weird serial number?

1962-1965 Datsun L320 and NL320 forums - The truck that started it all in the US. All 320-specific topics and discussion can be found here.
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hctub
Posts: 26
Joined: Wed Jan 12, 2011 5:49 pm
Car: 1960 PLG 221, 1960 PLG 222

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I was looking at a couple of NL320's today and one of them had a really strange serial number. The number on the bottom of the data plate read NL320-3-xxxxx which I understand the "3" to mean it was built in 1963 but the "model for year" on the top of the data plate read "1965". It had a 1963 grill and turn signal indicators but the model for year definitely said 1965.

How could a truck be built in 1963 but was a 1965 model?


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AZhitman
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Car: 58 L210, 63 Bluebird RHD, 64 NL320, 65 SPL310, 66 411 RHD, 67 WRL411, 68 510 SR20, 75 280Z RB25, 77 620 SR20, 79 B310, 90 S13, 92 SE-R, 92 Silvia Qs, 98 S14.
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Did it have the shifter on the column? Floor shifters were late '65 models only, so there's a clue.

Typically, the date on the VIN plate for 60's Datsuns was stamped as the date sold, so it's possible it's a late, late '63 sold in early '65. Mine is titled as a '64, but it's very clearly a '63.

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hctub
Posts: 26
Joined: Wed Jan 12, 2011 5:49 pm
Car: 1960 PLG 221, 1960 PLG 222

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It definitely looks like a 1963. I will look closer when I go back to pick up the 64 from him. Thanks for the help.


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