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I spotted an online auction for a "1959" TR3A, TS4xxxxL. In looking at the pictures, I began to wonder, seeing raised hinge bases, flat rear floor, green flasher indicator on the dash and smaller smooth bonnet lettering, etc., etc. Then I saw a shot of the body number plate (yes, only the one), with a fairly high TSF number, telling me the car was a late 3B.
So what does one do? Casually ask the seller if s/he knows that the title and commission number plate are likely from another car? Ask for the engine number, just in case it does have its original TCF engine (possibly not, since the valve cover is earlier 3A, and the block is painted blue, which raises more flags)? Keep quiet, hope I win tonight's NY Lotto jackpot, then buy the car and try to recover its proper identity? (That's not likely to happen, so....)
So what does one do? Casually ask the seller if s/he knows that the title and commission number plate are likely from another car? Ask for the engine number, just in case it does have its original TCF engine (possibly not, since the valve cover is earlier 3A, and the block is painted blue, which raises more flags)? Keep quiet, hope I win tonight's NY Lotto jackpot, then buy the car and try to recover its proper identity? (That's not likely to happen, so....)