Decoding the MGB VIN

This document is released under the terms of the Creative Commons License unless otherwise noted.
Thanks to Skye Nott for writing this article.
Last modified 2010-01-20.

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Where is the VIN plate located?

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.

Vin Floor Vin Framerail

What does my VIN mean?: ex: GHN 5UC 54321

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  

What does the number on my engine mean?: ex: 18V/581F/L101

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

How can I find my car's build date and original options?

You probably want a Heritage Certificate for your car, compiled from original factory data.

These can be purchased at the Heritage Motor Centre UK.



Article by Skye Nott
Posted on: 2010-01-20


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Comments

Comments on this article –

Comment by Ron Weber at 2010-01-22 14:43:29

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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