43 vin

[Paultrehberg]

Are the 4's on a 1943 fl vin open or closed? Looking at that motor 1943 FL on ebay.

[wideglide38]

I saw that 43 on eBay & the 4 which I thought should be open. I’m no expert & would have to check Palmer’s book. The fonts look different to me. Based on the hidden partial VIN, production would be the first early motors off the production line. i.e. 1001 to 1099, which seems suspect for a survivor. I’m sure the experts will post! William

[Jerry Wieland]

My 1943 E (43E10xx) is closed but maybe later they opened them. So few around for reference. I think the 43 FL number is the real deal.
Jerry

Are the 4's on a 1943 fl vin open or closed? Looking at that motor 1943 FL on ebay.

[Sargehere]

There were so few made, that all the legit 43 numbers I've seen are under 1100. And number 4 stamps seem to have made a transition from closed to open top. Either one should be accepted by an AMCA judge, appearing on a 1943. Had a 44EA in my hand once, and they were open-top, along with everything post-war.