[David_Hayward (RIP)]

Henry Ford* was responsible for the use of engine numbers for chassis numnering, and as a consequence States tended to use engine numbers until 1955 when I think the FBI required what we now call Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs). I am certain that Ford of Canada preferred the engine number system but in 1941 was forced into adopting a serial number system by the DND. Of course GM of Canada adopted their YEAR-MODEL NUMBER-SEQUENTIAL format in 1935 that was used until 1965ish, and it was ideal for the CMP series and derivatives with '8' being available as a marque number, as against Chevrolet's '1'. I think it was next used in the early 1960s for Acadian or Beaumont.


* I seem to recall, and wish to stand corrected, that this was to discourage engine swaps?