Re: 1955 Packard No Engine Number?

Posted by BH On 2008/10/25 21:22:56

Owen -

I had been a little confused about the "motor number" versus the "Utica number". After discussing the recent engine serial number reference, privately, with BigKev, I dug up a copy of a letter sent to all states WRT to title and registration of the 55th series cars. It clarifies (at least for me) that the the Motor Serial Number is, in fact, the same as the Vehicle Identification Number. Prior to that, I had (incorrectly) considered the Utica number on the V8s to be the functional equivalent of the engine serial number as used on the straight eights.

Next, you may recall that I've previously cited a copy of an internal document that decodes the Utica number's alpha prefix for the 56th Series. That document advised that "service stripped engines or short blocks are not stamped" with the Utica number. It's been my understanding that the "motor number" was stamped by Conner, but I was now confused whether the Utcia number was stamped on (complete) crate motors for service.

Now, taking your observations into consideration, I am more certain that a Packard V8 engine with only a Utica number and no motor/vehicle serial number was a complete engine that never made it to Conner.

Yet, I'm curious what Studebaker and American Motors did about the "motor number".