Vehicle identified
Open the permanent record to add ownership and photographs.
1948–1979 reviewed coverage · Volkswagen VIN Decoder & Registry
Volkswagen Beetle VIN Decoder and Registry
Decode classic Volkswagen Beetle and Type 1 chassis numbers using early sequential ranges and the later encoded model/year format.
VO
MODEL DECODERBeetle / Type 11948–1979 reviewed coverage
Universal VIN Input
Decode from this page
This page explains Beetle / Type 1, but the input accepts every PetrolJunky-supported identifier.
Decoder Reference
What this identifier can tell you
Pre-1965 Type 1 sequential ranges1965+ Type 1 prefix/year decodingSedan and convertible family contextAmbiguity protection for early serials
How the Beetle / Type 1 chassis number is decoded
Early Type 1 cars are dated by sequential chassis ranges. Beginning with the 1965 model year, the chassis number becomes much more descriptive: the first two positions identify the Type 1 body family and the third position carries the model-year digit. PetrolJunky uses the correct method for the identifier that was entered.
What the number does not prove
A pre-1965 bare sequence may overlap a Type 2 or Type 3 sequence, and later Type 1 prefixes do not encode every trim or sunroof detail. The decoder returns the supported family without making up a narrower configuration.
Why register the individual car
Beetles are among the most modified classic cars in the world. A registry record helps preserve what the chassis number says the car began as while giving later owners room to document restorations, engine changes and personal history.
Common Questions
Volkswagen Decoder FAQ
For the supported classic format, the third position carries the model-year digit while the first two positions identify the Volkswagen model/body family.
Yes. Pre-1965 sequential number spaces can overlap, so PetrolJunky can return multiple plausible candidates rather than forcing a Type 1 result.