Where is the chassis number on a VW Beetle?

On most Beetles (1946–1979), the chassis number is stamped into the tunnel under the rear seat or on the frame head behind the spare tire. It is also on the VIN plate attached to the body.

How many digits is a VW chassis number?

VW chassis numbers evolved over time: pre-1955 used 5–7 digits, 1955–1964 used 7 digits, 1965–1969 used 9 digits (with a model-type prefix), and 1970–1980 used 10 digits with year and factory codes.

What does each part of a 10-digit VW chassis number mean?

The 10-digit format (1970–1980) breaks down as: digits 1–2 = model type, digit 3 = model year letter, digit 4 = factory code, digits 5–10 = sequential production number.

How to Read a VW Chassis Number

Every aircooled Volkswagen has a chassis number stamped into the body or frame. This number tells you exactly when and where your car was built. Here is how to read it across all production eras.

Where to Find the Chassis Number

Beetle (Type 1): Stamped on the tunnel under the rear seat and on the frame head behind the spare tire.
Bus (Type 2): On the right side of the engine compartment or on the cab doorpost.
Type 3 / Ghia: On the tunnel under the rear seat, similar to the Beetle.
VIN plate: All models also have a data plate (usually riveted to the body) with the chassis number, paint code, and other factory data.

Pre-War & Early Post-War (1938–1955)

The earliest VWs used simple sequential numbers. KdF (wartime) vehicles used a 2-prefix format. Post-war production restarted at number 1-0001 in 1945 and counted upward. There is no model type code embedded in these numbers — they are purely sequential.

Example: 1-0156342

Sequential production number — use production tables to date.

9-Digit Format (1965–1969)

Starting with the 1965 model year, VW added a model-type prefix to the chassis number. The first 2–3 digits identify the model, followed by a sequential production number.

Example: 115 505 826

115 = Model type (Beetle 1200 Standard)

505 826 = Sequential production number

10-Digit Format (1970–1980)

The most information-rich format. The 10-digit chassis number encodes model type, model year, assembly factory, and production sequence.

Example: 1152075316

11 = Model type (Beetle 1200)

5 = Model year (1975, where A=1971, B=1972…)

2 = Assembly factory (Wolfsburg = 2)

075316 = Sequential number

Year Letter Codes

A = 1971

B = 1972

C = 1973

D = 1974

E = 1975

F = 1976

G = 1977

H = 1978

J = 1979

K = 1980

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