DOT says my 56 is a 57

[[email protected]]

The DOT inspected my 1956 oval with vin number 1278474 and say it is a 1957 and will only title it as a 1957. All vin number registry that I find including The Samba vin registry say it is a 1956. I bought the car in Florida and brought it home to North Carolina . When I went to change the title into my name I had to have to have the car inspected by the DOT before they would give me a title. The DOT is adamant that the car is a 1957 and are going to title as a 1957. Im not sure how to convince them it is a 1956 so I get the title correct.
Any ideas ?

[my59]

Did the model year change in August? That's typically the model year change.
My 59 was made in Dec. 58 and titled as a 59.
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my59: Well son, my grandfather died before I got to drive it, so does that answer your question?
our79: sunroof bus w/camper interior and 2.0 FI
Other:'12 Jetta, '77 Benz 300D, and a 74 MG Midget.

[VW_Jimbo]

That number shows up as an August number. So, since model years start in August and end in July, you got a 57.

Pretty sure VW changed from Calendar year (January to December) to Model year (August to July) in July 55. So that August of 55 is the start of the 56 model.

I am a little hazy on the actual dates because I think some manufactures have started different “model year” dates. But originally it was FDR who made the change to the system.

Google it! It’s a big rabbit hole!
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Jimbo

There is never enough time to do it right the first time, but all the time necessary the second time!

[56Cabrio]

Jimbo is correct , my vert was built on August 9, 1955 so it’s a 1956 model. Non ribbed door, heater control next to shifter not behind e-brake.
(Even though my vin puts it as a July chassis number)
Beginning in August, 1955, the VW model years began in August of the previous year. Example: Aug., 1955=1956 model.

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RIP Dad 4/20/1951 - 2/4/2023

[[email protected]]

That makes sense , it was an August car. I guess they are right to call it a 57.
Thanks guys.

[h~moto]

The numbers on the chart are for the LAST built in the month so that would put your car as an early September ‘56 car.