Vin Decoder

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

Our VIN decoder works with all models of Land Rover from 1983 up to 2012 and Defenders up to 2016 (inc. NAS and AAD vins)! Build dates are estimated for Ninety/One Tens from 1982 to 1990 and Defenders from 1998.

How important is the VIN for finding parts?

The VIN gives more accurate results than just the model year (MY) alone, as sometimes the type of parts used changed part way through a year, for example changing from drum brakes to disc brakes, or for the wiper stalk connectors changing from bullet blocks to AMP-style.

However, the main components of the vehicle, such as engine, axles, gearbox and transfer box, are also serial numbered, and except for the engine, the VIN does not take account of their specification. There can be more than one component available for use in a model year (e.g normal and heavy duty axles), so two vehicles with similar VINs can can have differently specified components. There would be different part numbers for each component that cannot be deciphered from the VIN.

It is also important to note that these components may have been be replaced during a vehicle's life, giving a different specification than left the factory with (e.g. transfer box ratio change). Understanding the specific serial numbers from the components gives a higher degree of accuracy when finding the right parts for your vehicle.

Chassis VIN structure (Non-NAS)

The non-NAS Land Rover VIN is constructed from 17 characters which are grouped into sections representing an aspect of the vehicle's identity. Select a character to see the options.