All You Need To Know About 11 Digit VIN Checks

Have you been searching the internet for where to decode an 11 digit VIN number? Decoding these VINs is difficult for most websites, however, Classic Decoder stands out as the first in the business to offer such services. Get an 11 digit VIN check today!

History of 11 Digit VIN Numbers

A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) serves as a distinctive code for each vehicle, playing a crucial role in identifying and tracking classic and modern vehicles. 

Originally, VINs were not standardized, making it challenging to find information about a vehicle. In the early days, before 1981, VINs varied in length, between 5 to 13 digits, and structure across different manufacturers, creating confusion in record-keeping and vehicle identification.

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NHTSA Standardization in 1981

To address this issue, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the United States standardized VINs in 1981. The standardization included a set length of 17 characters, with each character conveying specific information about the vehicle.

If you’ve got an 11 digit VIN number on your hands, it means you are dealing with a classic vehicle. Our tool can break down that VIN in seconds and extract important information, including detailed specifications and history to trace ownership, mileage, and other important data about the vehicle. Use our  11 digit VIN check tool now and get an accurate classic vehicle history report now!

Where is the VIN located?

You can easily spot the 11-digit VIN number on the:

where to find vin number
  • Driver-side dashboard near the windshield
  • Driver-side door jamb
  • Behind the engine
  • Under the hood near the radiator
  • On the steering column
  • Vehicle registration documents
  • Top 3 Classic Cars With 11 Digit VINs

    Curious about what classic cars with 11 digit VINs would top this list? Well, here is a list of the top three cars, and to make it more interesting, you can also check out their vehicle history reports below:

    1. Ford Mustang (1964-1968)

    The Ford Mustang is an iconic American muscle car that has been in continuous production since 1964. The original Mustang, with its sleek design and powerful engine, quickly became a symbol of American automotive culture. Today, classic Mustangs are highly sought-after by collectors and enthusiasts, and they can sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars.
    Check out the history report of the classic Ford Mustang below currently worth $42,000:

    We found some interesting records in the report generated for a 1966 Ford Mustang. Here’s what we found:

    Despite its classic status and valuation, the presence of damage and a branded title suggests potential issues, warranting careful consideration before making a purchase decision.

    2. Chevrolet Bel Air(1950-1980)

    While the Mustang reigns supreme, the Chevrolet Bel Air deserves its place among top classic cars with 11-digit VINs. Covering multiple generations from 1950-1980, each with its own iconic design and engine options, the Bel Air embodies the American dream through its cultural significance and presence in movies and music. Whether you’re drawn to the sleek 50s models, the muscle car vibes of the 60s, or the practicality of later sedans, the Bel Air’s diverse offerings and strong collector market make it a timeless classic for enthusiasts of all styles.

    Here’s an 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air V8 to check:

    Here’s what we found for this classic car:

    3. Porsche 911 (1955-1975)

    The Porsche 911 (pronounced “nine eleven”) is a rear-engined, two-door sports car that was introduced in 1963 by Porsche AG of Stuttgart, West Germany. It has a six-cylinder boxer engine and a flat-four layout. The 911 has been in continuous production since its introduction and is the most successful sports car in automotive history, with over 1 million units sold by 2017. It is also one of the most recognizable cars in the world. 

    vintage porsche vin decoder

    Full VIN Breakdown: How to Read an 11 Digit VIN Number

    chevy vin number lookup

    Reading an 11-digit VIN number involves understanding the specific information encoded within each digit. Here’s a brief guide:

    A) First Digit

    The first digit of the 11 digit VIN above shows that the classic car was equipped with a V8. If the car wasn’t equipped with a V8, for example, a 6 cylinder engine, it would not begin with a V and the first character would represent the model of the vehicle.

    B) Second Digit

    The next digit encodes the series and model of the vehicle.

    C) Third and Fourth Digit

    The third and fourth digit here represents the model year of the vintage car. In this case, 56 represents 1956.

    D) Fifth Digit

    The fifth digit gives information about the vehicle’s assembly plant where the vehicle was built. 

    E) Sixth to Eleventh Digits

    These characters on the car’s VIN serve as a unique “serial” number for each vehicle.

    While these general guidelines apply to many pre-1980 VINs, keep in mind that variations exist because there was no standardized format for VINs 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.

    What Can You Find With a Classic Car VIN Check?

    We decode all classic vehicle types, including trucks! Here’s what you can find with our 11 digit vin decoder and check tool:

    Standard specifications
    Read More
    report specifications

    Explore key details like the year, make, model, trim level, body style, dimensions, engine size, suspension, gear ratios, capacities, exhaust, ignition, wheels, rims, tires, fuel economy, and more.

    Sales listing history
    Read More
    saleshistory

    View historical sales listings of the classic car, showing Classifieds or digital marketplace data, mileage, color, and pricing information

    Title change history
    Read More
    title history

    Track the number of times the car's title has changed, including type, odometer reading, and VIN details.

    Accident and damage records
    Read More
    accidents records

    Ensure the vintage car has a clean history by checking for past accidents and hidden structural damages to make an informed purchasing decision.

    60+ Title Checks
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    title checks

    Gain access to comprehensive 60+ title checks, covering DMV salvage title, rebuilt, junk title, insurance, and more.

    Lien and loan records
    Read More
    lien loan

    Avoid future financial complications by checking for outstanding lien and loan records associated with the vehicle.

    Ownership records
    Read More
    ownership

    Query a vehicle's VIN to view its total number of owners, locations, and duration of ownership.

    Mileage records
    Read More
    mileage records

    Before making a purchase or sale, verify the number of miles on the vehicle to identify any potential mileage discrepancies.

    Previous
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    Standard specifications

    Explore key details like the year, make, model, trim level, body style, dimensions, engine size, suspension, gear ratios, capacities, exhaust, ignition, wheels, rims, tires, fuel economy, and more.

    Ownership records

    Query a vehicle's VIN to view its total number of owners, locations, and duration of ownership.

    Accident and damage records

    Ensure the vintage car has a clean history by checking for past accidents and hidden structural damages to make an informed purchasing decision.

    Title change history

    Track the number of times the car's title has changed, including type, odometer reading, and VIN details.

    classic car alignment specifications
    title-checks
    saleshistory
    lien-loan
    title-history
    Ownership records
    accident records
    mileage records
    60+ Title Checks

    Gain access to comprehensive 60+ title checks, covering DMV salvage title, rebuilt, junk title, insurance, and more.

    Lien and loan records

    Avoid future financial complications by checking for outstanding lien and loan records associated with the vehicle.

    Sales listing history

    View historical sales listings of the classic car, showing Classifieds or digital marketplace data, mileage, color, and pricing information.

    Mileage records

    Before making a purchase or sale, verify the number of miles on the vehicle to identify any potential mileage discrepancies.

    Simplify VIN Checks With Our Mobile Application

    What does the Classic Car VIN decoder application provide:

    Why Should You Decode a Classic Car VIN?

    Classic cars for sale

    For Buyers

  • Check Vehicle History: Decode VIN to reveal accident history, ownership records, mileage, motor vehicle safety, and other vehicle records.
  • Verify Authenticity: Ensure the classic car matches the provided details, preventing fraud and avoiding scams.
  • Evaluate Market Value: Assess accurate market worth based on VIN specifications and vehicle condition.
  • For Sellers

  • Build Trust with Buyers: Enhance transparency by providing a decoded VIN and reports upfront.
  • Highlight Positive Features: Showcase unique VIN-related details to attract buyers.
  • Facilitate Smooth Transactions: Address buyer concerns before they even ask and get faster sales.
  • For Dealers

  • Assess Trade-in Value: Accurately determine trade-in values for old cars in North America based on specifications and conditions.
  • Ensure Compliance and Documentation: Verify VIN info to comply with regulations and ensure proper documentation.
  • Enhance Customer Confidence: Use VIN decoding to build trust and transparency, building customer confidence.
  • Get Build Sheets With Production Data

    Pontiac Catalina

    Want a better purchase experience? Consider getting a build sheet with accurate production data, manufacturer information, technical specifications, engine type, build plant and country, transmission, drivetrain, suspension, and more.

    Common Misconceptions about 11-Digit VINs

    When it comes to decoding 11-digit VINs there are some misconceptions that a lot of car buyers, sellers, dealers, and enthusiasts. What are they? Let’s find out now.

    Classic Car VINs Provide Limited Information

    Indeed, you may not be able to decipher the VIN and all the information it holds manually. However, with a detailed VIN decoder like ours, you can access accurate specifications of any classic vehicle using the 11 digit VIN, and even check history records.

    Classic Car Data No Longer Exists

    Often, we hear consumers say that the classic car data has been deleted. They claim data is cleared off over a long time and only standard VIN data is currently available and accessible. This is incorrect! With our tool, you can even decode VINs from the 50s in seconds and view available data with ease.

    Irrelevance for Non-Collectors

    Some individuals may think that 11-digit VIN checks are only beneficial for collectors and not relevant for those who simply appreciate classic cars. The tool serves both enthusiasts and casual admirers, offering valuable insights regardless of one’s level of involvement in the classic car community.

    Classic Decoder vs. VINAudit: Which is a Better VIN Decoder?

    Comparison Classic Decoder VINAudit VIN Data
    Standard specifications check mark check mark check mark
    Vehicle images check mark x mark x mark
    Sales listings check mark check mark x mark
    Accident and damage records check mark check mark x mark
    Vehicle Usage Record check mark x mark x mark
    Event Verification check mark x mark x mark
    Theft records check mark check mark x mark
    Title brand records check mark check mark check mark
    Auction records check mark x mark x mark
    Car mileage check mark x mark check mark
    Ownership records check mark x mark x mark
    Detailed reports check mark x mark x mark
    Lien and loan records check mark check mark x mark
    Detailed Vehicle History check mark x mark x mark

    How To Decode 12 Digit VINs

    To get a 12 digit VIN number search, all you need to do is:

    1
    Find the VIN
    2
    Navigate to the form on this page
    3
    Enter your email address and fill out the form
    4
    Access vehicle information with our classic vehicle VIN decode

    What do you know about classic cars?

    Here are some interesting facts about classic cars:

    The global classic car market is expected to reach a value of $43.4 billion by 2024. This growth is being driven by several factors, including increasing demand from collectors and investors, a growing appreciation for classic car culture, and a limited supply of these vehicles.
    Market growth api
    ferrari vin build sheet

    The most expensive classic car ever sold is a 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO, which sold for $48.4 million at auction in 2018. This record-breaking sale highlights the incredible value that some classic cars can command.

    The average classic car owner is a male Baby Boomer with a household income of over $140,000. This demographic is drawn to classic cars for their style, history, and investment potential.

    classic car vin lookup
    classic car vin lookup

    There are an estimated 5 million classic cars in the United States alone. This number is expected to continue to grow as more and more people become interested in preserving and restoring these historic vehicles.

    Classic cars are often used in movies and television shows. This exposure has helped to further popularize classic cars and make them even more desirable.

    Fast & furious cars

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Our 11-digit VIN decoder can reveal the car’s year, make, model, transmission type, fuel type, engine specifications, drive type, body measurements, axle type, tire details, door count, and gears.

    Yes, with our Ford 11 digit VIN decoder, you can get the vehicle history report which includes accident records when available, which can help you understand any past damages or repairs related to accidents.

    Yes, our vehicle history report checks for any lien or loan records on file, ensuring that you’re informed of any outstanding financial claims against the vehicle.

    Yes, the report retrieved using our Suzuki 11 digit VIN decoder includes odometer readings when available, allowing you to check for mileage consistency and identify any potential discrepancies.

    Yes, you’ll receive details on the transmission, which are especially useful for classic car enthusiasts looking to maintain or restore their vehicle accurately.