new member needs help understanding vin

[1of40]

Hello, i've been looking for an original early 911 and thought i found one on until i started researching the vin and learned it might not be as titled.

What VIN source is king? The vehicle i'm looking at claims it is a 66 911 with vin 305368. some sources i've found don't seem to agree.

btw, this vehicle is located in Martinez, CA. Any suggestions of someone I should use to do a pre-purchase inspection would be very helpful.

Best regards,
Clay

[DaveE]

Early 911S Registry is a good source for info on early cars. THIS page shows your car as a '66.

[Joe Bob]

You are a little light on the details. The VIN should be on the registration and title, the VIN should match the VIN inside the trunk. Posting a pic of the VIN plate should tell those familiar with that model year if the VIN plate is legit.

Stamping, placement and the rivets are indicators of tampering.

Now....back in the day, SOME titles were issued with the engine number as the VIN. This is because American VINs and engine numbers matched. Porsches do not have 'numbers matching' cars. The engine numbers correspond with the model year and you have to check records to see what was delivered with that particular body serial number.

I had one and it took a bit to get it straight with DMV. PCA was helpful with a letter. I still had to have a peace officer verify the numbers with a visual inspection.

[djpateman]

305368 would be a 1967 model year, but built in calendar year 1966; 1967 VINs started at 305101. Now the trick is to look at the paint badge on the divers door hinge post aand see if there is an "S" following the VIN. Also look on the aluminum badge located on the front lid slam panel and see what the model # is in the upper left box.

[djpateman]

Originally Posted by DaveE

THIS page shows your car as a '66.

THAT page is, in most cases, off by one model year: 118xxxxx is 1968, 119xxxxxx is 1969 and 9110xxxxxxis 1970, yes, the model year is encoded in the VIN.