Is there a "Carfax type" records check for '80 and earlier cars?

[the]

Carfax looks like it only covers cars from 1981 on.

Is there any similar service that can get records for an '80?

[Laneco]

Cars built 1980 and prior do not have standardized VINs (81 began 17 digit system we currently use for all makers). Carfax, as you are aware, only picks up 17 digit VINs thus no records prior to 1981. Some states may issue VINs for home-built vehicles, especially trailers, that are not 17 digits, Carfax will not pick those up either.

So to answer your question - is there a system for 1980 and earlier VINs? Not exactly... But if the vehicle has been registered in a state that maintains old records you "may" be able to get the history from that individual state. Probably will require each owner's permission to access the record due to privacy laws.

After the privacy laws issues are addressed, the next problem will be document purging. Most motor vehicle systems eventually purge documents for vehicles that are sold out-of-state just to keep the data base manageable.

Finding the old history is alot like being a bloodhound. You have to keep your nose to the trail, but know when to give up.

Specialty cars that are part of a Registry may have history thru the Registry that is completely seperate from any state motor vehicle information.

Hope that helps a little...
angela