Authenticity reference

VIN engine code

fraud detection · documented

1966 Ford Fairlane 500 XL hardtop; representative two-door hardtop context, not proof of an R-code car. 1966 Ford Fairlane 427 R-Code

Reference Details

Common issue: Normal Fairlane 500 or GT converted with 427 emblems and fiberglass hood · 1966 Ford Fairlane 427 R-Code
Confidence: documented · 1966 Ford Fairlane 427 R-Code
Correct value: R-code 427 high-performance dual-four-barrel identity · 1966 Ford Fairlane 427 R-Code
Where to check: VIN, warranty plate, build paperwork, registry records · 1966 Ford Fairlane 427 R-Code
Common issue: A replacement FE engine or induction setup represented as the original power team. · 1966 Ford Galaxie 500 7-Litre
Confidence: documented · 1966 Ford Galaxie 500 7-Litre
Correct value: Q for the standard 428, W for the single-four-barrel 427, or R for the dual-four-barrel 427. · 1966 Ford Galaxie 500 7-Litre
Where to check: Fifth position of the vehicle identification number. · 1966 Ford Galaxie 500 7-Litre
Common issue: W-code, S-code, GT/GTA, or normal Fairlane converted with 427 emblems or later engine swap · 1967 Ford Fairlane 427 R-Code
Confidence: documented · 1967 Ford Fairlane 427 R-Code
Correct value: R in the engine-code position for 427 8V high-performance identity · 1967 Ford Fairlane 427 R-Code
Where to check: VIN, warranty plate, Marti report, invoice, registry records · 1967 Ford Fairlane 427 R-Code
Common issue: A 427 engine, badges, or race equipment represented as factory R-code proof. · 1967 Mercury Comet 427 R-Code
Confidence: documented · 1967 Mercury Comet 427 R-Code
Correct value: R in the fifth VIN position identifies the dual-four-barrel 427 path · 1967 Mercury Comet 427 R-Code
Where to check: VIN/body serial; corroborate with factory paperwork · 1967 Mercury Comet 427 R-Code
Common issue: L indicates 440 four-barrel R/T, not original Hemi · 1968 Dodge Charger R/T 426 Hemi
Confidence: documented · 1968 Dodge Charger R/T 426 Hemi
Correct value: Fifth VIN character J for 426 Street Hemi 8-barrel · 1968 Dodge Charger R/T 426 Hemi
Where to check: VIN tag; corroborate with fender tag, broadcast sheet and drivetrain evidence · 1968 Dodge Charger R/T 426 Hemi
Common issue: Non-R-code Mustang represented as a factory Cobra Jet car · 1968 Ford Mustang GT 428 Cobra Jet
Confidence: documented · 1968 Ford Mustang GT 428 Cobra Jet
Correct value: R as fifth VIN character for 428 Cobra Jet Mustang in cited references · 1968 Ford Mustang GT 428 Cobra Jet
Where to check: Vehicle VIN plate and title/registration records; confirm against factory invoice/Marti-style documentation · 1968 Ford Mustang GT 428 Cobra Jet
Common issue: A non-R-code Torino GT represented as factory Cobra Jet based only on engine swap, badges, or auction description. · 1968 Ford Torino GT 428 Cobra Jet
Confidence: documented · 1968 Ford Torino GT 428 Cobra Jet
Correct value: R = 428 CID 4-barrel V8 for 1968 · 1968 Ford Torino GT 428 Cobra Jet
Where to check: VIN engine-type position; verify against title, door tag, hidden stampings, and car-specific report · 1968 Ford Torino GT 428 Cobra Jet
Common issue: A 340 engine swap or Formula S badge can be present without matching VIN evidence. · 1968 Plymouth Barracuda Formula S 340
Confidence: reported · 1968 Plymouth Barracuda Formula S 340
Correct value: P indicates 340 engine in the Hemmings 1968 Barracuda decode example · 1968 Plymouth Barracuda Formula S 340
Where to check: Driver-side dash VIN plate at base of windshield per Hemmings 1968 discussion · 1968 Plymouth Barracuda Formula S 340
Common issue: A 340-code or non-Formula-S car represented as a 383 Formula S. · 1968 Plymouth Barracuda Formula S 383
Confidence: documented · 1968 Plymouth Barracuda Formula S 383
Correct value: H in the engine-position for a 383-equipped 1968 Barracuda VIN example format · 1968 Plymouth Barracuda Formula S 383
Where to check: Driver-side dash VIN plate at windshield base; compare to fender tag and title records. · 1968 Plymouth Barracuda Formula S 383
Confidence: documented · 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 302
Correct value: G as the fifth character for 302 4V Boss engine in 1969 Mustang serial-number references · 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 302
Where to check: VIN / serial number locations listed by Mustang decoder references; confirm against factory paperwork for a specific car · 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 302
Common issue: 351/390/Boss 302 or normal Cougar converted with Eliminator stripes and 428 callouts · 1969 Mercury Cougar Eliminator 428 Cobra Jet
Confidence: documented · 1969 Mercury Cougar Eliminator 428 Cobra Jet
Correct value: 428 CJ/SCJ engine identity must match VIN, data plate, Marti report, and engine hardware · 1969 Mercury Cougar Eliminator 428 Cobra Jet
Where to check: VIN, door data plate, Marti report, invoice, registry records · 1969 Mercury Cougar Eliminator 428 Cobra Jet
Common issue: 383-powered Road Runner or Satellite/Belvedere clones fitted with A12-style hood and engine parts. · 1969 Plymouth Road Runner A12 440 Six Barrel
Confidence: reported · 1969 Plymouth Road Runner A12 440 Six Barrel
Correct value: M as fifth VIN character in RM21M9 or RM23M9 pattern · 1969 Plymouth Road Runner A12 440 Six Barrel
Where to check: VIN plate and title/registration records; corroborate with body numbers and broadcast sheet · 1969 Plymouth Road Runner A12 440 Six Barrel
Common issue: U-code 440 Magnum or R-code Hemi cars represented as Six Pack cars. · 1970 Dodge Coronet R/T 440 Six Pack
Confidence: reported · 1970 Dodge Coronet R/T 440 Six Pack
Correct value: V = 440 Six Pack · 1970 Dodge Coronet R/T 440 Six Pack
Where to check: Fifth character of 1970 Coronet R/T VIN · 1970 Dodge Coronet R/T 440 Six Pack
Confidence: documented · 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 302
Correct value: G = Boss 302 302ci 4V V8 · 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 302
Where to check: 1970 Mustang VIN; visible through windshield on top edge of driver-side dash per MustangAttitude VIN decoder · 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 302
Common issue: A Mach 1 with Cobra Jet badges or Shaker hardware but a non-Q/R VIN should be treated as modified or tribute until proven otherwise. · 1970 Ford Mustang Mach 1 428 Cobra Jet
Confidence: documented · 1970 Ford Mustang Mach 1 428 Cobra Jet
Correct value: Q for 428 Cobra Jet 4V without Ram Air; R for 428 Cobra Jet 4V Ram Air in reviewed 1970 references · 1970 Ford Mustang Mach 1 428 Cobra Jet
Where to check: Fifth character of the VIN; compare with door data plate and hidden/body VIN stamp locations where legally and physically accessible · 1970 Ford Mustang Mach 1 428 Cobra Jet
Common issue: 383 or 440 four-barrel cars represented as factory 440 Six Barrel cars · 1970 Plymouth Road Runner 440 Six Barrel
Confidence: reported · 1970 Plymouth Road Runner 440 Six Barrel
Correct value: V engine code is reported for 1970 440 6-BBL/Six Barrel applications · 1970 Plymouth Road Runner 440 Six Barrel
Where to check: VIN plate and matching vehicle paperwork · 1970 Plymouth Road Runner 440 Six Barrel
Common issue: Non-Hemi cars may be visually converted; Aero Warriors notes no external Superbird engine markings. · 1970 Plymouth Superbird 426 Hemi
Confidence: documented · 1970 Plymouth Superbird 426 Hemi
Correct value: R identifies 426 8V Hemi in the Superbird VIN pattern RM23R0A1xxxxx · 1970 Plymouth Superbird 426 Hemi
Where to check: Driver-side dash VIN plate and fender tag; partial VINs may also appear on radiator yoke or deck-lid/trunk lip locations. · 1970 Plymouth Superbird 426 Hemi
Common issue: Boss stripes or badges on non-R-code SportsRoof or Mach 1 bodies · 1971 Ford Mustang Boss 351
Confidence: documented · 1971 Ford Mustang Boss 351
Correct value: Fifth VIN character R for Boss 351 high-output 351 engine · 1971 Ford Mustang Boss 351
Where to check: Vehicle VIN stamping/data plate; CJ decoder gives location under hood on driver-side fender apron and data plate on driver door · 1971 Ford Mustang Boss 351
Common issue: Badges or added Ram Air parts used without matching VIN/documentation. · 1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1 429 Cobra Jet
Confidence: documented · 1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1 429 Cobra Jet
Correct value: C for 429 CJ non-Ram-Air, J for 429 CJ Ram Air · 1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1 429 Cobra Jet
Where to check: Fifth character of 1971 Mustang VIN and matching Ford/Marti documentation · 1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1 429 Cobra Jet
Common issue: A clone may carry 440 Six Barrel equipment without a V-code VIN. · 1971 Plymouth Cuda 440 Six Barrel
Confidence: documented · 1971 Plymouth Cuda 440 Six Barrel
Correct value: V = 440 6 BBL · 1971 Plymouth Cuda 440 Six Barrel
Where to check: Fifth character of Mopar VIN decoding reference; confirm on vehicle VIN and fender tag. · 1971 Plymouth Cuda 440 Six Barrel
Common issue: Cobra Jet markings or an installed 351 four-barrel represented as factory Q-code proof. · 1972 Ford Gran Torino Sport 351 Cobra Jet
Confidence: documented · 1972 Ford Gran Torino Sport 351 Cobra Jet
Correct value: Q identifies the 351 CID four-barrel Cobra Jet V8 · 1972 Ford Gran Torino Sport 351 Cobra Jet
Where to check: Fifth character of the VIN; corroborate with invoice, build sheet, or Marti report · 1972 Ford Gran Torino Sport 351 Cobra Jet
Common issue: Q-code 351 Cobra Jet or other 351 cars represented as H.O. · 1972 Ford Mustang Mach 1 351 HO
Confidence: documented · 1972 Ford Mustang Mach 1 351 HO
Correct value: R for 351 4V V-8 H.O. · 1972 Ford Mustang Mach 1 351 HO
Where to check: VIN/warranty plate and supporting factory invoice/Marti report · 1972 Ford Mustang Mach 1 351 HO
Common issue: Badges, hood, stripes, or filenames presented as W-30 proof without X-code/build documentation. · 1972 Oldsmobile 442 W-30
Confidence: reported · 1972 Oldsmobile 442 W-30
Correct value: X for 1972 W-30 · 1972 Oldsmobile 442 W-30
Where to check: Vehicle VIN engine-code position · 1972 Oldsmobile 442 W-30
Common issue: Base model fakes or clones will show 'S', 'T', or 'U' for the series, or 'M'/'Y' for the engine. · 1972 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 455 HO
Confidence: documented · 1972 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 455 HO
Correct value: X (5th character of the VIN) · 1972 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 455 HO
Where to check: Driver's side A-pillar dashboard VIN tag (e.g. 2V87X2N...) · 1972 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 455 HO
Confidence: documented · 1973 Dodge Dart Sport 340
Correct value: H = 340 CID 8 cylinder (1-4 bbl) · 1973 Dodge Dart Sport 340
Where to check: Position 5 of 13-character 1973 VIN · 1973 Dodge Dart Sport 340
Common issue: H-code (351-2V) or F-code (302-2V) cloned to look like Q-code Cobra Jets. · 1973 Ford Mustang Mach 1 351 Cobra Jet
Confidence: documented · 1973 Ford Mustang Mach 1 351 Cobra Jet
Correct value: Q for 351-4V Cobra Jet V8 · 1973 Ford Mustang Mach 1 351 Cobra Jet
Where to check: Fifth character of the VIN (on windshield dashboard plate and door warranty plate) · 1973 Ford Mustang Mach 1 351 Cobra Jet
Common issue: A lower-displacement car presented as a 440 after engine swap. · 1973 Plymouth Road Runner 440
Confidence: documented · 1973 Plymouth Road Runner 440
Correct value: U-code reported/registry-decoded for 440 four-barrel 1973 Plymouth B-body applications · 1973 Plymouth Road Runner 440
Where to check: Fifth character of VIN, subject to registry decoder review · 1973 Plymouth Road Runner 440
Confidence: documented · 1974 Dodge Dart Sport 360
Correct value: L = 360 CID V8 with one four-barrel carburetor · 1974 Dodge Dart Sport 360
Where to check: Position 5 of the 13-character 1974 VIN · 1974 Dodge Dart Sport 360
Common issue: A shaker decal or seller statement may claim 455 even when the VIN engine digit is not W. · 1976 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 455 4-Speed
Confidence: documented · 1976 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 455 4-Speed
Correct value: W identifies 455 c.i.d. 4-bbl V8 for 1975-1976 Firebird VIN decoding · 1976 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 455 4-Speed
Where to check: Fifth character of 1976 Firebird VIN after 2S87/2W87 body sequence context · 1976 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 455 4-Speed