It's pretty clear to me that 1248 was parted out due to a dash fire. As an early car it was likely an Introductory Unit that was damaged by the very cover designed to protect it. There is no invoice , nor Production order for it.

IMO, it was likely parted out due to the smell of a wiring fire and was likely used for parts, as many cars came from the factory missing parts, like radios and trim, as noted in the Production Orders.

Since the engine and chassis were the only parts with serial numbers, what happened to them? What number engine would 1248 have had, and what car is it installed in?

What number would 1126 have had, and where is it's engine as mine was changed out to a '57 in '56 trim.

1126 letter.jpg