There has been some discussion regarding the numbers on these cars. I think the numbers produced being quoted in some publications are too high and are based on the VIN numbers, not the chassis numbers. The chassis numbers seem to equate to the number on the "VIN" plate for the earliest cars, probably the cars built from 1924 up to late summer 1925. After this date the chassis numbers appear to continue in sequence but the VIN numbers started again in a series beginning with 4000 (or 4001?). From this number onwards the chassis numbers do not always equate to the VIN number.

AG prefixed engines were built as 14/45, AH engines are 16/50. However, at least one car (mine) has been bored out to 16/50 spec but still carries an AG prefix on the engine plate and an AH prefix on the VIN plate.

 
Places to find the numbers :-

VIN plate - on the engine bulkhead, passenger side.

Chassis - on the very rear of passenger side chassis member. On the top just where the rear spring hanger and luggage rack are attached. It should also appear on the front wings, on the flange where they attach to the chassis, this can only be seen if you have a wing off. The rear wings are also marked with the chassis number on the pointed part up against the main part of the body, hidden from view by the rear wheel. We think this was done because the wings will have been adjusted to fit the individual car and then sent to the paint shop, the numbers allowing the wings to be returned to the correct car. Chassis number may also be found on the rear axle inspection hatch, along with the body number, and the underside of the toe-board, near the clutch pedal.

Engine - there are various locations and they might not all agree, we are still trying to get to the bottom of this one. It appears on the cylinder head plate, passenger side, though this can easily be swapped between engines. It may appear on the front engine mounting, on the drivers side vertical face. It is also stamped on various internal parts, the most accessible of which is the flywheel, where it is near the 2/3 cylinder timing point, visible though the flywheel inspection plate on the housing.

Body - On the bottom of the doors, on the wooden access hatch for the rear axle and differential, and on the upper side of the wooden toe board, about six inches to the left of the clutch pedal.

We know of cars with numbers in the following sequences :-

VIN :- 130 to 566 and 4006 to 4950

Chassis :- 130 to 1013

Engines (ignoring the prefix AG or AH) :- 11 to 1362 and 4006 to 4825

Body :- 113 to 573. Also 04 on a later series Colonial model

There are other numbers all over the cars which seem to be on some cars and not others but the above locations hold true for at least two cars in each case. If you can add anything to this discussion please get in touch. I would particularly like to hear from owners who are willing to let me have the numbers found in these locations on their cars. The database which is pulling all this information together is available here but access is restricted at the moment. If you already have the password the gateway is below. If you would like access please contact me via the contact form..

Stewart Devlin