71-73 VIN codes

[roemer-eeji]

I thought all 64 1/2 thru 73 Mustang VINs started with the year code (3 for 73, 1 for 71, etc). I have found an advertised 1973 Mach 1 that lists a VIN that starts with "A". I asked the seller about this and was told that it was a "late 1973, after Ford decided not to build any more Mach 1's". There is also an "extra" letter in the code, after the engine code.

I can't find any reference anywhere that says Ford ever issued VINs in 1973 that started with an "A". Can anyone confirm this?

 

[RacerX]

Incorrect. Ford (and other manufacturers ) didn't change to the current schema 17 digit vin numbers until much later, after 1981 in the U.S.

 

[Don65Stang]

Racer is correct. That's not areal Ford VIN code. It could be a state assigned VIN code of some sort.

 

[roemer-eeji]

Racer is correct. That's not areal Ford VIN code. It could be a state assigned VIN code of some sort.

Here is link to car on eBay.

 

[Widowmaker00]

Well that "A" should be a 3, and the ad says it is a Mach 1, but the vin indicates it is a regular sportsroof.

Car definitely doesn't look like it is worth the money they are asking to me.

 

[imusa76]

VIN# AF02MS14143 ??? the "A" should be a "3" and the "S" maybe an "8"

Maybe he didn't have his glasses on while taking down the vin, now if it was VIN# 3F02M814143 that would make more sense.

 

[Widowmaker00]

VIN# AF02MS14143 ??? the "A" should be a "3" and the "S" maybe an "8"

Maybe he didn't have his glasses on while taking down the vin, now if it was VIN# 3F02M814143 that would make more sense.

This is what i was thinking also.

 

[roemer-eeji]

VIN# AF02MS14143 ??? the "A" should be a "3" and the "S" maybe an "8"

Maybe he didn't have his glasses on while taking down the vin, now if it was VIN# 3F02M814143 that would make more sense.

This is what i was thinking also.

I emailed him specifically asking the same thing, but he was adamant about it:

He replied "I am a mustang collector, yes it is right. The car it's a 1973 1/2 it was build after ford said no more mach1"

 

[sm3570]

Is it just me, or do those front seats look totally wrong? Did Ford use low-back buckets in 1973? The upholstery looks odd to me, too.

 

[OMS]

Only M code was in 71

Never any 8XXXXX

RUN AWAY

Nice ? wooden ? front bumper

I see a lot of " " custom " " stuff

It is probably a salvage vin

 

[bkdunha]

Run, don't walk away from that one. It is such a crime what people want to get away with on eBay knowing the person bidding may never see the car until it is sitting in their driveway and they are out the money. Hope it never sells and he gets stuck with any fees as a little lesson.

 

[Kermit 460]

Only M code was in 71

Never any 8XXXXX

RUN AWAY

Nice ? wooden ? front bumper

I see a lot of " " custom " " stuff

It is probably a salvage vin

Looks like one those big bumpers you see on a cement truck!

 

[hyena429]

VIN# AF02MS14143 ??? the "A" should be a "3" and the "S" maybe an "8"

Maybe he didn't have his glasses on while taking down the vin, now if it was VIN# 3F02M814143 that would make more sense.

This is what i was thinking also.

I emailed him specifically asking the same thing, but he was adamant about it:

He replied "I am a mustang collector, yes it is right. The car it's a 1973 1/2 it was build after ford said no more mach1"

Wow..Mine is a 73 and a 1/2 mach 1...Mine was made in late June...I guess mine is super altra rare then {rolls eyes}

 

[roemer-eeji]

This is what i was thinking also.

I emailed him specifically asking the same thing, but he was adamant about it:

He replied "I am a mustang collector, yes it is right. The car it's a 1973 1/2 it was build after ford said no more mach1"

Wow..Mine is a 73 and a 1/2 mach 1...Mine was made in late June...I guess mine is super altra rare then {rolls eyes at what some bullcrap people believe is true}

N/M.

 

[RacerX]

It's definitely not a '73 for several reasons. The rear quarter panels and rear bumper mount are close in to the car, not extended with the urethane fillers like on the '73 cars. Also the rear tail light housings have the inner trim painted black, only on 71-72 cars this was done.

Also they didn't come with a 351W. Only 351C family in 71-73.

Also looks to have an in-dash tachometer, but doesn't have the center gauge cluster.

Me thinks this is a pieced together totaled or junkyard car that the state issues a VIN for.

Run, run far away...

 

[Don65Stang]

The ONLY thing that makes me think this guy "may" have something interesting is that square pony emblem plaque on the door panel. The 73-1/2 Mexican Sprints had that same emblem and screwy VIN numbers.

His car:

A 73-1/2 Mexican Sprint door panel:

I'm too lazy to research it right now. lol

 

[hyena429]

The ONLY thing that makes me think this guy "may" have something interesting is that square pony emblem plaque on the door panel. The 73-1/2 Mexican Sprints had that same emblem and screwy VIN numbers.

I'm too lazy to research it right now. lol

You mite be on to something there....but still...I think this "collector" was fed a line of crap..But he mite acutaly have a interesting car...I think the mexican ones came with 351 w's...Mexican vins start in 1973 with A...Not 3....http://www.hammar.dyndns.org/~mexmust/regmex.htm

 

[imusa76]

The ONLY thing that makes me think this guy "may" have something interesting is that square pony emblem plaque on the door panel. The 73-1/2 Mexican Sprints had that same emblem and screwy VIN numbers.

His car:

A 73-1/2 Mexican Sprint door panel:

I'm too lazy to research it right now. lol

You mite be on to something there....but still...I think this "collector" was fed a line of crap..But he mite acutaly have a interesting car...I think the mexican ones came with 351 w's

+1

does anyone have a decode book for Mexican Mustangs?

 

[hyena429]

The ONLY thing that makes me think this guy "may" have something interesting is that square pony emblem plaque on the door panel. The 73-1/2 Mexican Sprints had that same emblem and screwy VIN numbers.

His car:

I'm too lazy to research it right now. lol

You mite be on to something there....but still...I think this "collector" was fed a line of crap..But he mite acutaly have a interesting car...I think the mexican ones came with 351 w's

+1

does anyone have a decode book for Mexican Mustangs?

http://www.hammar.dyndns.org/~mexmust/regmex.htm found this site...Does seem most mexican stangs vin numbers started with A.