Decode Classic Car VIN for Free With Our Classic Car VIN Decoder

Classic Car VIN Decoder is the best solution to decode classic car VINs from 5 to 13 digit VINs. Enter your classic car VIN to get accurate vehicle specifications and history now.

Excellentrating
201 reviews onTrustpilot
Want to learn about classic vehicles specifications, original base price and more?Get Classic Build Sheet
1965 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Series
1967 Pontiac Catalina Series
1963 Dodge Polara 8-500 Series

Understanding Classic Cars and VINs

Understanding classic cars involves knowing their historical and collectible value, typically vehicles over 20-30 years old. VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) helps identify a car's make, model, year, and specifications. However, VINs weren't standardized until 1981, making classic car VIN decoding more complex, as older vehicles often have unique or inconsistent identification numbers.

What is a Classic Car?

Classic cars are those that are older than 1981. They are also termed “antique” or “pre-1980” cars. Classics shouldn’t have changed or updated their original designs, and all repairs and maintenance should have been done according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Hudson Hornet
Where to Find the VIN on a pre 1980 Classic Car?

What is a Classic Car VIN Number?

The classic car VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) typically consists of 5 to 13 digits, depending on the year of manufacture. Unlike modern vehicles with standardized 17-character VINs, classic cars often have shorter VINs due to different manufacturing practices. These digits uniquely identify the vehicle and can provide information about its make, model, and year.

Where Can I Find the Classic Car VIN?

Between 1968 and 1980, there was no official VIN location as all manufacturers issued VINs independently for their vehicles. Between 1955 and 1967, the term “serial number” was used instead of “VIN” and there was no VIN uniformity. The VIN on any pre-1980 car can be located in any of the following places:

  • play
    On the dashboard
  • play
    The driver-side door
  • play
    The firewall inside the engine compartment, and
  • play
    The VIN can also be found on vehicle documents, including title records and insurance card

Classic Car VIN Decoder: FREE VIN Decoding Service

Every car, both modern and old, has a unique serial number used to identify it. Like human fingerprints, no two cars can have the same VIN number. The VIN usually contains both letters and numbers. However, many classic car VINs contain only numbers.

Moreover, classic car VINs are not standardized; each manufacturer assigns any VIN length. As a result, classic car VIN numbers can range from 5 to 13 digits. You may even be surprised to see less or more than this range.

Unlike the modern 17-digit VIN, the difference in VIN length has made classic car VIN decoding challenging for those who deal with them—dealers, buyers, car insurance companies, and DMV officials (during car registration).

Don’t think too far. Decoding a classic VIN is easier than you can ever imagine. With our classic VIN decoder, you can instantly obtain details about the vehicle specifications, transmission, engine, and more at no cost.

Vehicle Specification

The information provided includes:

Vehicle specifications
Year, make, model
gear stickTransmission
Fuel type & capacity
drive typeDrive type
doorsNo. of doors
engineEngine information (Type, cylinder, displacement, torque)
Body measurement (Weight, length, width, height, wheelbase)
transmissionNo. of gears
axleAxle type
wheelsWheels, rims & tires

Our classic VIN decoding is completely free. Simply provide details in the form above to get started.

Classic Car VIN Lookup: Vehicle History Tool for Buyers and Sellers

Every used car has a history, including classic cars.

Conducting a classic car VIN search can help uncover the past records of any pre-1981 cars, but unlike modern vehicle identification numbers, this may involve a specialized tool to access these records.

When considering the purchase of a classic car, conducting proper research is vital. Obtaining a classic car VIN history report is essential to provide valuable insights into the classic car’s background.

The classic car history report contains important information, such as accident records, loan and lien information, and more crucial data that aid in making informed decisions or gaining a better understanding of your classic vehicle.

By getting a classic car vehicle history, you can access exclusive information, including:

60%Auction Trap Warning: 60% of buyers find major issues post-purchase.
80% +Vehicle History Report and Build Sheet offers more chance to get potential buyers.

View past transactions, including ownership changes, accidents, repairs, and mileage. Make informed decisions.

Sales history

Verify any outstanding payments yet to be fully paid. Avoid legal matters or the car being repossessed.

Sales history

Verify title brand (salvage, rebuilt, etc), ownership, liens, and legal status. Prevent fraud and ensure a clean title.

Sales history

Find out if the car has been previously listed for sale at auction and access 10+ photos of the car.

Sales history

Access car mileage over time. It is crucial for assessing wear and tear, estimating value, and detecting fraud.

Sales history

Find out if the car was involved in any collision in the past, including dates, locations, and damage. Aid safety analysis

Sales history

Verify if a vehicle was stolen and possibly recovered or not. Avoid hunting by the police or imprisonment.

Sales history

Finding a Solution Hub for Accurate Classic Car Data

Forget the DMV, NMVTIS, NHTSA, and other prominent vehicle information providers like CARFAX and AutoCheck. More than 95% lack the tools to provide classic car information and records. It’s even worse to discover that only a tiny fraction of the few classic car data providers can decode a classic VIN for the vehicle details accurately and probably the history records.

From our research of over 100 classic car forum sites, about 99% of the users looking for information about a classic car they just bought or are planning to buy were redirected to search elsewhere to find details about their cars. Forum sites couldn’t address their concerns, and they have to look further. But here is the good news - ClassicDecoder.

At ClassicDecoder, our automotive data collection experts left no stone unturned and had classic car shoppers and enthusiasts in mind when they developed the world’s first in-industry classic car solution hub. The tools available in this hub include the classic VIN decoder, classic car VIN lookup tool, and the classic build sheet by VIN.

Are you looking for details about any classic car manufactured from 1910 – 1975, or do you need to unlock details and records about any pre 1980 cars? Look no further than ClassicDecoder classic car data solution hub.

Trust us! If you can’t get what you’re looking for here, you cannot get it elsewhere. So, stay with us for the most accurate and comprehensive information.

518VIN Decoder for 518 unique classic car manufacturers.
4,602VIN Decoder for 4,602 unique classic car models.
80-85VIN Decoder for 80-85 unique classic car key specs.

Decode All Classic VIN Numbers

Why Use Our Classic VIN Decoder

Classic DecoderCARFAXAutocheck

Access accurate and classic detailed vehicle specifications

Yes

No

No

Easily verify classic car engine details and transmission

Yes

No

No

Get classic car details in seconds

Yes

No

No

No credit card required

Yes

No

No

Fully automated classic report generation system (Purchasable vehicle history report and build sheet)

Yes

No

No

Your data is fully secured

Yes

No

No

Classic Car VIN Lookup App |Now available on both Android and iOS!

At Classic Decoder, we believe that developing a mobile app is a great way to extend our classic car data solution hub to as many users as possible across the globe. Our app is built with users and precision in mind. It holds the key to unlocking the history and details of any retro car at your fingertips. It also comes with fascinating and user-friendly features that make it stand out from other mobile apps designed for this purpose.

The Classic Decoder app lets you decode and lookup any classic VIN in a flash. Access accurate vehicle information and history, make an informed decision faster, and buy and trade in classic cars with confidence.

Classic Decoder App

Download The Classic Decoder App now.

Some unique features include:

  • play
    Support all classic VIN lengths from 5 to 13 digits
  • play
    Support classic cars produced from 1910 – 1980
  • play
    Online Garage features – to add and manage your vehicles
  • play
    24/7 Customer Support
  • play
    Easy onboarding for first-time users

How to use our VIN Decoding and VIN Lookup Services

Follow these simple steps to get started with any of our services:

  • 1
    Go to the respective page serviceVIN decoding or Classic car VIN check.
  • 2
    Enter the VINand provide other information in the form.
  • 3
    Submit your entryto gain access.
  • 4
    While our VIN decoding service is FREE,a little fee is charged to look up the vehicle history or get the build sheet.
  • 5
    Review the resultsto make an informed decision on the car.
background
Excellentrating
201 reviews onTrustpilot

Want to learn about classic vehicles specifications, original base price and more?

Get Classic Build Sheet

You can also create an account to enjoy our exclusive offers.

The Benefits of Getting a Classic Vehicle History Report

The benefits of getting classic vehicle data cannot be exhausted. Here are some top benefits of obtaining a Classic Vehicle History Report:

shield icon

Fraud Prevention and Transparency

A history report helps you avoid fraud when buying a retro car privately. It reveals the vehicle’s past, including hidden issues.

search icon

Understanding What You’re Buying

A history report discloses key details about accidents, title changes, and branded titles, ensuring the car aligns with the seller’s claims.

checkmark icon

Validation of Title Information

The report verifies that the title information matches the seller’s, confirming purchase dates and other key details for a smooth transaction.

flag icon

Identifying Red Flags & Hidden Histories

Certain DMV brands like “Junk” or “Salvage” can lower a car’s value. A history report highlights these, ensuring safety and value.

document icon

Documenting Maintenance and Memories

A history report tracks repairs and memories, adding value for current owners. It enhances your connection to the vehicle’s story.

Uncover Your Classic Car’s Hidden Histories.

Classic Build Sheets by VIN

Classic build sheets help reveal any classic car's unique characteristics and specifications. Whether you’re a collector, restorer, or simply curious about automotive history, this document adds depth and authenticity to your classic car experience.

A classic car build sheet is a descriptive document that provides essential insights into how a specific vehicle was built when it left the factory. It can significantly enhance classic car values, making your customers willing to pay a premium.

1963 Dodge Polara Build Sheet

1963 Dodge Polara 500 Convertible

Decode Classic VINs of the following Car Brands

Frequently Asked Questions

A car typically is considered a classic when it is 10 - 25 years old. But a classic car VIN typically refers to production cars made pre-1981 - when VINs were not standardized into the 17-digit number and letters that we know today.


Classic cars are those vehicles that are considered valuable to collectors today because of their design, engineering, performance, or rarity. They are generally classified as pre-1960s vehicles and are sought after by private collectors for restoration or as vintage showpieces.

You can use online tools like Classic Decoder to decipher the VINS of pre-1981 vehicles. Since classic cars typically have non-standard, 5 - 13 digit VINs, most VIN decoder tool do not support them. Alternatively, some manufacturers also provide decoding guidelines, but it requires some elbow grease.

Yes, there are free VIN number check tools for old and vintage cars. Classic Decoder offers a free pre-1981 VIN decoder that will provide the complete specifications of the car.

You can identify a classic car by looking at its VIN, if it has shorter than 17-digit VIN, that means the car was produced before 1981.