The VIN for the early MGB, approximately 1962-69, may be found stamped on a plate that is secured to the inner right hand fender (looking from the rear of the car), located just in front of the radiator.
The VIN for the later MGB, approximately 1970-80, may be found stamped on a plate secured to the left hand door post, and on a plate secured to the top of the dashboard.
The VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is also known as the Car Number or the Car ID.
Additional VIN location information from member Lloyd Faust:
In addition to the stamped plates shown above, there are other places where the VIN is stamped: Starting with about car # 100, the VIN was stamped into the right front frame rail on cars for the North American market. This continued through the end of production. Then with the rubber bumper cars (1974½-1980), the number was stamped in the right side floor pan. Starting in late 1978, the number was also stamped on the right rear frame rail in the trunk. These numbers were stamped on the trim deck at Abingdon (after the car was painted of course). There are also many other numbers on the car, on plates that are riveted, welded or screwed on; these are not the VIN number. There are also numerous assembly numbers (particularly on late cars), these also have nothing to do with the VIN.
This information may not be applicable to VIN numbers for Mark IV (1980) MGBs.
| 1. Make | G | MG |
| 2. Engine Type | H | cars between 1400cc and 2000cc |
| 3. Body Type | N D |
2 seated Roadster GT or Coupe |
| 4. Series | 3 4 5 |
Mk1 (1962-1967) Mk2 (1968-1969) Mk3 (1970-1979) |
| 5. Market | U L R |
USA (left-hand drive) Left-hand drive Right-hand drive |
| 6. Model Year | none A B C D E F G H J L |
1968-69 1969-70 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 |
| 7+ Car Number | 54321 |
Bear with me, this is somewhat complex.
| Group 1 | 18 G V |
1798cc MG Vertical (in-line) |
| Group 2 (18G) | U R RC RWC |
Center gear change Overdrive Automatic Center gear change w/ overdrive |
| Group 2 (18V) | 581F 581Y 582F 582Y 583F 583Y 584Z 585Z 672Z 673Z 797AE 798AE 801AE 802AE 846F 847F Z AE |
Bf+Pf+We Bf+Pf+We Bf+Pf+We+R Bf+Pf+We+R Bf+Pf+Rc Bf+Pf+Rc Re+Bf+Pf+We Re+Bf+Pf+We+R Re+Bf+Pf+Ck+We Re+Bf+Pf+Ck+We+R Re+Bf+Pf+Ck+Hl+We Re+Bf+Pf+Ck+Hl+We+R Re+Bf+Pf+Ck+Jl+We Re+Bf+Pf+Ck+Jl+We+R Bf+Pf+Tl+We Bf+Pf+Tl+We+R Carburetor crankcase ventilation, evaporative loss control and twin carburetors. Carburetor crankcase ventilation, air temperature control and evaporative loss control. |
| Group 2 (18V) Coding Symbols |
Bf Ck Pf R Re We Hl Jl Tl |
Lucas 16ACR or 17ACR alternator with negative earth Anti-run on valve Pre-engaged starter motor (when not normally fitted) Laycock overdrive Exhaust emission control Center gear change 1975 Federal regulation 1975 California regulation 1975 requirements |
| Group 3 | H L L (2nd) 123 |
High compression Low compression Left hand drive Engine number |
You probably want a Heritage Certificate for your car, compiled from original factory data.
These can be purchased at the Heritage Motor Centre UK.
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Comments on this article –
The build date (month & year) should be on the same plate as the car number attached to the door sill. At least it is on mine.
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