Re: VIN number oddity on a 1940 120

Posted by Owen_Dyneto On 2009/1/19 10:57:42

It probably hasn't been the practice for decades but some time ago some states, Pennsylvania was one, would actually issue a metal tag with a state-issued replacement VN to be affixed when the original tag was missing. No doubt there was some period of investigation into the legitimatcy of the car before it was done. New Jersey and New York used vehicle numbers and not motor numbers in those cases I'm familiar with. To me, a Packard without an original patent or VN plate is automatically suspect and there are quite a few of the high-$ models that are bogus, what a shame people take these plates off and loose them or sell them on EBay. There ought to be a law! In fact there is a federal law and severe penalty for tampering with a VN plate but I guess enforcement is pretty much limited to chop shops, etc.