Decoding your Pre-1981 GM VIN
Decoding a VIN tag can seem like quite the daunting task. 13 = Biscayne Fleetmaster L6 (1960-1961) or Impala SS L6 (1964). Each one of the numbers represents a body style which corresponds to the previous VIN codes for year.
Decoding a VIN tag can seem like quite the daunting task. Even amongst modern automobiles, the endless strings of alpha-numeric codes form a never-ending web of information. Finding manufacture recorded data on a pre-1981 model can be downright intimidating. Luckily, with a couple of simple breakdowns and a reference guide, you too can unearth the hidden history behind your beloved classic. GM VINs followed consistent formulas before the industry VIN shift in 1981.
Vehicles manufactured in 1960-1965:
First digit: Year of production (1960-1964). 0=1960, 1=1961, and so on.
Second and third digits: The second and third digits will be comprised of numbers 1-18. Each one represents a Chevy series.
01 = Chevy II 100 4
02 = Chevy II 100 6
03 = Chevy II 300 4 Cyl.
04 = Chevy II 300, Nova 400 6 Cyl.
05 = Corvair 500
07 = Corvair 700
09 = Corvair Monza
08 = Corvette
11 = Biscayne L6
12 = Biscayne V8
13 = Biscayne Fleetmaster L6 (1960-1961) or Impala SS L6 (1964)
14 = Biscayne Fleetmaster V8 (1960-1961) or Impala SS V8 (1964)
15 = Bel Air L6
16 = Bel Air V8
17 = Impala L6
18 = Impala V8
Fourth and fifth digits: The fourth and fifth digits will be one of twelve specific numbers (listed below). Each one of the numbers represents a body style which corresponds to the previous VIN codes for year and series.
11 = 2 door sedan
15 = 2 door station wagon, 2 seats
19 = 4 door sedan
21 = 2 door utility sedan
35 = 4 door station wagon, 2 seats – 6 passenger
37 = 2 door sport coupe (bubble top)
39 = 4 door sport sedan
45 = 4 door station wagon, 3 seats
47 = 2 door sport coupe
67 = 2 door convertible
69 = 4 door sedan
80 = 2 door sedan pickup (El Camino)
Sixth digit: The sixth digits shows at which GM plant the vehicles was manufactured.
A = Atlanta, GA
B = Baltimore, MD
C = Doarville, GA
F = Flint, MI
G = Farmingham, MA
J = Janesville, WI
K = Kansas City, MO
LA = Lansing, MI
L = Los Angeles, CA
N = Norwood, OH
O = Oakland, CA
R = Arlington, TX
U = Southgate, CA
S = Southgate, CA
T = Tarrytown, NY
W = Willowrun, MI
Y = Wilmington, DE
*Cleveland, OH was only represented using the COWL TAG code of EP or EUC, 1959-1964
Seventh through twelfth digits: The last six digits of the VIN represent the specific order of the given model, starting at 100001.
Example 1960-1964 VIN: 21811L100087
Using the above decoding reference, this sample VIN would belong to the 87th 2-door sedan, V8 Impala, built in Los Angeles, CA in 1962.
Vehicles manufactured in 1966-1968:
First digit: Division of GM
1 = Chevrolet
Second, third, fourth, and fifth digits: The second – fifth digits displays the Chevrolet series.
0000 = Corvair
1000 = Chevy II, Nova
3000 = Chevelle, Malibu
5000 = Biscayne, Bel Air
6000 = Impala
9000 = Corvette
Sixth Digit: The sixth digit shows the production year.
6 = 1966
7 = 1967
8 = 1968
Seventh Digit: The seventh digit shows at which GM plant the vehicles was manufactured.
1 = Oshawa, Ont., Canada
2 = St. Therese, Que., Canada
A = Atlanta, GA
B = Baltimore, MD
C = Southgate, CA
D = Doraville, GA
F = Flint, MI
G = Framingham, MA
J = Janesville, WI
K = Kansas, MO
L = Los Angeles, CA
N = Norwood, OH
P = Pontiac,MI
R = Arlington, TX
S = Louis, MO
T = Tarrytown, NY
U = Lordstown, OH
W = Willow Run, MI
Y = Wilmington, DE
Z = Fremont, CA
Eighth through thirteenth digits: The last six digits of the VIN represent the specific order of the given model, starting at 100001.
Example 1966-1967 VIN: 100007K105642
Using the above decoding reference, this sample VIN would belong to the 5,642nd Corvair, built in Kansas City, MO in 1967.
Vehicles manufactured in 1969:
First digit: Division of GM
1 = Chevrolet
Second, third, fourth, and fifth digits: The second – fifth digits displays the Chevrolet series.
0000 = Corvair
1000 = Nova
2000 = Camaro
3000 = Chevelle
5000 = Biscayne, Bel Air
6000 = Impala, Caprice
9000 = Corvette
Sixth Digit: The sixth digit shows the production year.
9 = 1969
Seventh Digit: The seventh digit shows at which GM plant the vehicles was manufactured.
2 = St. Therese, Que., Canada
A = Atlanta, GA
B = Baltimore, MD
C = Southgate, CA
D = Doraville, GA
F = Flint, MI
G = Framingham, MA
J = Janesville, WI
K = Kansas, MO
L = Los Angeles, CA
N = Norwood, OH
R = Arlington, TX
S = Louis, MO
T = Tarrytown, NY
U = Lordstown, OH
W = Willow Run, MI
Y = Wilmington, DE
Z = Fremont, CA
Eighth through thirteenth digits: The last six digits of the VIN represent the specific order of the given model.
100001 = All others
300001 = Nova, Chevelle
700001 = Corvair, Corvette
Example 1969 VIN: 110009R301001
Using the above decoding reference, this sample VIN would belong to the very first Chevy Nova built in Arlington, TX in 1969
Vehicles manufactured in 1970-1971:
First digit: Division of GM
1 = Chevrolet
Second Digit: The second -digit displays the Chevrolet series.
1 = Nova
2 = Camaro
3 = Chevelle, Monte Carlo
4 = Vega
5 = Biscayne, Bel Air
6 = Impala, Caprice
9 Corvette
Third Digit: The third digit represents what size motor the car was equipped with
Even number = V8
Odd number = 4 Cylinder or 6 cylinder
Fourth and fifth Digits: The fourth and fifth digits represent the series body style.
1970
36 = 4 dr. Sta. Wagon (2 Seat Dual Acting Tail Gate)
37 = 2 dr. Notch Back Hardtop Coupe
39 = 4 dr. Notch Back Hardtop Sedan 4 window
46 = 4 dr. Sta. Wagon 3 Seat Dual Acting Tail Gate
47 = 2 dr. Notch Back Hardtop Coupe
57 = 2 dr. Notch Back Hardtop Coupe
67 = Convertible Coupe
69 = 4 dr. Notch Back Pillar Sedan 4 window
87 = 2 dr. Plain Back Hardtop Coupe
1971
11 = 2 dr. Notch Back Sedan
15 = 2 dr. Sta. Wagon 2 Seat
27 = 2 dr. Notch Back Pillar Coupe
36 = 4 dr. Sta. Wagon 2 Seat Dual Acting Tail Gate
37 = 2 dr. Notch Back Hardtop Coupe
39 = 4 dr. Notch Back Hardtop Sedan 4 window
46 = 4 dr. Sta. Wagon 3 Seat Dual Acting Tail Gate
57 = 2 dr. Notch Back Hardtop Coupe
67 = Convertible Coupe
69 = 4 dr. Notch Back Pillar Sedan 4 window
77 = 2 dr. Plain Back Pillar Coupe
80 = 2 dr. Pick-Up delivery
87 = 2 dr. Plain Back Hardtop Coupe
Sixth Digit: The sixth digit represents the year the model was built.
0 = 1970
1 = 1971
Seventh Digit: The seventh digits displays at which manufacture facility the model was built:
A = Atlanta, GA
B = Baltimore, MD
C = Southgate, CA
D = Doraville, GA
F = Flint, MI
G = Framingham, MA
I = Oshawa, Canada
J = Janesville, WI
K = Kansas City, MO
L = Los Angeles, CA
N = Norwood, OH
R = Arlington, TX
S = Louis, MO
T = Tarrytown, NY
U = Lordstown, OH
W = Willow Run, MI
Y = Wilmington, DE
Z = Fremont, CA
Eighth – Thirteenth digits: The last six digits display the production number, starting with 100001
Vehicles manufactured in 1972-1980:
First digit: Division of GM
1 = Chevrolet
Second Digit: The second -digit displays the Chevrolet series. *Certain models are reprinted by multiple letters, depending upon year)
B = Nomad
C = Chevelle, El Camino, Greenbrier
D = Malibu, Custom El Camino, Concours
E = Chevelle Laguna
G = Chevelle Malibu Estate
H = Monte Carlo, Concours Estate, Laguna Estate
K = Biscayne, Brookwood, Bel Air
L = Bel Air, Townsman, Imapala
M = Impala, Kingswood, Monza Coupe
N = Caprice, Kingswood Estate
Q = Camaro
R = Monza 2+2
S = Camaro LT
V = Vega
X = Nova
Y = Nova Custom
Z = Corvette
Third Digit and fourth digits: The third and fourth digits determine the body style series.
11 = Panel Express Vega
15 = Kammback Wagon Vega
17 = Hatchback Coupe Nova
23 = 4 dr. Limo W/Aux. Seat
27 = 2 dr. Notch Back Pillar Coupe
33 = 4 dr. Limo W/Aux. Seat, center Partition Window
35 = 4 dr. Sta. Wagon 2 Seat
36 = 4 dr. Sta. Wagon 2 Seat Dual Acting Tail Gate
37 = 2 dr. Notch Back Hardtop Coupe
39 = 4 dr. Notch Back Hardtop Sedan 4 window
45 = 4 dr. Sta. Wagon 3 Seat
46 = 4 dr. Sta. Wagon 3 Seat Dual Acting Tail Gate
47 = 2 dr. Notch Back Hardtop Coupe
49 = 4 dr. Notch Back Hardtop Sedan 4 window
56 = 4 dr. Sta. Wagon 2 Seat Dual Acting Tail Gate
57 = 2 dr. Notch Back Hardtop Coupe
66 = 4 dr. Sta. Wagon 3 Seat Dual Acting Tail Gate
67 = Convertible Coupe
69 = 4 dr. Notch Back Pillar Sedan 4 window
77 = 2 dr. Plain Back Pillar Coupe
80 = 2 dr. Pick-Up delivery
87 = 2 dr. Plain Back Hardtop Coupe
35/AQ4 = 3-Seat Wagon Chevelle
57/Z03 = Landau CoupeMonte Carlo
57/Z76 = S CoupeMonte Carlo
Fifth Digit: The fifth digit represent the motor the car was equipped with.
1972
B = 4-140 1 & 2 Bar. Carb.
D = 6-250 1 Bar. Carb.
F = 8-307 2 Bar. Carb.
H = 8-350 2 Bar. Carb.
J = 8-350 4 Bar. Carb., RPO L48
K = 8-350 4 Bar. Carb. Base Corvette
39 = 8-350 4 Bar. Carb. RPO Z-28
R = 8-400 2 Bar. Carb., RPO LF6
S = 8-402 4 Bar. Carb., RPO LS3, Single Exhaust
U = 8-402 4 Bar. Carb., RPO LS3, Dual Exhaust
V = 8-454 4 Bar. Carb., RPO LS5, Single Exhaust
W = 8-454 4 Bar. Carb., RPO LS5, Dual Exhaust
1973-80
A = 4-140 1 Bar. Carb.
B = 4-140 2 Bar. Carb.
D = 6-250 1 Bar. Carb.
F = 8-307 2 Bar. Carb.
H = 8-350 2 Bar. Carb.
K = 8-350 4 Bar. Carb.
R = 8-400 2 Bar. Carb
T = 8-350 4 Bar. Carb., Z-28, L-82
X = 8-454 4 Bar. Carb., L54
Y = 8-454 4 Bar. Carb., L54
Sixth Digit: The sixth digit represents the year the model was built.
2 = 1972
3 = 1973
4 = 1974
5 = 1975
6 = 1976
7 = 1977
8 = 1978
9 = 1979
A = 1980
Seventh Digit: The seventh digits displays at which manufacture facility the model was built:
1 = Oshawa, ON Canada
1 = Wentzville Canada
2 = St. Therese, QC. CANADA
3 = St. Eustache
4 = Scarborough
5 = London
5 = Bowling Green,OH
8 = Shreveport
8 = Fujisawa (Japan) Luv
9 = Oshawa, CANADA
A = Lakewood, GA.
B = Baltimore, MD.
C = Lansing
D = Doraville
E = Linden
F = Flint, MI.
G = Framingham, MA
J = Janesville, WI
K = Leeds, MI
K = Kosai
L = Van Nuys, CA
M = Lansing
N = Norwood, OH
Q = Detriot, MI
R = Arlington,TX
S = St. Louis, MO
S = Ramos Arizpe
T = Tarrytown, NY
U = Hamtramck
W=Willow Run,MI
Z= Fremont CA.
Eighth – Thirteenth/Fourteenth digits: The last six digits display the production number, starting with 100001 or 5000000
Example 1973 VIN: 1V11B2Q103241
Using the above decoding reference, this sample VIN would belong to the 3,241st Vega Panel Express, equipped with a two barrel four cylinder motor, built in 1973 in Detroit, MI.
Select the car below that you’d like to learn how to decode!
The Worlds #1 Corvette VIN Decoder for 10 years straight! Sequence Descriptions for all Years and Special Editions. Even the new C8!
All years are covered just keep scrolling to the bottom where you will find the latest model Corvette Information.
VIN# Locations
- 1953 to early 1960 Driver-side door post
- 1960 to 1962 Steering column in the engine compartment
- 1963 to 1967 Instrument panel support brace under the glove box
- 1968 to Present Drivers side top of the instrument panel or windshield post (A-pillar)
Corvette VIN Decoder 1953 to 1959
10 and 11 Digit VIN Explanation and Location
- 1953 to early 1960 Driver-side door post area.
- 1955 left door hinge below courtesy lamp switch.
- 1956-59 Left door hinge pillar below upper hinge.
Early Corvette's that had 6 Cylinder engines did not have the Letter 'V' as the first Sequence Number. The Letter 'V' stands for V8.
The VIN of 6 cylinder cars will always start with the Letter 'E'. This is why the VIN will be 10 digits for 1953-54 cars. For the 1955 model they added the letter V to get 11. After 1955 they went back to a 10 digit sequence.
Example: E54S001001
Sequence Number = Code Description
Car Series 'E' for 1953, 54, 56, 57 or 'J' = Chevrolet Corvette for 1958-59, V=V8 for 1955
2 & 3 Model Year 53 = 1953
54 = 1954
55 = 1955
56 = 1956
57 = 1957
58 = 1958
59 = 1959
4 Final Assembly Plant 'S' = St. Louis
'F'= Flint Only 1953 Models
Production total of 300 were produced Flint, MI.
6 to 11 Production sequence number 01001- 109670
Corvette VIN Decoder 1960 to 1964
12 Digit VIN Explanation and Location
- Early 1960 Left Door hinge pillar below upper hinge. Late 1960 to 1962 Steering column aft of steering gear housing.
- 1963 to 1964 Spot welded to body hinge brace under the glove box.
Example: 00867S100001
Sequence = Number Code Description
1 Model Year 0 = 1960
1 = 1961
2 = 1962
3 = 1963
4 = 1964
2 to 5 Series 0867 = Chevrolet Corvette '8'= Engine
6 Final Assembly Plant S = St. Louis
7 to 12 Production Sequence Number
Start VIN '1960' 00867S100001 End VIN '1964' 40837S122229
Corvette VIN Decoder 1965 to 1971
13 Digit VIN Explanation and Location
- 1965 to 1967 similar to the 1963 to 1964 models that were spot welded to the body hinge brace under the glove box.
- The major difference was that the 65-67 were riveted instead in the same location.
- 1968-82 Inner side of drivers side windshield post (A-pillar). Visible through window from outside.
Example: 194375S100001
Sequence Number = Code Description
1 GM division 1 = Chevrolet
2 Car line or series9 = Corvette
3 Engine type4 = V8
4 & 5 Body style 3 & 7 = two door coupe
6 & 7 = two door convertible
6 Model year designation from GM:
- 5 = 1965
- 6 = 1966
- 7 = 1967
- 8 = 1968
- 9 = 1969
- 0 = 1970
- 1 = 1971
7 Final Assembly Plant 'S' = St. Louis
8 to 13 Production Sequence Number100001 - 121801
Corvette VIN Decoder 1972 to 1980
13 Digit VIN Explanation and Location
- Inner side of drivers side windshield post (A-pillar). Visible through window from outside.
Example: 1Z37J2S500001
Sequence Number = Code Description
1 GM division:1 = Chevrolet
2 Car Line or Series: Z = Corvette
3 & 4 Body style:3 & 7 = Two door coupe
8 & 7 = two door coupe(1978 to 1980)
6 & 7 = two door convertible
5 Engine type:
- 1972 K = base L = LT1, W = LS5
- 1973 J = L48, T = L82, Z = LS4
- 1974 J = L48, T = L82, Z = LS4
- 1975 J = L48, T = L82
- 1976 J = L48, X = L82
- 1977 L = L48, X = L82
- 1978 L = L48, 4 = L82
- 1979 8 = L48, 4 = L82
- 1980 H = LG4, 8 = L48, 6 = L82
6 Model year designation from:
- GM 2 = 1972, 3 = 1973, 4 = 1974, 5 = 1975, 6 = 1976, 7 = 1977, 8 = 1978, 9 = 1979, A = 1980
7 Final Assembly Plant: S = St. Louis
8 to 13 Production Sequence Number:500001 - 440614
Corvette VIN Decoder 1981 to 2013
17 Digit Corvette VIN Decoder Explanation and Location
- Drivers side top of the instrument panel for late model Corvette's or windshield post (A-pillar) for earlier models.
- Other locations for theft identification: Engine Block Deck, Transmission, Left Rear Inner Frame Rail, Right Forward Inner Frame Rail.
Example: 1G1YY26W485100001
Sequence Number = Code Description
1 Country of Origin: 1 = USA
2 Manufacturer:G = GM
3 Make of car:1 = Chevrolet
4 Car Line or Series:Y = Y-body series (Corvette)
5 Corvette Specific information Model/Equipment 'Y' or 'Z' Z = ZR1, A=1LT mt, B=2LT mt, C=3LT mt, D=4LT mt, E=1LT at, F=2LT mt, G=3LT at, H=4LT at, J=Z06 1LZ, K=Z06 3LZ, L=Z06 3LZ, M=ZR1 std, N=ZR1 3ZR, P=GS LT mt, R=GS 2LT mt, S=GS 3LT mt, T=GS 4LT mt, U=GS 1LT at, V=GS2LT at, W=GS 3LT at, X=GS 4LT at, 9=NON USA/CANADA
6 Body style:07=1982 Collectors Edition, 1= Hard Top (99-04 Z06) 2 = Coupe (97-2011+ Coupe, Z06, ZR1) 3 = Convertible (98-2011+)
7 Restraint system:2= Front 3 = late model seat belts warning and air bags 4= Front/Side 5= Front (2007+) 6=Front/Side (2006-09) D=Front/Side (2010-2013)
8 Engine type:8 = L98, P = LT1, J = ZR1, 5 = LT4, G=LS1, S=LS6, U=LS2, E=LS7, W=LS3, R=LS, 2014 C7: 7=LT1, 6=LT4
9 Randomly generated check digit: 0 - 9 Security Code
10 Model year designation from GM:
- B = 1981
- C = 1982
- D = 1983
- E = 1984
- F = 1985
- G = 1986
- H = 1987
- J = 1988
- K = 1989
- L = 1990
- M = 1991
- N = 1992
- P = 1993
- R = 1994
- S = 1995
- T = 1996
- V = 1997
- W = 1998
- X = 1999
- Y = 2000
- 1 = 2001
- 2 = 2002
- 3 = 2003
- 4 = 2004
- 5 = 2005
- 6 = 2006
- 7 = 2007
- 8 = 2008
- 9 = 2009
- A=2010
- B= 2011
- C=2012
- D=2013
11 Final Assembly Plant Location:4= St. Louis (1981 Corvette's overlap) 5 = Bowling Green
12 to 17 Production sequence number: 800001=ZR1, 700001=Z06 2013 CONVERTIBLE 60TH, 100001=ALL OTHER MODELS
Corvette VIN Decoder 2009 ZR1
There are three Corvette VIN decoder sequences for 2009 Corvette ZR1.
- The First Numbering Sequence is: 95700001 these are the 'pilot cars'. They were built in early June 2008 and most have since been sold to Corvette dealers. Chevrolet still has this sequence #1.
- Second sequence is: 95800001. These are the production ZR1's. Jay Leno received #1. These cars began production in late August 2008.
- The third sequence is: 95900001 and this is the car that sold at Barrett Jackson and was delivered in July 2008. It is the first 'Retail' ZR1.
2009 Corvette VIN Decoder GT1
- VIN sequence 300001 series for 45U Velocity Yellow representing the No. 3 Corvette C6.R
- VIN sequence 400001 series for 41U Black representing the No. 4 Corvette C6.R
Limited production of 600 total for all three models
Coupe 100 Yellow 100 Black
Convertible 100 Yellow 100 Black
Z06 100 Yellow 100 Black
- Coupe and convertible versions also include Z51 Performance Package and NPP Performance Exhaust
- Optional MX0 6-speed paddle shift automatic on coupe and convertible
- Optional C2L dual roof package on coupe
- Optional U3U Navigation System on all models
C7 Corvette and Z06, ZR1 VIN Decoder 2014+
C7 Corvette VIN Decoder
17 Digit Corvette VIN Decoder Explanation and Location
- Drivers side top of the instrument panel for late model Corvette's or windshield post (A-pillar) for earlier models.
- Other locations for theft identification: Engine Block Deck, Transmission, Left Rear Inner Frame Rail, Right Forward Inner Frame Rail.
For Example: 1G1YC2D74E5100001
Sequence Number = Code Description
1 Country of Origin: 1 = USA
2 Manufacturer:G = GM
3 Make of car:1 = Chevrolet
4 Car Line or Series:Y = Y-body series (Corvette)
5 Corvette Specific information Model/Equipment
A=1LT M/T, B=1LT A/T, C=2LT M/T, D=2LT A/T, E=3LT M/T, F=3LT A/T, G=Z51 1LT M/T, H=Z51 1LT A/T, J=Z51 2LT M/T, K=Z51 2LT A/T, L=Z51 3LT M/T, M=Z51 3LT A/T, N=Z06 1LZ M/T, P=Z06 1LZ A/T, R=Z06 2LZ M/T, S=Z06 2LZ A/T, T=Z06 3LZ M/T, U=Z06 3LZ A/T, V=GS 1LT M/T, W=GS 1LT A/T, X=GS 2LT M/T, Y=GS 2LT A/T, Z=3LT M/T (GS= Grand Sport, M/T=Manual Transmission M7, A/T=Automatic Transmission A8) A/T, 9=NON USA/CANADA
6 Body style:2 = Coupe, 3 = Convertible
7 Restraint system:D=Front/Side AJ7 Airbags with manual seat belts
8 Engine type:7=LT1, 6=LT4
9 Randomly generated check digit: 0 - 9 or 'X' Security Code
10 Model year designation from GM:
- E=2014
- F=2015
- G=2016
- H=2017
- J=2018
- K=2019
- L=2020
- M=2021
11 Final Assembly Plant Location:5 = Bowling Green
12 to 17 Production sequence number: Base=100001, Collector Edition Grand Sport=300001, Grand Sport=500001, Z06=600001, C7.R Z06=700001-700650 (150 Exported), ZR1=800001+
Experimental Vehicles Digits 16 & 17 end with 'EX'
C8 Mid Engine Corvette 2020?
Information is still sparse but our speculation has provided the following:
Starting 6 Digit Vin Decoder for C8
1G1YC2=C8 Corvette (2=07 Coupe)
1G1YC3=C8 Corvette (3=67 Convertible)
We have come to the Conclusion that its impossible to post all the differences for a Corvette VIN Decoder and Decoding engine casting numbers. So if you need more help check our Answer section.