How to decode a 1981 Mazda RX-7 VIN
Characters 1-3 of a 1981 Mazda RX-7 VIN
World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) codes are unique three-letter sequences assigned to every vehicle manufacturer worldwide, forming the initial characters of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). These codes not only identify the manufacturer but can also indicate specific vehicle attributes, including the country of assembly. For instance, in the case of the 1981 Mazda RX-7, the WMI “JM1” designates Mazda Motor Corporation as the manufacturer, with the vehicle being assembled in Japan, specifically in Hiroshima, Hiroshima Prefecture. This particular code is a signpost for automotive enthusiasts and professionals, revealing the origins and manufacturer of the vehicle at a glance. The WMI system plays a crucial role in vehicle identification, ensuring a standardized format for identifying vehicles globally.
List of WMI Codes for a 1981 Mazda RX-7
WMI: JM1
- Model Years Covered: 1981-1991, 1993-1995
- Example VIN: JM1FB3316B0533189
- Manufacturer Name: Mazda Motor Corporation
- Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
- City: Hiroshima
- State or Province: Hiroshima Prefecture
- Country: Japan
Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 1981 Mazda RX-7 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 Mazda RX-7:
| Known VDS for a 1981 Mazda RX-7 |
|---|
| FB331 |
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 Mazda RX-7 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 Mazda RX-7 VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| B | 1981 |
11th Character in the 1981 Mazda RX-7 VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known 1981 Mazda RX-7 Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | Hiroshima | Japan | JM1FB3316B0533189 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1981 Mazda RX-7
The final 6 characters in a 1981 Mazda RX-7’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
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How to find a 1981 Mazda RX-7’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your 1981 Mazda RX-7 is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your 1981 Mazda RX-7. The VIN is typically visible from the outside, just beneath the windshield on a small metal or plastic plate.
- Open the driver-side door and examine the door post (where the door latches when it’s closed) on your Mazda RX-7. You should see a VIN plate attached to the surface.
- Check under the hood of your Mazda RX-7; the VIN might be stamped on the firewall of the engine compartment.
- Inspect the rear wheel well on the driver’s side. Sometimes the VIN can be found above the tire.
- Look at the front frame of the car. The Mazda RX-7 might have the VIN etched onto the front chassis somewhere accessible from the engine bay.
- Inspect the vehicle’s paperwork such as the title, registration, or insurance documents, which should all include the VIN of your Mazda RX-7.
What info can a 1981 Mazda RX-7 VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, suggesting the car is likely from the year 1981, providing insights into the age and potential vintage status of the vehicle.
- Plant Location: The VIN specifies the manufacturing location as Hiroshima, Japan, possibly indicating the geographic origin and manufacturing standards of the region.
- Vehicle Specifications: Information such as the Mazda RX-7 model, engine model N2, and horsepower ranging from 91 to 111 hp are detailed, offering specifics on performance and design.
- Body Class and Doors: The VIN indicates the body class as a Coupe with 2 doors, giving a clear picture of the vehicle’s style and size.
- Safety Features: Features like a manual seat belt type are included, suggesting the level of safety equipment and standards employed during the car’s production era.
- Vehicle Type: The VIN clarifies the vehicle type as a Passenger Car, providing potential owners or enthusiasts with insight into the vehicle’s primary use and design intention.
- Manufacturing Details: The vehicle descriptor section within the VIN offers a more in-depth look at specific vehicle attributes, possibly including unique features or options equipped on this particular Mazda RX-7.
Don’t have your 1981 Mazda RX-7’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1981 Mazda RX-7
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Body Class | Coupe |
| Doors | 2 |
| Engine Brake (hp) From | 91 |
| Engine Brake (hp) To | 111 |
| Engine Model | N2 |
| Model | RX-7 |
| Model Year | 1981 |
| Plant City | Hiroshima |
| Plant Company Name | |
| Plant Country | Japan |
| Seat Belt Type | Manual |
| Vehicle Descriptor | JM1FB331*B0 |
| Vehicle Type | Passenger Car |
| Sample_VIN | JM1FB3316B0533189 |
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