Original leaf-spring Cobras and "model years"

[fintubi]

Folks -

I'm aware that Cobras were built in running-changes fashion, without aggregating updates into annual bundles as with mass-market cars.

As such, it doesn't really seem that meaningful to talk about the cars as being a certain model year. Did SAI ever refer to the cars as having a model year, or indicate one on the MSO? Or did these cars just get titled with the current year when processed under the laws of the states where they were sold?

One of the most visually apparent changes to the leaf-spring street roadster was the addition of fender vents, wider wheels, and adjusted flares in the middle of 1963, emerging right around the time the big OEMs would be putting '64 models into production. Are cars manufactured and sold in the latter months of 1963 - with these fairly obvious visual cues - typically considered '63, '64, or "N/A"?

Thanks,
Bill