Bill, I think you're just arguing semantics. According to most research I have done, auto manufacturers varied in when they began applying serial numbers to their vehicles and vehicle parts. Different jurisdications would use different numbers from vehicles (engine numbers, serial numbers, etc) on titles and registrations prior to the standardization of the VIN. An international standard for a VIN as we know it was not established until 1977 (ISO Standard 3779) and it wasn't until the early 80s that the US DOT began requiring that the ISO standard, 17 character VIN be on all vehicles. It was only after that that all US jurisdictions began requiring the standard, 17 character VIN on titles.
