How to decode a 1981 Datsun 280ZX VIN
Characters 1-3 of a 1981 Datsun 280ZX VIN
World Manufacturer Identifiers (WMIs) are unique codes assigned to every vehicle manufacturer, facilitating the recognition of vehicle specifics such as its origin, brand, and several other attributes. For instance, the 1981 Datsun 280ZX has a WMI that meticulously identifies its creation by Nissan Motor Company, Ltd., situated in Chuo-Ku, Tokyo, Japan. This sequence not only earmarks the vehicle as a passenger car but also historically situates its production within the years 1981-1983. Such identifiers are crucial in unraveling the DNA of a vehicle, offering enthusiasts and professionals alike a clear glimpse into its pedigree. Hence, through WMIs, every car holds a testament to its birthplace and lineage, the 1981 Datsun 280ZX being a notable example under the surveillance of Nissan’s rich manufacturing history.
List of WMI Codes for a 1981 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 1981 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 1981 Datsun 280ZX:
| Known VDS for a 1981 Datsun 280ZX | ||
|---|---|---|
| HZ06S | HZ04S | CZ04S |
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 1981 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 1981 Datsun 280ZX VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| B | 1981 |
11th Character in the 1981 Datsun 280ZX VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known 1981 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 1981 Datsun 280ZX
The final 6 characters in a 1981 Datsun 280ZX’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
Check your Datsun 280ZX’s VIN below:
How to find a 1981 Datsun 280ZX’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your 1981 Datsun 280ZX is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Locate the dashboard on the driver’s side of your Datsun 280ZX. The VIN can frequently be seen through the windshield on a plate or sticker near the lower corner.
- On the Datsun 280ZX, check the driver’s side door jamb. The VIN is often placed on a label or a stamped plate where the door latches when it is closed.
- Look for the VIN under the hood of your 1981 Datsun 280ZX. It may be found on a plate or sticker attached to the firewall, the strut tower, or on the engine block itself.
- Check the rear wheel well areas. Sometimes on older models like the Datsun 280ZX, the VIN can be found stamped above the tire in the wheel wells.
- If your Datsun 280ZX still retains its original paperwork, the VIN will be listed in the vehicle’s service book, owner’s manual, or on the title and registration documents.
What info can a 1981 Datsun 280ZX VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year being the year 1981, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
- Body Class and Doors: A VIN can specify the body class, like Coupe, and the number of doors, which in this case is 2, offering detailed insights into the vehicle’s design and structure.
- Drive Type: Information about the drive type, such as 4x2, can be obtained from the VIN, providing insight into the vehicle’s drivetrain configuration and handling characteristics.
- Fuel Type: The primary fuel type, for instance, Gasoline, can be discerned, offering a glimpse into the vehicle’s fuel usage and efficiency characteristics.
- Plant Information: The VIN may include details about the manufacturing location including the city (Hiratsuka), country (Japan), and state (Kanagawa), as well as the name of the plant (Hiratsuka Plant), thereby tracing the vehicle’s production origin.
- Vehicle Type and Specifications: It elucidates the vehicle type, which could be a Passenger Car, and essential specifications such as the model (280ZX), enriching your understanding of the vehicle’s category and design.
Don’t have your 1981 Datsun 280ZX’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1981 Datsun 280ZX
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Body Class | Hatchback/Liftback/Notchback |
| Doors | 2 |
| Drive Type | 4x2 |
| Fuel Type - Primary | Gasoline |
| Model | 280ZX |
| Model Year | 1981 |
| Other Restraint System Info | No Designation |
| Plant City | Hiratsuka |
| Plant Company Name | Hiratsuka plant |
| Plant Country | Japan |
| Plant State | Kanagawa |
| Vehicle Descriptor | JN1CZ04S*BX |
| Vehicle Type | Passenger Car |
| Sample_VIN | JN1CZ04S1BX606595 |
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