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1961–1973 reviewed coverage · Volkswagen VIN Decoder & Registry
Volkswagen Type 3 VIN Decoder and Registry
Decode classic Volkswagen Type 3 chassis numbers, including early sequential ranges, 31-series sedan families, Squareback/Variant and Type 34 identifiers.
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MODEL DECODERType 3 / Squareback1961–1973 reviewed coverage
Universal VIN Input
Decode from this page
This page explains Type 3 / Squareback, but the input accepts every PetrolJunky-supported identifier.
Decoder Reference
What this identifier can tell you
1961–1964 sequential Type 3 ranges31-series sedan family36 Squareback/Variant family34 Type 34 Karmann Ghia family
How the Type 3 / Squareback chassis number is decoded
Pre-1965 Type 3 cars use sequential range evidence. In the encoded system, 31 identifies the broader Type 3 sedan family, 36 identifies the Variant/Squareback family and 34 identifies the Type 34 Karmann Ghia. The third chassis position supplies the model-year digit on supported years.
What the number does not prove
A 31 prefix does not reliably distinguish every Notchback and Fastback configuration because only the first two digits of the fuller model number appear in the VIN. PetrolJunky reports the Type 3 family rather than guessing a body subtype the chassis does not encode.
Why register the individual car
Type 3 cars have many market-specific names and body variants. A registry page can pair the conservative chassis decode with photographs that show what the individual car actually is today.
Common Questions
Volkswagen Decoder FAQ
Not in every case. The 31-series prefix identifies a broader Type 3 sedan family, so PetrolJunky avoids inventing a narrower body when the chassis does not encode it.
The reviewed classic Volkswagen map uses the 36 prefix for the Type 3 Variant/Squareback family.