Jason, I have had my D at so many car shows that I have lost count. I too have had the problem of people helping themselves to the driver's seat without asking, and I too resist being "stuck up" by putting anything in the way of someone getting in. I see no pattern of disrespect when it comes to shows vs festivals. Anywhere you go there will be someone who will do whatever they please to your car without asking. I have made the habit of just closing the doors if I am away from it and just keeping a close eye on the car when I am near it with the doors up. If someone asks nicely (which is most of the time) and I show them correctly how to get in and out of the car without damaging anything, then I don't have a problem with someone sitting in my car. Hopefully another list member will inform all of us to a nice alternative. As far as the VIN is concerned you just hit on one of my favorite areas of research for the DeLorean. The 1981 model year spans from VIN 500-7199. It is quite possible that some numbers were skipped. The 1982 model year began at VIN 10001, which explains the large gap between the numbers you noticed, even though it was only a 2 month difference. I encourage you to read up on the VIN chronology and production numbers information that is on the DMCNews website. As far as Canadian models are concerned there were a few cars produced in the 17000 range. I believe the theory on the numbers skipping was due to the fact that the plant would start and stop production of the cars and during the "dead" periods of no production, VINs were skipped. Someone please correct me if I am wrong. I am a little rusty on my VIN history right now ;-) Regards, Darren Decker VIN 05000 NC lic: 1981 DMC [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]