Hand etched VIN plates

[BGlover67]

Recently I was having a discussion with a friend about the early '67s with hand engraved VIN plates.  What's the current thought on these?  I thought I remembered someone saying all the cars with them seem to have Shelby American finishing dates before 11/1/66.  Also, many of the cars from this time period, had their original plates replaced with the later, more commonly found stamped version?  Just another quirky feature found on early '67s.

[Richstang]

10/31/66 is the last SAI completion date I've seen with a hand engraved VIN.
I've only noted 6 cars with one of these hand engraved plates.

Update; 12 cars with hand engraved VIN tags have been uncovered

[shelby101]

I just purchased #78 and it has the hand engraved vin plate. 

Richstang,

Is #78 on your list?

[Richstang]

Yes it is, but THANK YOU for the note!

Edit; Congrats on your purchase!!!
Any thoughts of repainting it in the very rare original Bronze?

[shelby101]

Definitely, but for now I am going to drive it and bang through the gears for a few years. 

[Richstang]

Definitely, but for now I am going to drive it and bang through the gears for a few years.

   

[JD]

Recently I was having a discussion with a friend about the early '67s with hand engraved VIN plates.  What's the current thought on these?  I thought I remembered someone saying all the cars with them seem to have Shelby American finishing dates before 11/1/66.  Also, many of the cars from this time period, had their original plates replaced with the later, more commonly found stamped version?  Just another quirky feature found on early '67s.

That is what my observations have shown Shelby Completion dates before 11/1/66, but it's '67 Shelby so not carved in stone

[67_1183]

Also, many of the cars from this time period, had their original plates replaced with the later, more commonly found stamped version?

One of the replacement plates was offered for sale on eBay back in 2017 for almost $3k.

Here is the highlights of that listing:

Details about  1967 GT-350 ORIGINAL SHELBY SERIAL NUMBER TAG FOR 51st SHELBY NOT A REPO!

Seller information
piedmontpartsandcollectibles (409 )

Price:
US $2,995.00
From $144 for 24 months

Item location:
Charlotte, North Carolina

Not sure who owns this car right now,but if you have this car,it does NOT HAVE THIS!This will make it more original.Stamped at the Shelby factory.Taken off when car was near new.The ONLY ONE!

Here was Dave's response (saved from Forum 1.0):

I believe these tags were stamped back in 1967 to replace the hand lettered tags. Because these exist, doesn't mean it is the original tag installed on the car when new. It is a replacement.
Dave

The tag coming up for sale on eBay is unfortunate but not as big a deal as some might think. The tag is only a very small portion of the car. The Ford VIN, history and other unique components of the car make it what it is.
The unused tag has a story and it was obtained by someone who has no ownership of the car. Was it a take off like the eBay add states? It looks unused to me and one of the duplicate tags we see now and then. We have been successful in squashing every car we are aware of that someone has tried to clone.

#51 has great documented history. No tag on eBay will effect it's authenticity. If it is put on an air car, we will inform the proper authorities about it. If that happens Federal laws would have been broken.

Dave

[Richstang]

How the eBay seller got that original tag is beyond me.
Fortunately, as Dave mentioned, this car has an exceptionally well known history and the current owner is aware of the eBay replacement tag.
The Shelby police are watching...

[BGlover67]

Don't worry, I have it on good authority that VIN plate is safe and in someone's very capable hands. 

It will NEVER end up on an air car.

[capecodmustang.com]

Hand etched plates?

Love 'em....

[Richstang]

You've just confirmed my #6 from the previous owner...no names needed.
Thanks for sharing!

[98SVT - was 06GT]

Definitely, but for now I am going to drive it and bang through the gears for a few years.

I hope you continue to drive and beat on it after repaint/restoration. They are cars not wall hangers.

[Richstang]

Definitely, but for now I am going to drive it and bang through the gears for a few years.

I hope you continue to drive and beat on it after repaint/restoration. They are cars not wall hangers.

If my info is correct, I think he needs to put it back together first.

[BGlover67]

Definitely, but for now I am going to drive it and bang through the gears for a few years.

I hope you continue to drive and beat on it after repaint/restoration. They are cars not wall hangers.

If my info is correct, I think he needs to put it back together first.

Rich,  Not quite sure what you mean.  He bought Henry's car.  It's very complete, just red now.  Awesome driver.