Vilhuer

I know definitelly that at least US 0053 is automatic. It was first sold in Germany, went into Israel for few years and then was brought into Finland maybe 20 years ago. Two owners since importation IIRR. Current owner does not drive it that much anymore since he has '89 S4 5sp. Before he got S4 '78 was in more active use including some 1500-2000 mile round trip from from south of Finland to Nordkapp in top of Norway. Can't get any further up in Europe without ferry. Everything workes and looks fairly good. Front silencer was made locally and fits really well. Car is at least started and moved around every now and then and is stored in ok conditions. Can't remember on top of my head what its exact color and interior is. It has definitely been painted so time in the past. Engine and gearbox should be original. TQ converter was fixed some years ago.

Vilhuer

This is fairly common in early '78 MY ROWs. For example relative of mine has 0221 and it doen't have them either. I think Rixter knows several others. In any case this has been discussed few times in the past.

Jadz928

There's been more internal dialogue and research since I'd posted those over 6 months ago.

James is aware there are earlier AT's worldwide. He just wanted to get his hands on one of the earliest available. He strongly desired the first AT RoW #0035, but my research found it was never imported into the US, so it could be anywhere (except the US, )
Following that, the last six months of searching yielded nothing earlier (for AT's).
As I'm writing this, #295 is the earliest AT 928 in the US, per my records.

Not that it all matters much. I think James is just really thrilled to have a really early RoW/Euro OB!


Not common 'round these parts' (in the US).
Further research led me the same understanding. What I'm trying to target is when the switch occured. It's somewhere btw 300-500 (roughly).
I have no VIN records btw that range.

Thanks for sharing your knowledge! Much appreciated.

PS. Did I read that you own RoW #221?

Vilhuer

Currenly reading forum with mobile only so I didn't notice this was old stuff.

No, my cousin has had since late nineties IIRR. Damn long anyway. Its petrol blau 5sp with grey/brown pascha with brown dash and garpets. It was probably sold originally in France. In any case in came to Finland already in '79.

There is also great condition black/cream leather '78 automatic in here which has had three owners since new. I haven't ever found out its VIN but rumour has it that its very early.

pcar928fan

^^^^^
COOL INFO guys! Keep up the great work!!!

Erkka, as Jim noted, I was in search of the earliest of the Auto cars in the US. No assurance that this is it, but for now it looks to be the earliest anyway! If an earlier one shows up Jim will find it and he will know who to call! Then I will call young Joey and sell him this one!