Where is the VIN located on a C3 Corvette?

On the driver-side windshield pillar (A-pillar), visible through the glass from outside the car.

Why are some C3 VINs 13 characters and some 17?

1968–1980 use a 13-character format; 1981–1982 follow the standardized 17-character VIN with a check digit.

What does the 9th character (check digit) on 1981–1982 VINs do?

It is a checksum calculated from the other characters to detect entry errors.

How can I tell St. Louis vs. Bowling Green from VIN?

Look at the plant character: 'S' = St. Louis; '5' = Bowling Green.

How are special editions like 1978 Pace Car or 1982 Collector Edition reflected?

Year-specific VIN ranges and body codes identify these models.

How does the VIN help with numbers matching?

The VIN sequence number can be compared to the engine’s partial VIN stamp and other factory identifiers to confirm originality. See our detailed guide.

Corvette C3 VIN Decoder

1968–1982 • 100% Free

The C3 Corvette VIN is a unique alphanumeric identifier that reveals model year, body style, engine code, assembly plant, and production sequence. Formats and details vary by model year and can also identify special editions.

Decode Your C3 Corvette VIN

VIN

Quick guide: Locate the trim tag above the driver’s upper door hinge → Enter the codes in the fields above → Click Decode.

Having trouble with the VIN decoder? Whether it's an unusual code, missing data, or you need help verifying a numbers-matching car, contact. Happy to help.

Where to Find the VIN on a Corvette C3

The VIN is stamped on a metal plate riveted to the bottom front face of the driver’s windshield pillar. It is only visible through the glass from outside the vehicle.

Corvette C3 VIN

During the Chevrolet Corvette C3 generation, there were three different VIN formats:

C3 Corvette VIN Formats by Year
Years	Example VIN	Length
1968–1971	194379S700001	13 characters
1972–1980	1Z37K2S500001	13 characters
1981–1982	1G1AY8764BS400001	17 characters

Note: The model year was three to four months in advance of the calendar year, so the year of manufacture of the body may be earlier than the model year.

Want to know your Corvette’s exact production date? Use our C3 Corvette production date calculator!

VIN Decoder: What Your Corvette C3 VIN Reveals

Using the Vehicle Identification Number, you can determine the core factory specifications of any 1968–1982 Corvette C3. The VIN reveals key details such as body style — for example, the differences between a standard coupe and the popular T-top configuration are explained in detail in our Corvette C3 roof options guide (T-top vs. convertible). Engine configuration is also identifiable through the VIN. While early C3 models (1968–1971) used indirect engine codes, starting in 1972 the engine became a direct part of the VIN structure. For a complete overview of all factory engines, horsepower ratings, and RPO codes across the generation, see our Corvette C3 engines guide.

The VIN further confirms the model year, assembly plant (St. Louis or Bowling Green), and unique production sequence number. These elements evolved slightly each year — check the full year-by-year breakdown of design changes, VIN formats, and specifications in our Corvette C3 years spotter's guide. Special factory editions like the 1978 Pace Car Replica and 1982 Collector Edition have unique VIN characteristics (e.g., specific digits for identification). These limited models are covered in depth, including how the decoder recognizes them, on our Corvette C3 special editions page. numbers matching. This is a critical step for collectors and restorers.

For a practical real-world example, see the complete VIN decoding and numbers-matching verification of my own 1976 Corvette (factory Dark Green L48 coupe) at Decoding my 1976 Corvette, complete with photos of the VIN plate, trim tag, engine stamps, and decoder results.

To dive deeper into model-specific details, production changes, colors, options, and factory specs for every year from 1968 to 1982, explore the individual Corvette C3 year guides:

Corvette Years

Sources: GM Heritage Center, Corvette Black Book, NHTSA VIN Standards

Learn how to decode a Corvette C3 VIN number using our free decoder tool. This video explains where to find the VIN on 1968 to 1982 Corvettes and how to identify original factory specifications.

Continue Exploring

Decoders Hub

VIN and trim tag decoders, checks, and guidance for authenticity and data lookups.

C3 Years Hub

Spotter guides and model‑year differences with jump links to each year’s in‑depth pages.

Corvette C3 editorial articles and guides

Articles Hub

Technical guides, history deep‑dives, buyer notes, and special features for the C3 era.

Share Your C3 Knowledge

Have insights to share? We welcome your expert feedback, technical discussions, and Corvette-related stories. Your contributions help keep this Corvette community thriving! Join the conversation below.