Denis,
The best guess I have heard is the SAL plate was used to identify the
particular body as it traveled thru the process of assembly. The number
corresponded with a "build-sheet" determining if the car was to be equipped
with overdrive, wire wheels, right or left hand drive, body color, interior
color, etc. I have heard a variety of ideas as to what the letters
themselves mean, but most assume the 'S' stands for Sunbeam.
If you look at a Tiger you will find a similar plate, however it says
JAL... Tigers were assembled by Jensen Motor Car. It has been noted, the
JAL numbers do not parallel the serial numbers on Tigers: in other words,
they are out of sequence, which suggests the cars were all given a VIN plate
after assembly, and backs up the "build-sheet" theory.
Jim Leach Pacific Tiger Club Seattle
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