Topic: California Black Plates

[midlife]

Here's a thread from the sister site with info on distribution of California Black Plates circa 1966: A through Rxx.  Some cool information!

http://www.stangfix.com/testforum2/index.php/topic,12853.msg159403.html#new

[J_Speegle]

Can't see the "list" guess I've got to sign up

Afraid  (if I read the text correctly) that may will be placing plates of all different letter combinations based on the few odd counties that didn't issue allot of plates rather than the common patterns that had been established.

Thanks for sharing

[midlife]

OK...let's try this:

[carlite65]

all i get is a red X in a box.

[rockhouse66]

I have no problem viewing the original link.  Interesting stuff; I always thought the letters were chronologic.  For example, a tag with Rxx 123 would be later than a Dxx 123, but this list says that is not the case.  All of the LA area tags started with R from the very beginning, so the second digit is more indicitive of the date of issue.  BTW, my 9/65 scheduled build car was sold in the LA area (across the street from UCLA) and tagged about 11/65 with a plate that starts "RRR".

[johnkn]

Is the 2nd digit truly indicative of the date of issue?  In my case the car has an 'earlier' tag than yours but registered 2 months later.

My early 1966 GT350 retains its original CA black plates (RNTxxx).  It was sold new out of Hayward Motors in LA on January 21, 1966.  I'm fortunate to have all the original sales docs as well as virtually every receipt, registration card, bill of sale, repair order, etc. since new. 

[rockhouse66]

I read the posted list incorrectly; it looks like an LA issued tag could be as early as NTA xxx and would not have to begin with an R.  The original owner's notes say that he picked the car up 10-4-64, which of course can't be correct so it could have been 10-4-65 (except that was a Sunday??).  I do think it is safe to say my car was first registered in early Oct. '65.

[Brian Conway]

Ca black plate RDM 370.  DSO LA, sold in San Diego.  Scheduled build June 1, 65, Registered owner card dated May 28, 65.    Maybe of some interest ?  Brian

[midlife]

Ca black plate RDM 370.  DSO LA, sold in San Diego.  Scheduled build June 1, 65, Registered owner card dated May 28, 65.    Maybe of some interest ?  Brian

I'll be damned!  My 1965 GT Coupe was RDM 470!

My understanding is that the plates in the photo were those delivered to the regional DMV offices when the plates rolled over from black on yellow to yellow on black, sometime around 1963 or 1964.  Those letters not already used would have been assigned until they were no longer available and then RDBxxx were sent out (perhaps state-wide?).