V.I.N. explained
Starting with 1968 model year Porsches’ the V.I.N. number are displayed on the bottom driver’s side of the windshield frame.
The numbers are not some random listing as the earlier cars were. The first series of numbers ran from 68-69 and were comprised of a total of 8 digits. The first two digits would tell the group, the third would reveal the year and the fourth would tell the exact model. The last four numbers are sequential.
An example would be 1180232.
This is a
11 – (911)
8 – (1968)
0 – (Coupe, S version)
232 – Sequential Number.
Starting in 1970 the total number of digits increased to ten and had different codes.
An example would be 9110300317.
911 – (911)
0 – (1970)
3 – (911S)
0 – Porsche coupe
0317 – Sequential Number.
While the model and year can be determined by the first 4 digits all the way to 1979, the remainder of the coding changes from year to year.
An example would be 9309800123.
930 – (930 Turbo)
9 – (1979)
8 – (930 Turbo USA 3.3L)
0 – Coupe
0123 – Sequential Number.
In 1980 the year numbering changed to a lettering code, A=1980 B=1981 and so on.
An example would be 91A0140001
91 – (911)
A – (1980)
0 – (Manufacturing plant)
1 – (Type supplement 1=911)
3 – (Engine version – 911-3.0L U.S.A.)
0001 – Sequential Number.
In 1981 the 10-digit V.I.N. changed to a 17-digit number that we still use today.
The year code changed from the 3rd digit to the 10th digit.
An example would be WPOAAO910BS120001.
WP0– (World producer code-W=Germany, P=Porsche, 0=division)
AA0 – (VDS – Vehicle destination) AAO is USA and ZZZ is Rest of World.
91 – (First and second digit of Porsche type – 911)
O – (Test digit)
B – (1981)
S – (manufacturing location/ Stuttgart)
1 – (Third digit of Porsche Type – 911)
2 – (Body type-911SC coupe USA/Canada)
0001 – Sequential Number.
But wait, there is the twist!, Capital letters A through Z and numbers 1 through 0 may be used in the V.I.N. itself, except the letters I, O and Q , for obvious reasons. In the year code only, the letter U and the number 0 are not used as well.
Here is the breakdown for those of you still counting on you fingers-
1980 (A), 1981 (B), 1982 (C), 1983 (D) 1984 (E) 1985 (F) 1986 (G) 1987 (H), 1988 (J), 1989 (K), 1990 (L), 1991 (M), 1992 (N), 1993 (P), 1994 (R), 1995 (S), 1996 (T), 1997 (V), 1998 (W), 1999 (X), 2000 (Y) Then after 2001 the 10 th digit changes to a number, 2001(1), 2002 (2), 2003 (3), 2004 (4) and so on. In 2010 the year designator will switch back to (A) again. 2011 (B), 2012 (C,) and so on.
For a more detailed look at the V.I.N. coding, pick up one of the Porsche Technical Specifications Bookletsfrom your local dealer. They are each about 100 pages of pure technical fact fun, including complete V.I.N. de-coding.
Good Luck
