Hi Jack,
You need to return to the registry armed with documentation from the
club that the Amphicar had this number of digits on it, in its
original year of manufacture, and you need to speak with a supervisor
to help you sort this out.
Tell them that the assigned serial number is very important as it
properly identifies the vehicle, and sets in a sequence for production
numbers, and dates of manufacture, as well as options, color and
details (a little exaggeration here is persuasive). Also tell him that
a newly assigned number may satisfy Massachusetts, but could cause
problems in other states when selling, or more important, will
adversely affect the value of a collector car such as the Amphicar, as
the original serial number is important to collectors. Finally, advise
them that this is the proper number to identify the actual vehicle, as
designated by the manufacturer way back when it was first produced.
Offer to have the actual serial number plate inspected by a police
officer and ask for the special form to do this. Finally, bring a
photo of the original id plate which shows the Karlsrue origin of
manufacturer and the serial number on the official identification
plate. Be polite and respectful, but do not accept an alternate serial
number for your car. As a last resort, if they complain that there is
already a car or trailer or boat with your serial number, ask if they
can simply add an "A" prefix or something similar to retain your
original number, and ask to hyphenate that prefix so as to leave the
original number intact.
The newbies at the DMV are confused because all cars after something
like 1982 are supposed to have a 17 digit serial number, and the
computer fields don't allow less, but a supervisor can override the
defaults to allow your proper number. If you don't do this, you will
be assigned a number which has nothing to do with Amphicars, and your
title will have a number which does not match the original number,
which will create a problem for other states when you sell the car, or
when your kids sell it after you die. They will also require you to
attach the new number in a metalicized sticker or plate which is a
pain in the ass. If the supervisor will not agree to override the
system, ask for a police officer to verify the actual number on the
car, and get the required form from the DMV to have the cop sign it
after a visual inspection.
Chas
On Jun 15, 2009, at 7:57 AM, canitfloat wrote:
> Just wondering if every other Amphicar in Mass. had to do this. I
> went to Boston to register my Amphi even though it isnt finished
> yet, (didnt want any surprise when it was ready to swim). I had my
> Mass. automobile title and a tracing of the body stamped VIN in
> hand. I was told I didnt have enough numbers in my VIN so I couldnt
> register it. I would have to have an enviromental Police officer
> come to my house and inspect the vehicle and issue me a suitable
> VIN. I am thinking he will want to see all of the required marine
> items, bilge blower, marine lights, fire extinguisher etc so I will
> have to wait til I am ready to swim. Hopefully I wont be on a
> waiting list when that time comes in August. Thanks for your input,
> Jack
>
>
