Structure of the Porsche chassis numbers

The structure of the chassis nummer respectively the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) has changed several times in the history of Porsche. At the beginning it was a simple sequential number. After that, a system was introduced that made it possible to determine the model and the model year. Until finally in 1981 the internationally standardized 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN) was used.

The different combinations are described in more detail below.

• 6-digit (MY: 1964-1967)
• 8-digit (MY: 1968)
• 9-digit (MY: 1969)
• 10-digit (MY: 1970-1979)
• 10-digit (MY: 1980)
• 17-digit (MY: since 1981)

Porsche VIN model years 1964 - 1967

With the introduction of the Porsche 911, six-digit chassis numbers were used. There was not a real system in place. The assigned numbers can be foand in the list. A distinction is made between model, model year and body manufacturer.

Porsche VIN model year 1968

In 1968, the chassis number was expanded to eight digits and a system was implemented to map the vehicle type, model year and model variant.

1. model name
   11 = 911
2. model year
   8 = 1968
3. variant
   0 = Coupé S, 1 = Coupé L, 2 = Coupé T, 3 = Coupé USA
   5 = Targa S, 6 = Targa L, 7 = Targa T, 8 = Targa USA
   9 = Coupé R
4. continuous counting

Porsche VIN model year 1969

In 1969 the chassis number was expanded to 9 digits. Thus, in addition to the vehicle type, the model year and the model variant, the built-in engine type could also be displayed.

1. model name
   11 = 911
2. model year
   9 = 1969
3. engine type
   1 = 911 T, 2 = 911 E, 3 = 911 S
4. body
   0 = Coupé, 1 = Cabriolet, 2 = Coupé by Karmann
5. continuous counting

Porsche VIN model yeare 1970 - 1979

In the 1970s, a 10-digit version was used and the model name was shown with three digits.

1. model name
   911 = 911 (non turbo)
   930 = 911 turbo
   914 = 914/6 (914/4 got VW-chassis number)
   924
   928
2. model year
   0= 1970, 1 = 1971 ... 9 = 1979
3. engine type
   1970 - 1971: 1 = 911 T, 2 = 911 E, 3 = 911 S and 916, 4 = 914/6
   1972 - 1973: 1 = 911 T, 2 = 911 E, 3 = 911 SE, 5 = 911 T Carburetor, 6 = 911 SC
   1974 - 1975: 1 = 911, 3 = 911 S, 4 = Carrera USA, 6 = Carrera
   1975: 7 = 911 turbo
   1976 - 1977: 0 = 912 E, 2 = 911 S USA, 3 = 911, 6 = Carrera, 7 = 911 turbo, 8 = 911 turbo (USA)
   1978 - 1979: 1 = 928 (USA/Japan), 2 = 911 SC (USA) 928 (ROW), 3 = 911 SC, 7 = 911 turbo, 8 = 911 turbo (USA/Japan)
4. body
   0 = Coupé, 1 = Targa, 2 = Coupé by Karmann, 3 = 914 Targa
5. continuous counting

Porsche VIN model year 1980

In 1980 there was another adjustment of the division, but the total length of 10 digits was retained. The body type is no longer included, but the manufacturing factory has been added.

1. model name (part 1) - digits 1+2+5
   93+0 = 930 turbo, 91+1 = 911, 92+4 = 924, 92+8 = 928, 93+1 = 924 Turbo
2. model year
   A = 1980, B = 1981, C = 1982, D = 1983
3. manufacturer location
   0 = 
4. model name (part 2) - digits 1+2+5
   93+0 = 930 turbo, 91+1 = 911, 92+4 = 924, 92+8 = 928, 93+1 = 924 Turbo 
5. engine type
   0 = V8 ROW, 1 = V8 USA, 2 = V8 Version S, 3 = B6 ROW, 4 = B6 USA, 7 = B6 Turbo
6. continuous counting

Porsche VIN since model year 1981

In 1981, the internationally standardized vehicle identification number (VIN) was used. This is a 17-digit number which is unique worldwide.

1. world manufacture code
   WP0 = Porsche Sports Car
   WP1 = Porsche (e.g.: Cayenne)
2. body code
   Z = placeholder
   only in USA/Canada: A = Coupé, B = Targa, C = Cabriolet
   since 2003: J = Coupé, K = Cabriolet
3. engine type code (only used in USA/anada, ROW = Z)
   Z = placeholder
4. code for restraint systems (only used in USA/Canada, ROW = Z)
   0 = seat belt, 2 = airbag and seat belt
   since 2003: E = without side airbag, F = with side airbag
5. model type part 1 (see part 9)
   digits 7+8+12
   ex.: 93+0 Porsche 911 turbo, 98+6 = Porsche Boxster, 98+0 = Porsche Carrera GT, 9P+A = Cayenne
6. check digit (only used in USA/Canada, ROW = Z)
   0 - 9, X, Z = placeholder
7. model year
   consecutive letters (I, O, Q, U and Z are not in use):
   A = 1980, B = 1981, C = 1982 ... H = 1987, J = 1988, K = 1989 ... N = 1992, P = 1993, R = 1994 ... X = 1999, Y = 2000
   since 2001 consecutive digit:
   1 = 2001 2= 2002 ... 9 = 2009
8. place of manufacture
   S = Stuttgart (Germany), N = Neckarsulm (Germany), L = Leipzig (Germany), U = Uusikaupunki (Finland)
9. model type part 2 (see part 5)
   digits 7+8+12
   ex.: 93+0 Porsche 911 turbo, 98+6 = Porsche Boxster, 98+0 = Porsche Carrera GT, 9P+A = Cayenne
10. code for body and engine
11. continuous counting

more about the international VIN see Wikipedia