Well, I hope this thread will be illuminating enough to be at the top of an archive list. I can't stress too much that I think this to be critical stuff!

I really shouldn't be surprised to find out that the older Volvos such a casual approach to VINs. It has to be similar to their leisurely attitude to parts continuity, and nomclementure of the various models. My local Volvo crowd likes to tells Volvo newbies who are confused about what is the "correct" part for their older Volvo; "correct is whatever Olaf or Sven found in the parts bin on the assembly line that day"!!

Equally difficult to explain is why the model numbers are all over the place; from 444 to 445 to 544 to 210 to 122 to 140, etc, etc. No rhyme or reason. So, why should I expect any sort of logic when it comes to something as important as a VIN? Maybe car theft was unknown in 1950s Sweden?

I think it's starting to look like I'll never have a single concrete answer to the VIN question. I can only search for the best solution in my own particular case. I'm going to dismantle the vehicle, try to locate the legendary hidden VIN, and stamp it into a new plate from Europe. At the same time, I can also stamp that new number into the frame (firewall), about where it is on a later B-18 PV544. In the worst case, I'll have to have the new chosen VIN entered into my title, or get another one issued. Sometimes it's possible to find someone at the DMV who doesn't assume one is a criminal, and will help find a solution. I sure hope so. Thanx again, all,.

P.S. Our crowd also has a saying to the effect that, " old Volvos are famous for running forever, just on the brink of total collapse,.."!!

P.P.S. Duett specific question; is my 1958 Duett (titled as a '57) supposed to have the earlier oval taillights, or the later rectangular type? What was the first year of the newer type?