Re: Don\'t Hold Your Breath! They\'re NOT Coming Out Any Time Soon?
Luc, I don't want to turn this into a long tread about Shelby's but the VIN numbers were assigned and stamped by Ford Motor Company. In 69 and 70 Shelby really had nothing to do with the cars except marketing. I know I have some old ads which show Shelby standing next to a 69 model. I am unfamiliar with the code you listed as I am sure it doesn't appear in the VIN. For instance a VIN number could be broken down as follows. Decipher 8T02J123456 as 8 (1968)year, T (Metuchen NJ) assembly plant, 02 (Fastback) body style, J (302 4 barrel) engine, 123456 equaled the unit off the line at that plant. I am not sure about the 48 code? If it was on the warrenty plate I am not aware of it. Usually the plate contained interior color and trim level, rear gear, exterior color and trim, and VIN. number. The Shelby tag on the engine compartment aprons just had a modified VIN number with some additional Shelby serial numbers added to the end of the VIN. However these numbers were assigned by Ford and not Shelby American. The body buck tag on the radiator support might contain the code you refer to but I didn't think that they did. Now there was also a build sheet which was sometimes stuffed into the dash or under a seat cushion which was very specific. Listed out codes for springs, shocks, rear end, tires, trim, color, options, etc. I would have to see if that number showed up there. The long and the short of it is that it was Ford who changed the number and not Shelby American.
