[Phil Knapp]

The number on the bell housing (actually the transmission) is the VIN of the car that the transmission was originally installed in. Since by now, most transmissions have been replaced, that number is useless to determine the actual VIN of the car - UNLESS it's the original transmission that came in the car. This can only be determined by comparing it with the VIN on the frame of the car - a Catch-22 situation!

As far as the numbers on the engine block are concerned, I would defer to Peecher of V12Bill for that information.

As to the specific year of your Zephyr Convertible, I have attached photos of 1942, 1946 and 1947-48 Lincoln hood trim. Note that none of these emblems appear to be on your car. Also note the different shapes of the hood ornaments.

[BrookridgeFarms]

It seems this matches 47-8 ,,and yes I know the 42 that was the other car we got.

and thank you for the info

[keiser31]

Phil....GREAT comparison photos!! Those really show the different details.

[peecher]

The number stamped on the top of the cluch housing is also the serial number. If it matches the number stamped on the frame then is the original transmission. The serial number(s) will identify the model year. The "56H B2" block is a '47-48 engine Not sure about the B1? If it also has the "56H" it will be a post war engine, perhaps a '46. You may have to remove a cylinder head to confirm the bore as early '46's had 2-15/16" bore while the later '46's had 2-7/8" bore. The bodies on the post war cars were all the same and it appears that the trim on this car is mid-'47 -'48.
Like Phil says the number stamped on the frame next to the engine mount will indicate what model year the car was when it left the factory.
The pic is of a known '47 V12 engine.

[Bob Call]

During WWII no cars were made for the civilian market after the 1942 model year. All car production for the military were 4 door sedans and all were 1942 models with painted trim, no stainless or chrome showing on the outside.