I think blue is also the correct choice for as-built originality. That incorrect VIN on the cowl could fit with my second hypothesis. The car likely started through the Fisher plant to fill a different order. For whatever reason it was canceled, that perfectly good new body with the Verdoro, cowl VIN stamp, and body tag already mounted circled back to an earlier process of the Fisher Body line to fill a new order. They just didn't bother to restamp or retag the body. Once it hit the Pontiac side of the factory, it got equipped as your aunt's blue car.

Maybe you could contact PHS and just see if they even have a record for a 8U138444 VIN.