How to find a classic car’s VIN
Vintage and classic vehicles may have their VIN numbers stamped or located in unusual spots compared to the standard location on the driver’s side of a vehicle’s dashboard or door jamb. The locations of modern 17-digit VINs were only standardized in 1981.
Potential VIN locations on a classic car include:
- Engine bay: classic car VINs were commonly found stamped on the engine block or on a plate attached to the firewall.
- Door frame: Look for a VIN on the driver’s side doorpost, often visible when the door is open.
- Interior: check behind any trim pieces along the steering column, under carpeting and the seats, and in the glove compartment.
- Dashboard: Some classic car models have the VIN visible through the windshield on the driver’s side, especially starting in the ’80s.
- Chassis: If you can get underneath the car, the VIN might be stamped directly on the frame.
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Classic car VIN locations:
- Cadillac, Chevrolet, Pontiac & GM: Often found on the driver’s side door hinge pillar, under the front seats on the floor boards, in the engine bay near the firewall, and more. Also, look near the steering column or on the left front body hinge pillar.
- Ford, Lincoln & Mercury: Check the driver’s side front door pillar or engine firewall. Check the area of the right front fender above the upper suspension arm.
- Dodge & Plymouth: Typically on the driver’s side front fender or radiator cross support, often close to the upper cowling (firewall).
Foreign/import classic car VIN locations
Classic British, European and Japanese vehicles, especially those manufactured before VIN standardization in the 1980s, often followed different VIN marking systems compared to American automakers. European and Japanese VINs might be shorter and not follow the standardized 17-character format that was adopted in 1981, and the information encoded in a classic Japanese or European VIN might also vary, reflecting differences in manufacturing and regulatory practices in Asia, Europe and the United States.
In addition, vehicles manufactured in the U.S. before 1970 have no VIN number at all! Serial numbers were used by manufacturers to track a vehicle’s production on the assembly line, although vehicle history information may still be traceable if you have a vehicle’s serial number. Going back farther than 1970, many vehicles were even registered and titled using their engine number, which was typically stamped on the engine block itself or on a plate within the engine compartment.
TIP: Check to see if a classic car’s VIN matches the vehicle’s title, and registration, as well as any service records, which can also help to confirm its authenticity.
What’s included in our classic car VIN check
Our Classic Car VIN search can provide in-depth insights into your classic car’s long history, including:
- Ownership records: Trace the chain of ownership of a classic car over the decades, with data on ownership quantity, registration locations, and whether your classic car was registered by a person or business entity.
- Accident history: Uncover reported accidents or damage, however minor they might have been.
- Original specs: Was your classic originally a hardtop instead of a convertible? Was it originally a manual or automatic transmission? Was it repainted? Find out with our robust spec data!
- Mileage verification: Check for discrepancies in a classic car’s odometer reading and learn how to tell if its odometer was possibly rolled back.
- Market value: Understand the current estimated market value of your classic car based on its history and condition.
- Authenticity checks: Help ensure that once-in-a-lifetime find isn’t a kit car or attempt to “upbadge” a less desirable trim.
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