Baudett
this probably answers your question on the vin (it has not been included in some (?) most of the descriptions when this car has been for sale over the past 5 years or so)
"Rugen then sold the car to German collector Chris Stahl and the 1st appearance of the restored and stunning Gulf Orange S/T #1081 took place on November 8th 2003 when Walter Röhrl and Christian Geistdörffer drove it in the international Köln Ahrweiler Rally. In a star-studded field Röhrl won the first 7 special stages with a 57 second lead until he had to abandon due to an accident. When asked for his impressions about the car, Röhrl answered “Impressive !!”.
The repair of the accident - done by specialist Stimming - necessitated the renewal of the front section of the car. Rather than transfer the front trunk stamped VIN-Nr to the new nose, the number was cut from the original nose and kept separate with the car to endorse its identity. Also the original alumium VIN-plate comes with the car. "
I am presuming, knowing who repaired the car, that it was a deliberate decision to make the vin stamping NOT look original and provide the cut out original to go with the car.
Attachment 606757