1963 serial numbers

[ronmanfredi]

For those who know, what does the suffix "A" mean on a 1963 serial number, such as R-1234A?

[mfg]

23 minutes ago, ronmanfredi said:

24 minutes ago, ronmanfredi said:

For those who know, what does the suffix "A" mean on a 1963 serial number, such as R-1234A?

Originally sold in California. 

Something about California requiring an extra digit or letter.

[64StudebakerAvanti]

I have seen B as well. maybe to distinguish 63 vs 64?

I have R4551A, sold in Los Angeles.

[AG-R3]

The story that has been told over the years, is that the California DMV established a new digital registration system around the time the 63's came out. The minimum number of characters accepted for a registration was eight.  The Avantis only had seven ( 63Rnnnn), so the "A" or "B" was appended to make up the difference.   The reasoning for one or the other, has never been revealed....  but someone knows...   Nor is it known how far into the 60's  that this process was continued.  Any 64's with an A or a B...  It was in mid 63 that the mandate to remove the 63 from the serial numbers was issued and to only use the Rnnnn.   Any 63's or 64's  with RnnnnAAA.  Probably was a lot of sausage made in the DMV in those days.

[regnalbob]

[AG-R3]

...."and there ya have it"

[63stick]

There you have it, CA. Fruits and Nuts

[63stick]

regnalbob

Your the best! Thank You

[Bob Preston]

Interestingly, R-4200, which is currently for sale, had a final assembly date of 4/29/63 and a destination of Carmichael CA. The ad has photos of the production order and the serial number plate on the frame. No “A” is visible on either. This, just over 2 months after the internal memo posted previously. 
 

Perhaps the car was initially sold outside of CA and therefore did not require an additional digit to satisfy CA DMV. 
 

On edit: The registry shows 2 early owners in CA and a listing for the car from 2018 states that is was a CA car from new and remained in CA until 2017. 

Edited December 20, 2025 by Bob Preston

[Dwight FitzSimons]

4 hours ago, Bob Preston said:

Interestingly, R-4200, which is currently for sale, had a final assembly date of 4/29/63 and a destination of Carmichael CA. The ad has photos of the production order and the serial number plate on the frame. No “A” is visible on either. This, just over 2 months after the internal memo posted previously. 
 

Perhaps the car was initially sold outside of CA and therefore did not require an additional digit to satisfy CA DMV. 
 

On edit: The registry shows 2 early owners in CA and a listing for the car from 2018 states that is was a CA car from new and remained in CA until 2017. 

 

Edited December 21, 2025 by Dwight FitzSimons

[Nelson]

My first Avanti that I bought in the LA area was a 64. It had a B letter after the serial number on the title but not on the plate. I had a hell of a time passing the out of state vehicle inspection in Ohio to get it titled. That was back in 1973.