Hi David,
The chassis numbers of the first 120 vehicles are a unique Australian number, stamped in Australia with the 'M' after the '8660' and before ther chassis sequence number, hence they commence at '1' and progress to '120'. They were dispatched in late 1942 or early 1943 and arrived progressively1943, so were no doubt manufactured in 1942. The model year numeral was not included in the chassis number, possibly a further indicator that they were stamped in Australia at the point of assembly.
I think the later deliveries have the 'M' at the end of the chassis number, ie the one you quote is 866070143M, and were Canadian assigned numbers to which was added the 'M' after arrival (at point of assembly). Can't check that chassis number just now, but can do so next week when I get back the office (I don't have MS Access on this computer)
The original pilot chassis issued to Australia in June 1942 has the chassis number 28660-10766, with no Australian assembly site indicator letter. It was actually delivered direct and assembled at the DAFVP workshop in Salmon Street, Port Melbourne, rather than the GMH assembly plant, and hence retained its Canadian number without the added 'M'.
I don't recognise the 'PE' prefix in relation to Australian contract demands, which were pretty much all 'CD-EXXXX', and don't know how it relates to the supply contracts, so can't help you there. But I will check the chassis number (see above).
Having scoured the Aust veh registers for many years, I'm yet to locate an F60H, but I'll be happy if someone has found an ARN on one that can direct me to a particular page to examine!! With over 100,000 vehicles, it's easy to overlook or miss details.
Mike C
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