Deciphering Chassis & VIN Numbers

Deciphering Chassis & VIN Numbers - thru 1979

On earlier VW's, the chassis and VIN numbers are the same. The first two numbers indicate the body style (i.e. 21=standard Bus, 22 & 24 = Microbus, 23=Kombi, 26=pickup). The third digit denotes the model year (i.e. 7= 1967). The remaining digits are the actual sequantial chassis number. On most Busses, this number is found on a plate attached to the panel behind the drivers seat.

Deciphering Chassis & VIN Numbers - from 1980

What the numbers mean...

The actual examples shown here relate to Vanagons, but the same lettering/numbering system is used on all Volkswagens from 1980.

W    Country of Origin   [W Germany]
V     Manufacturer   [Volkswagen]
2      Vehicle Type  [ 1 Pickup  |   2  Van ]
Z      Vehicle Series [U Single Cab | V Double Cab | W Panel Van | X  Kombi  | Y Vanagon | Z  Camper]
B     Engine Type  [ A Aircooled  |  B  Watercooled 4 Cylinder Gasoline  |   G  Diesel ]
0     Restraint System [ 0 Seat Belts ]
25   Model   [ 24 Pickup or Crew Cab  |  25 Bus, Camper, all enclosed models ]
F     Model Year  [A  '80 | B '81 |  C '82 |  D '83 |  E '84 | F '85 | G '86 | H '87 | J '88 | K '89 | L '90 | M '91]
H     Assembly Plant  [ G  Gratz  |   H  Hanover  |   M  Mexico  |   P  Brazil  ]
123456   Sequential Production Number