How to decode a Datsun 280ZX VIN
Characters 1-3 of a Datsun 280ZX VIN
The World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique three-character code assigned to every vehicle manufacturer. This code is the first section of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and provides vital information about the car, such as the country of origin, the manufacturer, and the vehicle type. For the Datsun 280ZX, the WMI is JN1, which denotes a vehicle manufactured by Nissan Motor Company, Ltd., which operated under the Datsun brand for many markets during the 280ZX’s production years of 1981 to 1983. This code is essential for accurately identifying the vehicle and tracing its manufacturing history, as it signifies not just the make, but also the legacy of Japanese engineering inherent in the Datsun 280ZX.
List of WMI Codes for a Datsun 280ZX
WMI: JN1
- Model Years Covered: 1981-1983
- Example VIN: JN1HZ06S0BX404432
- Manufacturer Name: Nissan Motor Company, Ltd.
- Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
- City: Chuo-Ku
- State or Province: Tokyo
- Country: Japan
Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a Datsun 280ZX VIN
These characters correspond to components like:
- Engine type
- Transmission
- Model or trim
- Body style
- Gross vehicle weight range
Below find the known vehicle descriptor codes for a Datsun 280ZX:
| Known VDS for a Datsun 280ZX | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| HZ06S | HZ04S | CZ04S | CZ06S |
Auto manufacturers have some discretion to decide how they want to code this section, but its contents and decoded results are generally consistent.
Character 9 is the “check digit” in a Datsun 280ZX VIN.
Based on a formula developed by the US Department of Transportation, it helps reduce fraud by ensuring the validity of the VIN.
10th Character in the Datsun 280ZX VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| D | 1983 Datsun 280ZX |
| C | 1982 Datsun 280ZX |
| B | 1981 Datsun 280ZX |
11th Character in the Datsun 280ZX VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known Datsun 280ZX Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| X | Hiratsuka | Kanagawa | Japan | Hiratsuka Plant | JN1HZ06S0BX404432 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a Datsun 280ZX
The final 6 characters in a Datsun 280ZX’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
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How to find a Datsun 280ZX’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your Datsun 280ZX is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Look for the VIN on the dashboard of your Datsun 280ZX, close to where the dashboard meets the windshield on the driver’s side. This can typically be seen by looking through the windshield from outside the car.
- Open the driver’s side door and examine the door jamb area or the door post (where the door latches when it is closed). The VIN might be located on a sticker or a metal plate in this area.
- Inspect the firewall of the engine compartment; the Datsun 280ZX may have the VIN stamped onto a plate or directly onto the metal firewall.
- Check the vehicle registration documents or the insurance card, as they often include the VIN which should match the VIN on the car itself.
- If the car has its original user manual or maintenance book, the VIN could also be recorded there by the dealership at the time of sale or during the maintenance history records.
- Some vehicles have the VIN etched or printed on one of the front fenders, which might be the case for older cars such as the Datsun 280ZX, so it’s worth checking there as well.
- Lastly, for some Datsun 280ZXs, you might find the VIN stamped or a label adhering to the rear wheel well or under the spare tire in the trunk area.
What info can a Datsun 280ZX VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 1983, providing insights into the age and potential historical value of the vehicle.
- Body Class and Doors: A VIN can specify the body class. The 1983 Datsun 280ZX may be classified as a passenger car and possibly a 2-door coupe, offering detailed insights into the vehicle’s design and structure.
- Manufacturer Name: The VIN provides the manufacturer name as Nissan Motor Company, Ltd., which is a major automotive corporation known for producing a wide range of vehicles.
- Plant City: The VIN reveals that the vehicle was assembled in Hiratsuka city, possibly adding to its provenance and history.
Don’t have your Datsun 280ZX’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a Datsun 280ZX
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Body Class | Hatchback/Liftback/Notchback |
| Doors | 2 |
| Drive Type | 4x2 |
| Fuel Type - Primary | Gasoline |
| Model | 280ZX |
| Model Year | 1983 |
| Other Restraint System Info | No Designation |
| Plant City | Hiratsuka |
| Plant Company Name | Hiratsuka plant |
| Plant Country | Japan |
| Plant State | Kanagawa |
| Vehicle Descriptor | JN1HZ04S*DX |
| Vehicle Type | Passenger Car |
| Sample_VIN | JN1HZ04S0DX566700 |
Decode a Datsun VIN
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