Enjoyed all the good info regarding the puzzling VINs. As I understood, from
talking to experts at Celina in 2001, there were a total of 4056 Amphicars
built, with 3878 being imported to the US.
As for my own car, it is #100242. I was told at the question and answer
session that this makes it a 1960. But in subsequent research, I've read that
the company produced vehicles from 1961 - 1965. So as I understand it, I have a
1960 built in 1961. And just for good measure, its registered as a '64!
I do know that this car is an early one because of some discrepancies of it's
internal parts based on the manuals. The parking brake assembly comes to mind,
but there are other bits and pieces that are different. Regarding the parking
brake, the repair manuals list two systems, an early version and a late version.
My car's setup predates the early version. Luckily, parts from the later style
fit this system, although the cable adjustments aren't as easy to do nor are as
effective as the other systems.
Just wanted to throw in my two cents.


Jim Z.


----- Original Message -----
From: Marc Schlemmer
Sent: Monday, January 13, 2003 4:44 PM
To: Amphicar Digest
Subject: [amphicar-lovers] RE: More thoughts VIN Numbers

I, too, hesitate to get into the whole VIN number thing again.....but since
some may like a puzzle, here is some more info if you're interested.
The Club database doesn't have every VIN of every member, but we do have a
lot. On the other hand, we still have info on past members. In all, I have
216 VIN's in the database. No detailed information on each VIN, just the
VIN itself and owner....color and year in most cases.
Of these, going by the theory of the third digit being the year of
manufacture (sixth digit on nine digit VIN's), I looked at the highest
number on file for each year of manufacture. That would be, at a minimum,
the number of cars built during that year.

Here's what I have:

"0" year has a top number of 998.
"1" year has a top number of 996.
"2" year has a top number of 751.
"3" year has a top number of 993.
"4" year has a top number of 179.

Add to that the right hand drive cars that begin in "200". Those have a
highest number on file of 98.

All totaled, these numbers indicate 4015 units built.

I've thought that the number was 3878 total....but I'm not sure. Maybe some
VIN's never were completed and sold?
Also, the numbers look like the Amphicar folks were pushing the limit on the
"1000 per year" concept. Three out of the five years they used them up!

Again....I'm just throwing this info out there for those who like to ponder
the mystery!
Have Fun! (and don't drive yourself crazy!)

Marc Schlemmer.





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