de-coding the complex numbering system used for modern new cars.

In the final analysis, you have to make the case to the local DMV as they cannot be expected to know what Ford did or did not do with regard to serializing its vehicles in late 1931 or early 1932.

Once again, I respectfully recommend that you switch over to the Model A section of this site. Model As built in early 1932 are not unheard of and you're far more likely to find someone with prior experience there.

02-26-2012, 04:14 PM	#11
DavidG Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: southeastern Michigan Posts: 10,094	Re: 31 model A truck bodies sold as 1932 production It depends on how you define "authenticity". The physical characteristics of a late '31 (or '32) Model A are distinct enough to indentify what in your case I assume is a cab without a chassis or an engine and that sort of leaves you at a dead end. A re-made VIN tag assumes that both the owner and the licensing authority had complete knowldege of the facts, which is, of course, not likely to be the case. More likely it comes down to what the licensing authority will accept in terms of proof of ownership. Some jurisdictions are willing to create titles out of thin air, say for kit cars where no single part has proof of ownership beyond valid receipts. In those cases, attempting to interpret the meaning of a resulting VIN is right up there with de-coding the complex numbering system used for modern new cars. In the final analysis, you have to make the case to the local DMV as they cannot be expected to know what Ford did or did not do with regard to serializing its vehicles in late 1931 or early 1932. Once again, I respectfully recommend that you switch over to the Model A section of this site. Model As built in early 1932 are not unheard of and you're far more likely to find someone with prior experience there.