Thread: 83 camaro vin # ident

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How do i find out whether my camaro is a z-28 , rs, or berlinetta? what digit of the vin # identifies that and what number stands for what model. Thanks

While a VIN on most cars will tell you what you have, on many cars they may not. Camaros and Mustangs are examples of this.

Early third-gen Camaro VINS will only tell you if it's a Berlinetta or not. The base Sport Coupe and a Z-28 will be the same if the V-8 was ordered with the base Sport Coupe. This did happen.

The same is true with 1987-1993 Ford Mustangs with a V-8. All LX and GT models used the same VIN. This may also be true of earlier and later models (especially with all the newer trim options on the newer cars such as Bullitt, Mach 1, etc.).

I settled total losses here in Michigan for AAA for 10 years. Mistakes were made by inspecting adjusters because they expected the VIN to explain what they were looking at. Try explaining to an owner of a Mustang GT why he's getting paid LX dollars!

Many newer cars carry an option code list somewhere on the car (the GM RPO codes are usually listed in the glove box, console lid, deck lid, or spare tire cover). These codes will tell you exactly what you're dealing with.