Well, curiouser and curiouser. It would appear to be a 1973. Early, but not THAT early.
1973 850 Spider model-year VINs ranged from 123905 to 130862, if that helps you narrow it down a bit.
Looks like I need to have a chat with seller.
I would say so! That'll be an
interesting conversation...
VIN plate matches dash VIN, but chassis plate in door missing and stamped chassis number is correct for 73.
This would indicate that the car is indeed a '73 model, as according to the DMV, the stamped firewall VIN normally takes precedence over any removable/replaceable VIN tags (ie: firewall tag & dash tag). Does the stamped VIN on the hood also match the VIN stamped into the firewall? What year is written on the emissions/tune-up tag above the radiator? (I'm betting '73?)
Looks like a/the previous owner tried to basically "rebody" their 1970 Spider by simply attaching its VIN tags (& title) to a 1973 Spider, completely ignoring the fact that there are stamped VINs on the car to contend with, not to mention the various 1-year-only equipment/trim differences between some 850 Spiders (as noted in my previous posts).
At least both VINs check out as not stolen or salvage.
That's very good news, at least. My initial worry was that the seller had sold you a "re-VIN'd" stolen ('73) car. But the fact remains that you now have a (technically) illegal car if the DMV or police ever had reason to check the
stamped VIN against the registered VIN. That kind of stuff can have the car impounded asap.
Obviously, a/the previous owner intentionally changed the 2 VIN tags (since you have to remove the dash in order to reach the 2 rivets that hold the dash tag to the windshield frame). How or why, we can only speculate. Knowingly or not, the seller has committed a crime by doing this & by selling you this car. This might very well explain his previous "apprehension" when you asked him for more details on the car?
With the '70 title in your hand, you simply own a piece of paper, & the car itself could (theoretically) be reclaimed by anyone still having the '73's title in hand. I'd almost be afraid to ask the DMV how to remedy the situation...? (One thing for sure: ask first over the phone, not in person at the DMV)
The best I can tell the engine number is 4146348. Can't find a reference to what the correct range of engine numbers would be for 73.
You can find the
stamped engine type & Serial number on the front face of the engine block. Depending on the year, this info will be located either on the upper/left corner (above the timing chain cover & to the left of the engine mount), or the lower right corner (to the right of the timing cover & below the alternator-mounting studs). The later cars have this info on the upper/left, you may have to move the metal bracket holding the fuel hose there. The engine type should be 100GBS.040 & the Serial number just below it (this info is stamped sideways on the block).
I can't find my chassis/year vs. engine # chart right now, but IIRC, the '73's were at least Serial #2103165-on? (That's the "late" 903cc engine with a pressurized center main).
While we're talking engines, I noticed that engine mounting bracket in your pic is from an 850 Sedan/Coupe/Sport Coupe, but I can't see enough of the rest of the engine to make out if it's an 817cc or 903cc unit. Might be a 903 from a Sport Coupe? The stamped info on the block face will tell us all that.