engine serial # question

[smittykid]

I've done some research, but I'm still a little confused. The serial # stamped on the block is: A2718289 - the car is a 1930 Victoria. I know that 30 Victorias didn't start production until Nov. of 1930. Any chance that the block might be the original with that number?
I went and looked at & drove the 30 Vicky I was asking about earlier. Lots of small nit-pick items not correct, but over all a pretty nice car. (Those are jumper cables on the starter, the battery was dead when I got there). Thanks, Smitty

[Joe K]

Originally Posted by smittykid

I've done some research, but I'm still a little confused. The serial # stamped on the block is: A2718289 - the car is a 1930 Victoria. I know that 30 Victorias didn't start production until Nov. of 1930. Any chance that the block might be the original with that number?

I would say not. Vince at his most excellent FordGarage site puts the time range for A2718289 at some time in December 1929.

The judging standards say "engine should match the year and month of the given vehicle."

As you don't have a month/year code on your firewall, your only positive confirmation on construction may be the number stamped on the frame (below the driver's left foot and hidden by parts of the body which may necessitate body removal to read it.)

Joe K

[goodoldvic]

I think Jan 1930 is the range for that engine serial number

[Bob Bidonde]

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Production of the 190A by Murray would have started earlier than the car's introduction date (November 1930) to buildup a stock of bodies to supply Ford branch assembly plants. Unfortunately that production start date by Murray is unknown. However, I suspect that 190A Leather-Back bodies went into production 60 to 90 days before November 1930.

The next question that comes to mind is, "When did Ford start assembling 190A cars?" The lowest engine number which matches the car's frame number that is in the record of surviving 190As with the Victoria Association is 3,98X,XXX. This number equates to a September - November 1930 car assembly by a Ford branch.

In my opinion, A2718289 is way too low to have been an original engine in your 190A. The real number of your 190A is stamped into the frame under the left side of the cowl, and it cannot be seen until the car's body and running board apron are removed. You may be lucky if a VIN in the neighborhood of 3,98X,XXX appears on your registration.

By the way, 3,98X,XXX has a Murray Body Number of 14XX.