In order to identify the engine, we will need more information, or ideally a few photos posted. Poking around on Google a little bit, it says the Bermuda (which was simply the 1955 top-end hardtop model, of what had in previous years been the Aero car) - most sources say they were all built with the 226 cu. in. "Super Hurricane" (Kaiser built) engine. This engine used a 2 bbl Carter carb. This engine is an L-Head (flat head) and says "Super Hurricane" across the top I believe. Some sources also say some few of the cars were built with a 161 cu. in. which is an F-Head (overhead valves, not a flat head). This engine used a 1 bbl Carter carb.
Now I am by no means any good with serial numbers etc, but I know that before a serial number can mean anything, we need to know what engine it is identifying. Others on this Forum will be far more knowledgeable than me. But we have to pin down what the engine is. Hopefully the guy in Idaho knew what he was talking about when he sold it to you.
What other numbers appear anywhere on the engine? The more numbers/information, the better the answer will be.
Another thought - is the problem that there is no Distributor present at all? Or simply that it has problems? Because if there is a distributor in place on the engine, it should have an oval tag that identifies what brand (AutoLite, etc) and Model Number it is. If we know what the old distributor is, it makes sense that you should be seeking a replacement of the same brand and model number.
