Date Plate Decoder

[JonVV]

I've looked all over the internet trying to figure out my date plate on my 1957 Thunderbird and I am stuck on the dealer code as schedule.

I have the following:
40 AE XA 13 H 3 1

From what I have researched,
40 = Thunderbird
AE = Raven Black with a White top
XA = Raven and White trim colors
13 = 13th day of the month
H = August

Here is where I am lost
the 3 should indicate the dealer location,
the 1 should indicate the number of cars scheduled to be built on that day.. I think??

My VIN begins with D7FH

Any ideas how what the 3 and 1 indicate?

Jon

[Jimz Bird]

Hi Jon,
"The large data plates were used on all 1955-56 Thunderbirds and 1957 models until mid-April. The small data plate was phased in during the week of April 15 to April 19, 1957. The smaller data plates were then used on 1957 models until the end of production of the 1957 Thunderbirds Dec. 13, 1957. The small data plates starting in April 1957 did not show the destination code or scheduled Item number. On the smaller data plates the transmission type and rear axle ratio were shown following the date code. "

If you have the "newer" data plate it would indicate the 3 as Fordomatic and the 1 as axle ratio of 3.10 to 1.

Check here to see more.

CTCI - Data Plate Decoder

HTH