Porsche VIN / chassis numbers

* The filler digits (Z) have become necessary because, since 1981, vehicle identification numbers have been standardised worldwide with a uniform length. These include, for example, country-specific emissions regulations (e.g. AC2 for the USA).

Since 1981, all chassis numbers, also known as vehicle identification numbers (VIN), have had a so-called world manufacturer code, various fill characters, identification numbers for the place of manufacture, body type and engine specifications. Furthermore, chassis numbers were differentiated between the USA and the ‘rest of the world’ (row). Porsche vehicles built before 1981 only have a ten-digit chassis number

WPO OR WP0?

Strictly speaking, Porsche's global manufacturer code is WP0 with a zero. However, this is only because characters such as O, I, Q, etc. were prohibited due to the risk of confusion.

WHAT IS A CHASSIS NUMBER?

A vehicle identification number (VIN) is a 17-digit serial number that uniquely identifies a motor vehicle. A standard for these chassis numbers has existed since 1981. Previously, chassis numbers were determined by the manufacturers themselves. There is basically a European and an American VIN standard.

WHERE IS THE CHASSIS NUMBER LOCATED?

The chassis number can be found in the vehicle registration document and in several places on the vehicle itself. The multiple locations are intended to increase security against tampering. For this reason, the chassis number has often been engraved into the chassis since October 1969.

A factory plate with the vehicle identification number is mandatory according to the Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection in Germany.

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE VIN?

The chassis number provides a range of information, such as the model, model year and manufacturer. You can find more detailed information in the table.

A VIN can therefore be used to obtain valuable information about a vehicle, especially when buying a used car:

• Does the vehicle match the vehicle documents?

• Does the existing equipment correspond to the equipment of the model?

• Are there any model-specific faults with the vehicle that require special attention?

This allows potential buyers to make a realistic assessment of the purchase price within a very short time.

What is special about Porsche chassis numbers?

As Porsche cars are manufactured in Europe, they are subject to the European FIN standard.

Since Porsche vehicle identification numbers are also subject to this standard, there are only minor differences between Porsche vehicle identification numbers and the FINs of other manufacturers.

Before 1980, Porsche chassis numbers only had a 10-digit chassis number. From 1980 onwards, 17-digit vehicle identification numbers were used.

Each manufacturer has an individual identifier at the beginning of the chassis number. Since Porsche models consist of digits, the model can be read directly from the VIN. To do this, the 7th, 8th and 12th digits must be read.

While the VIN of a Volkswagen, for example, begins with WVW, the vehicle identification number of a Porsche begins with WP0. Due to the risk of confusion between WP0 and WPO, experts are familiar with both WP0 and WPO.