VIN build date vs. Title Year

My mind is boggled looking at a potential Pantera purchase, hoping you guys can decipher this, or point out something obvious that I'm overlooking.

VIN is THPNMT, which puts it at April, 1972, a pre-L model. However, the serial number is #4998, which puts it at late '73, an "L" model.

It LOOKS like a Pre-L car - small bumperettes and the "dual hump" dashboard.

The title, however, states that it is a 1973 car. I've never seen a '73 with the earlier style dashboard.

I believe that #3853 through #4268 were very early 1973 models, with the first actual "L" model being #4269. If this is true, then #4998 MUST be a 1973 car. If that's true, then why is the VIN THPNMT - a 1972 - and why does it have the 1972 "dual-hump" dashboard? And why does the title say 1973?

What am I overlooking here?

Thanks!