VIN

From Mopedia

The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) was first used by US manufacturers in 1954. Chrysler Corporation adopted it in 1959.

• From 1959 to 1965, the VIN was 10 characters.
• From 1966 to 1980, the VIN was 13 characters
• Starting in 1981, the VIN was lengthened to 17 characters.

Starting in 1960, the final eight digit string is unique. This combination of model year, assembly plant and sequence number identifies a specific vehicle. There are no duplicate VINs out there. In other words, regardless of the starting digits, the numerical sequence is not duplicated. The eight digit strings are all unique.