SHASTA VIN # and model Database II

Here is what little I know.  First Compacts were built in 1959, for introduction in the 1960 model year.  A couple did sneak out in 1959, sold and titled as 1959's,  a la Hamlet .  The canned ham shape was used from 1960 to 1964.  They had the beautiful amber birch interior.



The second gens were built for the 1965 model year, although again there are examples of some being sold as 1964's.  This was the end of the canned hams, and the introduction of the new taller "toaster" shape.  Generally the '65 thru '67 models had the "spear stripe" on the exterior and had gone to the blonde paneling interior.  I believe the choice of floor plans was introduced with the second-gen model.



The third version of the Compact (and also all the other models that passed through the years) was built from late in '67 till somewhere in 1969.  The identifying features were the new "gold stripe" exterior and the 4-panel jalousie windows.  They also had the light color panel interior.



The fourth generation was a fairly minor change, keeping the gold stripe exterior and floor plans, but the windows were changed out for the two-panel awning windows.  I believe the change was made for the 1970 model year although again, there are examples of the feature dated in 1969, probably the actual changeover year.  The fourth-gens also started to offer some different color pallets for the flooring, counter tops, and cushions. Somewhere about 1970, they also offered a dark paneling interior, a reflection of the tastes of the time.   I am of the belief they were produced through 1973.  I'm not aware of a Compact model produced after 1974.



None of this is carved in stone, just my way of generally identifying. 

Sorry for the hijacking of the thread, guess we're WAY in the weeds now!