Packard Forum Index » Pre-War (1899-1942)

So I came across a post on here about the relationship between thief-proof numbers, engine numbers, Briggs numbers, and patent plate numbers that sparked my interest. I believe someone named Owen was collecting data for a database and it inspired me to take a look at all these numbers on my 41’ Clipper. What I found seemed a little “off” to me in respect to production volume and elapsed time. Hopefully someone here can help me interpret what I’m seeing about my car.

The patent plate is stamped with 1401-18144 and nothing else, it appears to possibly be original or an older repro since it is on steel and some of the silk screening is still visible. The Briggs plate also has this exact number and is original looking. The title to the car is from Pennsylvania and shows this same number as the VIN with an original title date of 6/15/41. The engine number is D416239C and fits nicely with the late build of VIN, so I believe it to be original. What I find to be “off” is that from what I can see 41’ Clipper production or sales began in April of that year and my car was titled in June. So given the time-frame and sequence number means that Packard would have built 269 cars per day, seems like a lot. The thief-proof number on the car is 618286, just incase this helps.

Attach file:

---

  BFA0E946-1E91-478F-AC91-338687716FE0.jpeg (269.67 KB)


  843331C5-0CC3-4CD2-AA97-801EA83F8538.jpeg (251.46 KB)


  4D0146EF-36BD-419C-B74D-1F6F53BE850B.jpeg (196.73 KB)


  322DCD7F-51B6-4127-9EED-4CF7CC23DEF7.jpeg (252.31 KB)


  D701476C-FB31-4711-A8D0-80FC459EB853.jpeg (72.93 KB)

Sales began in April 1941, so production would have started earlier.

You can also look at the casting date on your block. That should give you a rough idea that your car was probably assembled a few weeks after that.

Based on the type font and material (tinned steel), your patent plate is with almost total certainty an original.

Thanks for the numbers. And all your numbers appear consistent with each other.

Unfortunately, many dealers failed to stamp the plate with their identification and delivery date.

Oh...if they only knew then what we know now! I wonder if they would have desired to live longer and be part of this world as it is today...or just stay in the 40's and 50's and call it a day...Just curious...Ernie in Arizona

Quote:

I will have to take a look for the casting date, just for fun.

Quote:

Thank you for verifying what I believed to be an original matching car. I had my doubts about the patent plate because the number matched the Briggs number, but I see that it could match as per the information in the new decoder. I do wish that the dealer would have stamped the plate, too late now.