[notify_plugin primary_color='#f4d330' secondary_color='#002485']

5 digit VIN Decoder: Decode Classic Car VIN Numbers

Do you have a 5 digit VIN you want to decode? No doubt you find that challenging! Here is the solution! We offer you a unique 5 digit VIN free decoder not found anywhere else on the internet. Use the form field below and decode your VIN country of origin list. 

What are 5 digit VINs

The Vehicle Identification Number as we know it today is a 17-digit alpha-numeric code, however, it has not always been like that. 

1980  VINs: Before 1981, there was no standardized format for Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) in the automotive industry. Different manufacturers used their own numbering systems, and some of these might have been 5 digits long. However, these weren’t truly VINs in the modern sense, as they lacked the detailed information encoded in the standardized 17-character format. If you have a 5 digit VIN it means you are trying to look at a classic or antique vehicle. 

volkswagen classic van

Where Can I find the 5 digit VINs on a classic car?

Locating the VIN number example on a classic car can be trickier than on modern vehicles due to the lack of standardization before 1981. Here are some places to check, depending on the car’s year and manufacturer:

where to find vin number

Common Locations:

  • Engine block or cylinder head (stamped)
  • Firewall (stamped)
  • Door pillar (welded plate or sticker)
  • Chassis frame rail (stamped)
  • Vehicle title and registration documents
  • How to Check a 5 digit VIN

    To get a 5 digit VIN search, all you need to do is:

    1
    Find the VIN
    2
    Locate the form on this page
    3
    Enter your email address and fill out the form
    4
    Check out and access vehicle information with our classic vehicle VIN decoder

    What you get after a 5 digit VIN Number Check

    Our classic decoder can find VIN number online and vehicle history report services span all antique VIN types including those as short as 5 digits. Sometimes these 5 digits may be referred to as serial numbers. When you generate a vehicle history report you can expect to get the following information:

    Standar specifications
    Read More
    report specifications

    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

    Historical sales listings of the used car, including the Classifieds, or digital marketplace, mileage, color, and price.

    Title change history
    Read More
    title history

    Check how many times the car’s title was changed in the past, type, odometer reading, and VIN.

    Accident and damage records
    Read More
    accidents records

    Check if the vintage car was involved in an accident in the past. Avoid buying one with hidden structural damages.

    60+ Title Checks
    Read More
    title checks

    Get access to 60+ title checks including salvage title, rebuilt, junk title, and and more

    Lien and loan records
    Read More
    lien loan

    Check for outstanding lien and loan records on the vehicle. This helps to prevent financial complications in the future.

    Ownership records
    Read More
    ownership

    Lookup a VIN to view the total number of owners, locations, and duration of ownership.

    Mileage records
    Read More
    mileage records

    Check the number of miles on the vehicle before purchase or sale, to spot mileage discrepancies.

    Previous
    Next
    Standar specifications

    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

    Lookup a VIN to view the total number of owners, locations, and duration of ownership.

    Accident and damage records

    Check if the vintage car was involved in an accident in the past. Avoid buying one with hidden structural damages.

    Title change history

    Check how many times the car’s title was changed in the past, type, odometer reading, and VIN.

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

    Get access to 60+ title checks including salvage title, rebuilt, junk title, and and more

    Lien and loan records

    Check for outstanding lien and loan records on the vehicle. This helps to prevent financial complications in the future.

    Sales listing history

    Historical sales listings of the used car, including the Classifieds, or digital marketplace, mileage, color, and price.

    Mileage records

    Check the number of miles on the vehicle before purchase or sale, to spot mileage discrepancies.

    Get the industry's premier classic VIN decoder app.

    Get the classic VIN number lookup free app and enjoy the following benefits:

    Benefits of a 5 digit VIN check

    The following benefits will suffice, for the category of persons mentioned below:

    For Owners:

    • Find Your Classic’s Past: A VIN check unveils your car’s complete history, revealing accidents, repairs, and ownership changes. This knowledge empowers you to understand its condition and value.
    • Peace of Mind: Ultimately, classic car vin lookup provides classic car owners with peace of mind, knowing that they have thoroughly researched and verified the history and authenticity of their cherished vehicles.

    For Buyers:

    • Shield Yourself from Scams: A VIN check protects you from buying a car with hidden damage, rebuilds, or stolen history. Save money and avoid regrets down the line.
    • Negotiate with Confidence: Armed with the car’s true history and condition, you’ll be in a stronger position to negotiate a fair price.
    • Buy with Peace of Mind: Buying a classic is a significant investment. A VIN check grants you the assurance that you’re getting a car worth your money.

    For Sellers:

    • Boost Buyer Trust: A clean VIN report attracts more potential buyers and accelerates your car’s sale. Buyers are more likely to make offers with the knowledge of a clean history.
    • Maximize Your Return: Cars with clean VIN histories typically command higher prices. A VIN check helps you fetch the best possible price for your classic.
    • Avoid Legal Headaches: Selling a car with undisclosed issues or defects can lead to legal trouble. A VIN check minimizes these risks.

    5 Fun Facts About Classic Vehicles

    The First “Production” Car Only Had 3 Wheels: While technically not street-legal, the 1886 Benz Patent-Motorwagen is widely considered the first gasoline-powered car. This three-wheeled marvel could reach a whopping 16 km/h (10 mph) and had a single-cylinder engine, marking the dawn of a new era.

    first car
    most expensive classic car

    Most Expensive Classic Car Sold for Over $80 Million: The title of most expensive classic car ever sold belongs to a 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO, which fetched a staggering $48.4 million at auction in 2014. In 2018, another 250 GTO shattered that record, selling for a mind-blowing $80 million!

    Early Cars Didn’t Have Steering Wheels: Believe it or not, the first cars used tillers, similar to those found on boats, to control direction. Steering wheels wouldn’t become standard until the late 1890s.

    first car
    Horseless Carriage
    The “Horseless Carriage” Nearly Had Wheels on Its Roof: Before settling on pneumatic tires, some early car designers experimented with putting the wheels on top of the vehicle for a smoother ride. Thankfully, common sense prevailed!
    The American Classic, Mustang, Was Almost Called the “Panther”: The iconic Ford Mustang almost had a much different name. “Panther” and “Torino” were seriously considered before Lee Iacocca, then Ford’s General Manager, championed the name “Mustang,” inspired by the wild horses roaming the American West.
    american classic mustang

    Get Build Sheets With Production Data

    Pontiac Catalina

    If you are seeking a satisfying buying experience, consider exploring the option of obtaining an accurate build sheet featuring precise production data, manufacturer details, technical specifications, engine specifics, build location and country of origin, transmission particulars, drivetrain information, suspension details, and beyond.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    A pre-1981 VIN is usually varied by manufacturer and may lack the detailed information encoded in modern VINs. Researching this VIN with our tool might reveal your specific car’s make, model, and year other historical data.

    Yes, in the past this involved a lot of hassles, you may even have to consult online communities and forums to find more information about it, however, with our 5 digit VIN decoder, you get this information as fast as possible.

    Common locations include:
    • Driver-side dashboard near the windshield
    • Driver-side door pillar or door jamb
    • Engine block or cylinder head (might be different from the main VIN)
    A complete VIN reveals a wealth of information, including:
    • Origin: Country and manufacturer of the vehicle
    • Vehicle specifications: Model, engine type, transmission, etc.
    • Production details: Model year, assembly plant, etc.
    • Safety information: Recalls and service bulletins
    • Ownership history: Title changes, odometer readings, etc. (if VIN check service was service used)