Help with 1948 Special VIN

[Sconnie168]

Does this VIN belong on this vehicle?
VIN
50616944

Body Tab
MOD 48-41
Style No. 48-4409
Body No. BL 709
Trim No. 40
Paint No. 04

This is displayed on a 1948 Buick Special Series 40 sedan

[Buford26]

That looks like a 1948 engine serial number to me. You should find this number stamped on a flat pad in front of the distributor I think. Here is where to find it:

http://www.teambuick.com/forums/view..._engine_til_52

It was common in many states to use the engine serial number instead of the car serial number as the "VIN". Here is how to decode the engine serial number:


50616944
5061694 = sequence number unique to engine (1948 range is 4999881-5220971)
4 (last digit) = Series 40 (Special) so it is a 248.

Here is how to decode the rest:

Model 41 (Style 4409) = Special 4-door sedan, 6 passenger (121 inch wheelbase)
BL = Linden, NJ Fisher body plant
709 = body number
Trim 40 = Grey Pattern Cloth
Paint 04 = Verdé Green

The car serial should be on a plate attached to the drivers door jamb near the hinges. It should also be 8 digits long and start with a 3 for Linden, NJ. The 1948 range for Linden is 34824001-35036001.