I don’t know exactly which vehicle was the first “replicar,” but there’s a good chance it was Brooks Stevens’ Excalibur. If I’m wrong about this, please let me know—I really enjoy ...

The vehicle rides on Borrani wire wheels wrapped in BF Goodrich tires, with stopping power provided by Wilwood disc brakes. This Excalibur RS is more than a powerplant, however—it’s a statement.

He is also the name behind something the automotive industry knows as the Excalibur. The name was slapped by Stevens on a vehicle born in the 1960s that was styled after the 1928 Mercedes-Benz SSK.

The vehicle identification number (VIN) applied to all cars (and their window stickers) can reveal key details—including where the vehicle was made. Knowing where a car was assembled can be ...