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Classic Nissan/Datsun chassis codes
Datsun VIN Decoder and Registry
Classic Datsun/Nissan identification is built around model-coded chassis prefixes rather than the later 17-character VIN standard. PetrolJunky now recognizes the most collector-relevant first-wave codes and uses serial blocks to distinguish overlapping Z-car prefixes.
Decoder coverage: 1963–1978 first-wave classic coverage
240Z/260Z/280Z S30 ranges 260Z 2+2 and 280Z 2+2 SPL310/SPL311/SRL311 Roadsters PL510/WPL510 510 family
Model VIN decoder guides
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1970–1978 North American S30 coverage
Datsun 240Z, 260Z and 280Z VIN Decoder
Decode North American Datsun 240Z, 260Z, 260Z 2+2, 280Z and 280Z 2+2 chassis numbers using HLS30, RLS30, GRLS30 and GHLS30 serial blocks.
Open decoder guide → 1963–1970Datsun Roadster VIN Decoder and Registry
Decode classic Datsun 1500, 1600 and 2000 Roadster chassis numbers from their SPL310, SPL311 and SRL311 model codes.
Open decoder guide → 1968–1973 first-generation coverageDatsun 510 VIN Decoder and Registry
Decode classic Datsun 510 PL510 sedan and WPL510 wagon chassis numbers and connect the result to the PetrolJunky registry.
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Decoder reference
What this decoder page is designed to answer.
Datsun prefixes are model codes, not random letters
HLS30, RLS30 and GHLS30 carry model, engine, steering and body-family meaning. Roadsters use codes such as SPL311 and SRL311, while the 510 appears under model codes such as PL510 and WPL510. PetrolJunky recognizes those prefixes before considering any modern VIN service.
The HLS30 prefix needs the serial number
North American 240Z and 280Z cars both use HLS30. The serial sequence is therefore essential: reviewed production blocks separate the 1970–1973 240Z from the later 1975–1978 280Z.
Modern Nissan VINs still go to NHTSA
A standard 17-character Nissan VIN never gets forced through these classic rules. The universal search field routes modern cars to NHTSA and classic Datsun identifiers to the local decoder.
Common questions
Datsun VIN decoder questions
Why can HLS30 mean both 240Z and 280Z?
Nissan reused HLS30 for the later L28-powered 280Z. PetrolJunky checks the serial block so it does not identify the model from the prefix alone.
Does PetrolJunky support Datsun Roadsters?
Yes. SPL310, SPL311 and SRL311 are recognized as the 1500, 1600 and 2000 Roadster families.
What happens with a modern Nissan VIN?
Standard 17-character Nissan VINs remain routed to NHTSA vPIC.
VIN Registry
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