One of the most asked questions I get, deals with chassis numbers and
VINs. In most cases, the original VIN number has been destroyed, or lost,
and the new owner doesn't have a clue where to look for the original VIN
location. The Anglias, Prefects, and Thames that were exported to North
America were left-hand drive, and fitted with a "larger" 1172cc/10hp
(rated) engine. These vehicles differ from what was sold in England and
in most of Europe. Since most of you are from this side of the Atlantic,
I will give you the information that I have on file. Unfortunately, Ford of England did not keep the best of records dealing with VINs, unlike Volkswagen, for example, and there isn't a book to look at, and get the entire series of production numbers. On the ID plate shown here (above left), is what the factory attached to the top right-hand corner of the firewall (from the front of the car). These ID tags were either brass (early), or aluminum, and were attached with four small, straight-slot screws. Ford placed not only this tag, but also, a brass plate near the center of the firewall, which is actually a Briggs Body tag, and has nothing to do with VINs, so don't use this number for your title! The other location is on the main
chassis rail, on the right side of the car, near the
shock mount, on the top. There are two rivets showing on the top frame rail,
where the transmission diagonal brace is attached. This ID starts from the
front of the car with a five-pointed star, then the letter "C,"
followed by six digits, then another star. You can read this number from
standing on the right side of the car, and looking down into the engine
compartment. Looking at the chart below. I show what VIN numbers I have located, with some that I may never. These numbers are for a left-hand drive car, fitted with the 10hp engine. If you have a right-hand drive car, these numbers will be different. The number found in the middle box is the first number of that production year, while the number found on the right, is the last. Always use the "C" before the VIN. You can use 1/8-inch stamps from Sears. Anglia Obsolete offers new blank ID plates for $20.