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.