How To Decode 10 Digit VIN Codes

Retrieving valuable information for pre-1981 cars can be very challenging. Need to decode a 10-digit VIN code? Our classic car VIN decoder is the key to unlocking the history of any classic car with a 10-digit VIN. Access accurate specifications and trace the history of any classic car using the 10-digit VIN.

How Our 10-Digit VIN Decoder Works

What you Should Know about Classic Cars

Market Growth

Statista projections indicate that the global classic-car market will grow from $30.9 billion in 2020 to $43.4 billion by 2024. A key factor driving the increased value is the scarcity of these vehicles.

Market growth api
classic car value

Investment and Values

Investing in classic cars doesn’t always go as planned. In 2018, a 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO fetched $70 million in a private sale, and a 1962 version sold at auction for $48.4 million. So, don’t assume your car will increase in value after purchase.

Vehicle Research Matters

When buying a classic car, remember that its value isn’t guaranteed. Various factors come into play. Conduct thorough research to ensure you’re paying a reasonable price.
Researching a classic vehicle in terms of verifying its full specifications, features and history can be very daunting. This is due to the inability of the modern decoders to support VIN lengths that are generally less than 17 digits.

This challenge, however, is seeing the end of its era with the introduction of the ClassicDecoder VIN decoder tool specially developed to ease the stress and frustration that comes with decoding classic car VINs

classic car vin decoder

What Information Can I Get from Decoding a 10-digit VIN?

While our free VIN decoder can provide details on the vehicle specifications, our paid check  can offer valuable insights into any classic automobile’s history to ensure its authenticity and safety. The information include:
Vehicle Specifications

Verify year, make, model, engine, fuel type and more.

Title History

shows any issues or whether the vehicle was assembled or rebuilt.

Sales history

Verify if the vehicle was listed online for sale at any time

Lien and loan records

Know if there was any outstanding payment on the car.

Accident Records

Check for any accidents and the level of damage.

Theft Records

Check for any records of theft and theft recovery.

Mileage records

Know how many miles the vehicle has covered and more

Auction Records and Photos (When available)

Know if the car has been to an auction, and the auction history with photos of the car. Seeing is believing.

The Benefits of Classic VIN Decoding and Lookup

Classic VIN decoding provides valuable insights for vintage car enthusiasts and collectors. Here are five benefits of using this service:

  1. Authenticity Verification: Classic cars are and command high prices. Buyers can verify authenticity through VIN checks to avoid fraud or buying a stolen unit.
  2. Detailed History: A classic car VIN lookup reveals essential details about the vehicle’s past. Knowing this information helps trace ownership and validate the car’s originality.
  3. Accident and Damage Insights: Uncover any reported accidents or damage in the vehicle’s history. Empower yourself to make informed decisions and assess the condition and potential risks associated with the classic car.
  4. Peace of Mind: Transparency is essential during the buying process. By offering insights into the vehicle’s background and  history, it ensures peace of mind and confidence in your purchase.
  5. Estimated Value: The knowledge of a vehicle history can help enthusiasts building their own collection of exciting classic cars to outline the estimated market value of the vehicle.

Sample Report: A 10-Digit VIN Number

Here is a detailed report breakdown for a 1950 Chevrolet 3100 (VIN: AHCA340510). The major events and records include the following:

Chevrolet 1950
classic car vehicle history report

Before you part ways with hard earned cash, get valuable Classic Car vehicle history information. ClassicDecoder History Reports  show you the vehicle brand title information, any accident records, if it is stolen,  and many more.

Unlock the past records before you buy with our check VIN number tool.

How to decode a 10-digit Vehicle Identification Number?

Decoding a 10-digit VIN involves understanding the significance of each digit and identifying specific characters. Here, we will explore the decoding process to decode the information within a 10-digit VIN of a 1964 Oldsmobile (824F008101)

  • First Character (8) codes for the Engine. This means it’s an 8-cylinder engine.
  • Second Character (2) codes for the series. The automobile series is a F85 Cutlass.
  • Third Character (4) represents the year model. In this case, it’s a 1964 model. Note: Standard or Classic VINs do not include the letters I (i), O (o), Q (q), U (u), Z (z) or 0 (zero) for model year identification.
  • Fourth Character (F) codes for the assembly plant. This automobile was assembled in Fremont, CA.
  • The last 6 characters (008101) represent the production number.
  • The VIN decoder developed by ClassicDecoder specializes in decoding 10-digit VINs. This tool provides comprehensive and accurate vehicle information to help you make an informed decision when buying a used classic car or finding the correct parts.

    Where can I find the 10-digit VIN on a classic car?

    The 10-digit VIN can typically be found in the following places

  • On the driver’s side dashboard or door frame.
  • On the vehicle’s title and registration documents.
  • On the plate on the left front door body hinge pillar post.
  • where to find vin number

    Evolve with Classic Car VIN Decoder App

    Generating results faster than you can ever imagine
    Get instant access to accurate vehicle information at your fingertips. Easily verify vehicle specifications and details for free, uncover vehicle history and get classic window stickers on the go without breaking the bank.

    The VIN Year chart for Standard VINs: What is it?

    Since 1980 when VIN structure was standardized, VIN year charts have been playing a crucial role in decoding Vehicle year.

    They are comprehensive documents that list model year codes and corresponding letters or numbers found in VINs. They serve as a valuable reference for accurately decoding the year of an automobile based on its VIN.

    Here, we present the VIN Year Chart from 1980 – 2024 

    Although there  is no VIN year chart for classic VINs, there are online resources and databases like ClassicDecoder that specialize in decoding 10-digit VINs, providing access to accurate VIN decoding and vehicle history service. 

    Build Sheets for Accurate Classic Car Evaluation

    Whether selling or buying a classic car, verifying the original features, engine and other build details can help you make an informed decision about the classic car – enhancing accurate classic car valuation. You can easily access all these details in the Classic Build Sheet.

    build sheet by vin

    How to Read a 12 Digit VIN Number

    12 digit vin number

    Reading a 12 digit VIN manually is an easy task if you know what each character represents. Here is a detailed breakdown of what information each character holds:

    First Digit

    The first character of the 12 digit VIN represents the model year of the classic car.

    Second and Third Digit

    These digits in the VIN number sequence indicate the specific series model of the classic vehicle..

    Fourth and Fifth Digits

    Characters four and five provide information on the vehicle’s body style.

    Sixth Digit

    The sixth digit gives information about the vehicle’s assembly/production plant. 

    Seventh to Twelfth Digits

    These characters on the car’s VIN serve as a unique “serial” number for each vehicle. While they may not provide information, they distinguish one vehicle from others of the same kind produced on the assembly line.

    While these general guidelines apply to many classic VINs, keep in mind that variations exist because there was no standardized format until 1981. 

    Most of the time, you can only get so little information without a tool. For a detailed breakdown, you will need to decode 12 digit VIN numbers with our decoder. Try it now and access comprehensive specifications and information encoded in the number.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    To read a 10-digit VIN, locate the VIN plate on the dashboard or engine bay, and identify the 10 characters representing the vehicle’s unique code.
    The standardization of 10-digit VINs began in 1981, ensuring a general consistent format for identifying vehicle information.
    Yes, characters such as ‘Z’, ‘B’, ‘Q’, ‘0’, ‘U’ are used in the 10th digit of a VIN to constitute specific years, such as 1981, 1980, 2009, and 2000.
    You can find information on decoding the 10th character VIN for different manufacturers by using ClassicDecoder VIN decoding tool, providing detailed information of 10-digit VIN codes for various car makers
    Yes, there are free online resources like the great tool provided by ClassicDecoder. Besides, discussion forums dedicated to classic cars can also provide information on decoding 10-digit VINs, enabling owners to look up and understand their automobile’s VIN code.