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.
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:
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:
- Last auction worth of $3,275 USD
- Title brand records
- Front end damage
- Vehicle doesn’t run and drive
- The engine doesn’t start
- Clear title
- 74,503 miles on the Odometer
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:
- Market value of $48,000 USD
- Vehicle has a title brand record
- One auction record
- One damage record
- It runs and drives
- It has working keys
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.
Full VIN Breakdown: How to Read an 11 Digit VIN Number
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:
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.
View historical sales listings of the classic car, showing Classifieds or digital marketplace data, mileage, color, and pricing information
Track the number of times the car's title has changed, including type, odometer reading, and VIN details.
Ensure the vintage car has a clean history by checking for past accidents and hidden structural damages to make an informed purchasing decision.
Gain access to comprehensive 60+ title checks, covering DMV salvage title, rebuilt, junk title, insurance, and more.
Avoid future financial complications by checking for outstanding lien and loan records associated with the vehicle.
Query a vehicle's VIN to view its total number of owners, locations, and duration of ownership.
Before making a purchase or sale, verify the number of miles on the vehicle to identify any potential mileage discrepancies.
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.
Query a vehicle's VIN to view its total number of owners, locations, and duration of ownership.
Ensure the vintage car has a clean history by checking for past accidents and hidden structural damages to make an informed purchasing decision.
Track the number of times the car's title has changed, including type, odometer reading, and VIN details.
Gain access to comprehensive 60+ title checks, covering DMV salvage title, rebuilt, junk title, insurance, and more.
Avoid future financial complications by checking for outstanding lien and loan records associated with the vehicle.
View historical sales listings of the classic car, showing Classifieds or digital marketplace data, mileage, color, and pricing information.
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:
- Free 13 digit VIN decoding.
- Free garage feature: Add classic cars to the garage for free.
- Accurate and Fast - returns results within seconds.
- Access vehicle reports and build sheets from your comfort zone
- Detailed build sheets for all vehicles
- User-friendly experience
- Android and iOS versions available
- 24/7 customer service
Get Build Sheets With Production Data
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 | |||
| Vehicle images | |||
| Sales listings | |||
| Accident and damage records | |||
| Vehicle Usage Record | |||
| Event Verification | |||
| Theft records | |||
| Title brand records | |||
| Auction records | |||
| Car mileage | |||
| Ownership records | |||
| Detailed reports | |||
| Lien and loan records | |||
| Detailed Vehicle History |
How To Decode 12 Digit VINs
To get a 12 digit VIN number search, all you need to do is:
Find the VIN
Navigate to the form on this page
Enter your email address and fill out the form
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 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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a VIN number be 11 digits?
Yes, some older vehicles have 11-digit VINs unique to each vehicle, especially those manufactured before the standardization of VINs in 1981.
What if my VIN is less than 17 digits?
Older vehicles may have VINs with fewer than 17 digits. The standard 17 digit VIN format was implemented in 1981, so pre-1981 vehicles might have shorter VINs. With the VIN, you can get a detailed report and even a build sheet by VIN.
What is the 11th letter of the VIN number?
The 11th letter of the classic VIN (11 digit VIN) for classic Chevy, Mercury, forms part of the vehicle’s unique serial number.
How to look up a 11 digit vin number?
You can use our free 11-digit VIN check tool by following these simple steps:
