Formula

Example:

1 Country of Mfg. USA

G Manufacturer GM

2 Car Division Pontiac

F Car Line Firebird

S Series Base

2 Body Types 2-Dr. Coupe

1 Restraint System Manual Belts

H Engine 305CID, V8, LG4, Chevy

X Check Digit

H Model Year 1987

N Assembly Plant Van Nuys, CA

100001 Body Number

Vehicle Identification Number: 1G2FS21HXHN100001
Commonly refer to as the "VIN Number", this series of numbers and letters is stamped on a plate on the top of the instrument panel visible through the windshield.

First Digit: Identifies the country in which the vehicle was built.
1 = U.S.A.

Second Digit: Identifies the Manufacturer.
G = General Motors

Third Digit: Identifies the automotive division.
2 = Pontiac

Fourth Digit: Identifies the car line.
F = Camaro/Firebird (Thus "F-body")

Fifth Digit: Identifies the series.

 
Sixth and Seventh Digit: Identifies the body type.
87 = 2-Door Coupe

Eighth Digit: Identifies the engine.

VIN Code	Transmission	Engine code/type	Induction	Displacement.	Bore	Stroke	Compression Ratio	Horsepower	Torque
S	M5, A4	LB8 V6	MFI	2.8 (173)	3.50	2.99	8.9:1	135@5100	160@3900
H	M5, A4	LG4 V8	4BBL	5.0 (305)	3.74	3.48	8.6:1	170@4400	250@2800
								155@4200*
F	A4	LB9 V8	TPI	5.0 (305)	3.74	3.48	9.3:1	190@4000	295@3200
								165@4400*
F	M5	LB9 V8	TPI	5.0 (305)	3.74	3.48	9.3:1	215@4400	295@3200
								205@4400*
8	A4	(L98) B2L V8	TPI	5.7 (350)	4.00	3.48	9.3:1	225@4400	330@2800
								210@4400*

*Note: Flammang, James M. & Kowalke, Ron. 1999. "Standard catalog of American cars 1976-1999". Krause Publications, pp 873

Abbreviations:

A4   - Automatic Transmission 700R4

M5   - 5 Speed Manual Transmission
4BBL - 4 Barrel 

TPI  - Tuned Port Injection
MPFI - Multiport Fuel Injection

Ninth Digit: Identifies the check digit.

Tenth Digit: Identifies the model year.
H = 1987

Eleventh Digit: Identifies the assembly plant.
N = Norwood
L = Van Nuys

Last Six Digits: Represent the basic production numbers, 100001/up