By D. Brian Smith
Photography: Courtesy of Mecum Auctions & Ford Historic Heritage Vault
Whether you're searching for a 1964-1973 Ford Mustang to purchase, or you already own one, it's very important that you know how to decode the Mustang's Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). The VIN tells you how the Mustang was originally equipped when it first rolled off one of Ford's magical assembly lines. Read on for all the details of our Ford Mustang VIN decoder, as well as some historical information Mustang buyers and restorers will find helpful.
A Note About the 1964, 1964.5, or Early 1965 Mustang
The 1965 Mustang was introduced to the world at the New York World's Fair on April 17, 1964 in the Ford Rotunda. Designed by none other than Walt Disney, the Ford Rotunda was several city blocks long at the World's Fair. A Lincoln Continental convertible, a Ford station wagon, several other noteworthy new Ford models, and several 1965 Mustangs were on display. The pony cars included a notchback coupe, a red convertible, a black convertible with a red interior, and a red 2+2 fastback that was a fiberglass show car. The fastback wouldn't come out until later in the year, hence the use of fiberglass to construct the body of the non-running show car. Though the Mustang premiered in April of 1964, the Ford Motor Company considered the Mustang a 1965 model.
Our 1st Gen Mustang VIN Decoder - Year by Year
Ford first introduced a notchback two-door coupe and a two-door convertible. The two-door 2+2, later also known as a fastback didn't begin production until August of 1964. Because of the Mustang's spring launch in 1964, well before the new vehicle models are typically premiered in October, the first year Mustang has also been labeled a 1964 model, a 1964.5 model, and an early 1965 model. For the following VIN analysis, here's how the Ford Motor Company sees it.
Decoding a 1964 Mustang VIN
Above: This early 1965 (code 5 for year 5) Mustang notchback coupe or hardtop is powered by a 260-cubic inch V8, the F code engine that makes 164-horsepower. It was built in Dearborn, MI (code F), where Ford's corporate home is located. The Mustang is definitely a hardtop (code 07).
Year: 5 = 1965 (yes, even for 1964!)
Assembler:
F = Dearborn Michigan
R = San Jose, California
Body:
07 = Hardtop
08 = Convertible
Engine:
U = Standard 105hp 170ci 6-Cyl
F = Optional 164hp 260ci V8
D = Optional 210hp 289ci V8
K = Optional High Perf 271hp 289ci V8
Unit Number: range for 1964 Mustangs
5Fx0xx 100001-250000
5Rx0xx 100001-125000
The VIN number is found under the hood on top of the driver's side fender apron. Under the hood.
Decoding a 1965 Mustang VIN
Above: Here's an early 1965 (code 5 for year 5) Mustang convertible (code 08) that also has an F-code V8, the 260-cubic inch, 164-horsepower mill. According to the F-code designation, the red ragtop was also built in Dearborn, MI.
Above: This 1965 Mustang brochure shows all three model pony cars, the notchback coupe in Wimbledon White, a Caspian Blue convertible, and a Rangoon Red 2+2 or fastback that, based on the High Performance 289 emblem on the front fender, may have the 271-horsepower K-code, solid-lifter, high performance V8 engine.
Year: 5 = 1965
Assembler:
F = Dearborn Michigan
R = San Jose, California
T = Metuchen, New Jersey
Body:
07 = Hardtop
08 = Convertible
09 = Fastback
Engine:
T = Standard 120hp 200ci 6-Cyl
C = Optional 200hp 289ci 2V V8
A = Optional 225hp 289ci 4V V8
K = Optional High Perf 271hp 4V V8
Unit Number: 1965 Mustangs start at
5Fx0xx 250001
5Rx0xx 125001
5Tx0xx 100001
The VIN number is found under the hood on top of the driver's side fender apron. Under the hood.
Above: The 1965 (code 5 for year 5) Caspian Blue Mustang 2+2 (or fastback = code 09) GT above was born with a 271-horsepower, 289-cubic inch K-code high-performance V8 and was manufactured at Ford's Metuchen, NJ (code T) assembly plant.
Decoding a 1966 Mustang VIN
Above: This 1966 (code 6 for year 6) Mustang convertible (code 08) looks to have a Vintage Burgundy paint scheme. The car was built in Metuchen, NJ (code T) and is powered by a 200-cubic inch, 120-horsepower straight-six-cylinder engine (code T).
Year: 6 = 1966
Assembler:
F = Dearborn Michigan
R = San Jose, California
T = Metuchen, New Jersey
Body:
07 = Hardtop
08 = Convertible
09 = Fastback
Engine:
T = Standard 120hp 200ci 6-Cyl
C = Optional 200hp 289 2V V8
A = Optional 225hp 289 4V V8
K = Optional High Perf 271hp 4V V8
Unit Number: 1966 Mustangs start at 100001
The VIN number is found under the hood on top of the driver's side fender apron. Under the hood.
Above: At this point, you must know what the K stands for in the VIN. The K means that this Raven Black 1966 (code 6 for year 6) Mustang 2+2 (fastback = 09) was born with a 289-cubic inch V8 that makes 271-horsepower. Since the Mustang was built in the Dearborn, MI production plant (code T), we know how Michigan born comedian, Tim Allen, aka Tim the Tool Man Taylor would react, "RRRRRRRRRRRRR!"
Decoding a 1967 Mustang VIN
Above: The A-code 289-cubic inch V8 in the above 1967 (code 7 for year 7) Mustang GT convertible (code 03, a new code designation for the convertible) has a Holley, four-barrel carburetor and is rated at 225-horsepower from the Ford factory. This one was built in Ford's hometown, Dearborn, MI (code F) assembly plant.
Year: 7 = 1967
Assembler:
F = Dearborn Michigan
R = San Jose, California
T = Metuchen, New Jersey
Body:
01 = Hardtop
02 = Fastback
03 = Convertible
Engine:
T = Standard 120hp 200ci 6-Cyl
C = Optional 200hp 289ci 2V V8
A = Optional 225hp 289ci 4V V8
K = Optional 271hp 289ci 4V HP V8
S = Optional GT 329hp 390ci 4V V8
Unit Number: 1967 Mustangs start at 100001
The VIN number is found under the hood on top of the driver's side fender apron. Under the hood.
Above: Thankfully, hi-po Ford Mustang fans could still purchase the 1967 (code 7 for year 7) Mustang equipped with the K-code, high-performance 271-horsepower, small-block 289-cubic inch V8. The new code for the fastback model in '67 was 02. This GT was built in Dearborn, MI (code F).
Above: 1967 (code 7 for year 7) is the first year that a customer could order a Mustang with a 390-cubic inch, big-block V8 engine (designated an S-code). The redesigned 1967 Mustang was a bit wider and longer, with a larger engine bay that could accommodate the big block mill nestled between the shock towers. This Raven Black GT convertible (code 03) was built in Dearborn, MI.
Above and below: Ford's designers, in collaboration with Ford's engineers, marketeers, and advertising departments created some awesome Mustang models. The 1968 Mustang GT/CS, California Special was a limited-edition notchback coupe that had some way cool Shelby accessories. Ford also produced the '68 limited-edition High-Country Special for the Denver, CO region of the U.S. The 1968 (code 8 for year 8) Mustang GT/CS below has a 390-cubic inch V8 engine (S code) that is rated at 325-horsepower. It's a hardtop or notchback coupe (code 01). This particular GT/CS was built in San Jose, CA (code R), and the car has a four-speed manual trans. Most of these California Specials had small-block V8's and the Ford C4 automatic transmission, so the one below would be one rare pony car.
Decoding a 1968 Mustang VIN
Year: 8 = 1968
Assembler:
F = Dearborn Michigan
R = San Jose, California
T = Metuchen, New Jersey
Body:
01 = Hardtop
02 = Fastback
03 = Convertible
Engine:
T = Standard 115hp 200ci 6-Cyl
C = Optional 195hp 289ci V8
F = Optional 210hp 302ci 2V V8
J = Optional 230hp 302ci 4V V8
X = Optional 280hp390ci 2V V8 (rare)
S = Optional GT 325hp 390ci 4V V8
R = Optional Cobra Jet 335hp 428ci V8
W = Optional High Perf 390hp 427ci V8
Unit Number: 1968 Mustangs start at 100001
For 1968, the VIN number was moved to the top edge of the dash on the passenger side visible through the windshield.
Above: Red interior, four-speed manual trans, Raven Black Le Mans and C-stripes over Wimbledon White paint, 428-cubic inch, 335-horsepower V8 (code R) under the bonnet, built in Dearborn, MI (code F) - when it comes to Mustang fastbacks (code 02), this 1968 (code 8 for year 8) Mustang is pretty darn high up the high performance, rarity, and dollar value food-chain.
Above: Wearing its well-earned patina, this 1968 (code 8 for year 8) Mustang GT390 (engine code S = 390-cubic inch big block V8) was built in San Jose, CA (code R). As indicated by code 02, it's a 1968 fastback. Actor Steve McQueen drove this dark Highland Green hued Mustang in the movie 'Bullitt.' He played the part of Frank Bullitt, ace detective for the San Francisco Police Department. This Mustang and a jet-black 1968 Dodge Charger, which was equipped with a 440-cubic inch big block V8, had perhaps the most famous car chase scene in movie history.
Decoding a 1969 Mustang VIN
Above: This 1969 (code 9 for year 9) Mustang Mach 1 was built in Metuchen, NJ (code T). The sapphire blue pony car sports a Q code engine, which means there's a 428-cubic inch Super Cobra Jet with Drag Pack, 335-horsepower V8. Giddy up! The 02 code means that it's a fastback, which is also known as a sports roof model.
Year: 9 = 1969
Assembler:
F = Dearborn Michigan
R = San Jose, California
T = Metuchen, New Jersey
Body:
01 = Hardtop
01 = Hardtop Grande
02 = Fastback
02 = Fastback Mach 1
02 = Fastback Boss 302, Boss 429
03 = Convertible
Engine:
T = Standard 115hp 200ci 6-Cyl
L = Optional 155hp 250ci 6-Cyl
F = Optional 210hp 302ci 2V V8
H = Optional 250hp 351ci 2V V8
M = Optional 290hp 351ci 4V V8
G = Optional Boss 302 (290hp 302ci) 4V V8
S = Optional 320hp 390ci V8
Q = Optional Cobra Jet 335hp 428ci V8
R = Optional Cobra Jet RA 335hp 428ci V8
Z = Optional Boss 429 (375hp, 429ci) V8
Unit Number: 1969 Mustangs start at 100001
For 1969, the VIN number was moved again to the top edge of the dash on the driver's side visible through the windshield. It remains in this location to current day Mustangs.
Above: Top of the high-performance and rarity food chain for 1969 (code 9 for year 9), this Vintage Burgundy Mustang fastback (code 02) has the famous Z code Optional Boss 429-cubic inch big block V8 that was conservatively rated at 375-horsepower (for insurance purposes).
Decoding a 1970 Mustang VIN
Above: This 1970 (code 0 for year 0) Mustang convertible (code 03) has the optional 351-cubic inch, 250-horsepower small block V8 engine (code H).
Year: 0 = 1970
Assembler:
F = Dearborn Michigan
R = San Jose, California
T = Metuchen, New Jersey
Body:
01 = Hardtop
02 = Fastback
02 = Fastback Boss
03 = Convertible
04 = Hardtop Grande
05 = Fastback Mach 1
Engine:
T = Standard 120hp 200ci 6-Cyl
L = Optional 155hp 250ci 6-Cyl
F = Optional 210hp 302ci 2V V8
H = Optional 250hp 351ci 4V V8
G = Optional Boss 290hp 302ci 4V V8
M = Optional 300hp 351ci 4V V8
Q = Optional Cobra Jet 335hp 428ci V8
R = Optional Cobra Jet RA 335hp 428ci V8
Z = Optional Boss 375hp 429ci V8
Unit Number: 1970 Mustangs start at 100001
The VIN number is on top edge of the dash on the driver's side visible through the windshield.
Above: Parnelli Jones, the famous race car driver and team owner, is the previous owner of this Grabber Orange Boss 302 (code G = 290-horsepower, 302-cubic inch V8) 1970 (code 0 for year 0) Mustang fastback (code 02). The Parnelli Jones racing team won the 1970 Trans Am Championship with Boss 302 Mustangs.
Decoding a 1971 Mustang VIN
Above: The Grabber Yellow 1971 (code 1 for year 1 - 1971) Mustang Boss 351 fastback (code 02) is powered by a Boss 351-cubic inch Cleveland V8 (code R), which makes 330-horsepower. The pony car was constructed in Ford's hometown of Dearborn, MI (code F).
Year: 1 = 1971
Assembler:
F = Dearborn Michigan
T = Metuchen, New Jersey
Body:
01 = Hardtop
02 = Fastback
02 = Fastback Boss
03 = Convertible
04 = Hardtop Grande
05 = Fastback Mach 1
Engine:
L = Standard 145hp 250ci 6-Cyl
F = Optional 210hp 302ci V8
H = Optional 240hp 2V 351ci V8
Q = Optional Cobra Jet (after May) 280hp 351ci 4V V8
M = Optional (before May) 285hp 351ci 4V V8
R = Optional Boss 330hp 351ci 4V V8
C = Optional Cobra Jet 370hp 429ci V8
J = Optional Cobra Jet RA 370hp 429ci V8
Unit Number: 1971 Mustangs start at 100001
The VIN number is on top edge of the dash on the driver's side visible through the windshield.
Above: The Grabber Blue 1971 (code 1 for year 1) Mustang Mach 1 fastback (code 02) rolled off the Dearborn, MI assembly line (code F). It was equipped from the factory with the SCJ (Super Cobra Jet) Boss 429-cubic inch big block V8 mill that conservatively makes 375-horsepower (code J).
Decoding a 1972 Mustang VIN
Above: The 1972 (code 2 for year 2) Mustang hardtop (code 01) is powered by a 136-horsepower 302-cubic inch V8 (code F). It was built in Dearborn, MI (code F).
Year: 2 = 1972
Assembler:
F = Dearborn Michigan
T = Metuchen, New Jersey
Body:
01 = Hardtop
02 = Fastback
03 = Convertible
04 = Hardtop Grande
05 = Fastback Mach 1
Engine:
L = Standard 95hp 250ci 6-Cyl
F = Optional 136hp 302ci V8
H = Optional 168hp 351ci 2V V8
Q = Optional Cobra Jet 248hp 351ci 4V V8
R = Optional HO 275hp 351ci V8
Unit Number: 1971 Mustangs start at 100001
The VIN number is on top edge of the dash on the driver's side visible through the windshield.
Above: The 1972 (code 2 for year 2) Mustang convertible (code 03) is powered by a 351-cubic inch V8 that makes 248-horsepower (code Q).
Decoding a 1973 Mustang VIN
Above: This 1973 (code 3 for year 3) Mustang Mach 1 fastback (code 05 fastback Mach 1) is powered by a 266-horsepower, 351-cubic inch V8 (code Q).
Year: 3 = 1973
Assembler: F = Dearborn, Michigan
Body:
01 = Hardtop
02 = Fastback
03 = Convertible
04 = Hardtop Grande
05 = Fastback Mach 1
Engine:
L = Standard 98hp 250ci 6-Cyl
F = Optional 140hp 302ci V8
H = Optional 177hp 351ci 2V V8
Q = Optional Cobra Jet 266hp 351ci 4V V8
R = Optional HO 266hp 351ci V8
Unit Number: 1973 Mustangs start at 100001
The VIN number is on top edge of the dash on the driver's side visible through the windshield.
Above: This 1973 (code 3 for year 3) Mustang convertible (code 03) has the following VIN / SERIAL 3F03F213751. It was built in Dearborn, MI (code F) and was originally powered by a 140-horsepower, 302-cubic inch V8 (code F). The owner swapped in a 429-cubic inch V8 and a four-speed manual trans. Photos of Mustangs with VIN information courtesy of Mecum Auctions.
Above: Historical Ford Mustang literature and photos provided courtesy of the Ford Heritage Vault.
