I think it would be pretty straight forward to settle this argument, just send the chassis number off to VW and get a birth certificate. The birth certificate will have the year of manufacture on it, job done. But I don't think you want to do that, you'd rather try and keep the legend alive. Maybe we can have a whip around and I'll send off for it...

pre67vw wrote:

In the August 73 Safer Motoring there's their first 'ancient beetles register' list and Tony states that it's a 1951 and the chassis number is 1-0433703
(Which makes it early 53!)
:wink:

VW Stan wrote:

I have always found Volkswagens records regarding chassis numbers to be spot on.

'50 Karmann wrote:

If the current chassis number is different then that doesn't make it an experimental car, just makes it a zwitter on a 1950 chassis...

pre67vw wrote:

Point still missed – this 'Zwitter' body has a 1950 number :wink:

Standard split wrote:

:roll:

so if I weld in a 1950 body number into my cabrio, does that make mine an 'experimental' cabrio made in 1950? Body number counts for very little in my book, especially on a car that's had an extensive amount of work done to it.

pre67vw wrote:

I'm in on that one with you Rob.This time next year we could be Millionaires:shock:

'50 Karmann wrote:

:roll:

so if I weld in a 1950 body number into my cabrio, does that make mine an 'experimental' cabrio made in 1950? Body number counts for very little in my book, especially on a car that's had an extensive amount of work done to it.

pre67vw wrote:

So you'd buy a car on the strength of a chassis number:roll:

Yeh, like no one ever changes the chassis numbers on cars 😳

Ovaltine wrote:

A car of such significance should be in the hands of someone who will put it back on the show circuit, with VW GB or in a national transport museum :evil:

Ovaltine wrote:

I think it would be pretty straight forward to settle this argument, just send the chassis number off to VW and get a birth certificate. The birth certificate will have the year of manufacture on it, job done. But I don't think you want to do that, you'd rather try and keep the legend alive. Maybe we can have a whip around and I'll send off for it...
:lol: :lol:

pre67vw wrote:

Okay, so what is the method today of contacting Volkswagen for a 'birth certificate' for your vintage VW :?:

Is there an internet or email method, or is it just good old 'snail mail' :?

Whatever it is though, can someone provide current details so I can get to the bottom of it all and have Rattletrap's year(s) of birth(s) at hand 😛

Standard split wrote:

They have a Volkswagen and want to know more about its history?
Request our vehicle identity certificate for only 35,00 €.

Here's how:
Just enter your name and the VIN number on the form.
Motor data may not be published for privacy reasons. If you tell us, however, the engine number of your vehicle, we can check whether it is the original engine.

All other data, we search for you and send you the certificate in the mail.

Please note that may be due to the variety of requests and the costly search, the processing time of about four weeks.

Name:
VIN:
Model (if known):
Motor number (if known):
Payment: Prepayment
Credit card

Whatever it is though, can someone provide current details so I can get to the bottom of it all and have Rattletrap's year(s) of birth(s) at hand :p

Standard split wrote:

Don't do it :!: It would be like opening pandora's box :!:

55Kab wrote:

Request our vehicle identity certificate for only 35,00 €.

Please note that may be due to the variety of requests and the costly search, the processing time of about four weeks.

VW wrote:

Don't do it :!: It would be like opening pandora's box :!:

The guessing and not really knowing what year the original Rattlestrap was, and then whether House of Haselock used an Oval shell in the rebuild is all part of the mystique of what makes Rattletrap...Rattletrap

55Kab wrote: