Hi all -- I am in the process of buying a Defender from the UK and importing it into the US. I'm quite familiar with the process etc. but need some expertise from this group. A couple things I am sorting through to ensure that I am buying what has been represented to me. The car is a 1996 model and confirmed by British Heritage that it was produced in October 1995:

1. The stamping of the VIN on the chassis is not uniform -- the L's are misaligned; the spacing is inconsistent; the letters are slanted upwards etc. Is this normal, or should I be concerned?

2. The stamp on the engine reads: 16L31163A but the engine number listed on the MOT is: 16LA31163. I have heard stories about this but I'm curious if this is suspicious. In addition, the stamping on the engine is not uniform -- same thing as with the VIN on the chassis, some spacing is off (although not as bad as the chassis). Is this something I should be concerned about?

3. Finally, for my UK folk, I'm wondering whether anyone has previously dealt with a Defender seller called Silkstone 4x4 in Barnsley.

Any help would be much appreciated!