I'm pretty sure 1967 or 1968 was a transitional year for adding vin#s to the motor and trans. It may be that your car doesn't have the Vin# stamped on the motor and trans. My 1968 car had the number on the engine and trans. by the bellhousing in about the 11:00 o clock position looking at engine from the back. You would have to look between the driver side valve cover and firewall to see it if that area is not covered with dirt and oil.
Later model cars or engines after 1968 would be as 4spddragtop has indicated.
The wood spacer is used to keep the engine heat from soaking in to the caburetor. Racing trick or had fuel vapor lock problems with the car.
