Why were engine numbers used to register trucks during 1940s

Posted by Eric B. [99.100.188.129] on Tuesday, March 18, 2014 at 21:52:11 :

Guys,

I am trying to figure out how to explain why trucks were registered by engine number in some states in the 1940s and 1950s (I am sure other times as well) instead of by serial number.

Since I don't actually know the reason it is hard to explain. Does anyone know why? I tried Google, but I am not getting the kind of results I want. All I am finding is people complaining about the practice in their state, but not why it was done. Taxable horse power was given as an explanation, but I am not sure as a lot of vehicles back then only came with one engine option and I am not sure why the DMVs would have had a HP to engine number table on hand instead of a serial number to HP chart.

Any information is appreciated.

Thanks,
Eric

Follow Ups:

• Taxable Horsepower - Kevin Clause 11:24:12 03/19/2014
  • Re: Taxable Horsepower - derek 14:06:58 03/19/2014
  • Thanks! But not all states used the engine number - Eric B. 11:55:44 03/19/2014
• Re: Why were engine numbers used to register trucks during 1940s - Glen of Idaho 23:35:27 03/18/2014
  • That is what I thought Glen, but I was hoping for a reason - Eric B. 23:48:22 03/18/2014
• Re: Why were engine numbers used to register trucks during 1940s - derek 23:19:15 03/18/2014
  • Ditto Derek- laziness and ignorance. - Chriscase 09:15:06 03/19/2014
  • I was hoping for a policy. Maybe wishful thinking. - Eric B. 23:46:19 03/18/2014
• Re: Why were engine numbers used to register trucks during 1940s - Arthur on Shelter Island 22:41:06 03/18/2014
  • That makes sense, but it seems odd - Eric B. 22:57:23 03/18/2014
    • Re: That makes sense, but it seems odd - gmharris 12:30:07 03/19/2014
      • And, - gmharris 13:08:38 03/19/2014

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