VIN Plate for 1981

The VIN was located on a plate visible through the windshield on the driver’s side dash panel.

1st Digit: Country of Origin
1 = U.S.A.
2 = Canada

2nd Digit: Manufacturer
G = General Motors

3rd Digit: Division
2 = Pontiac

4th Digit: Restraint System
A = Non-passive
B = Automatic belts
C = Inflatable restraint

5th Digit: Series
S = Base Firebird
T = Esprit
V = Formula
W = Trans-Am
X = Trans-Am Special Edition
Y = NASCAR Turbo Trans-Am Pace Car

6th and 7th Digit: Body Code
87 = Sports Coupe

8th Digit: Engine Code
A = 231 c.i.d., 110 hp 2-bbl V6
H = 305 c.i.d., 145 hp 4-bbl V8
S = 265 c.i.d., 120 hp 2-bbl V8
T = 301 c.i.d., 200 hp TC 4-bbl V8 (Turbo)
W = 301 c.i.d., 135 hp (or 150 hp T/A 4.9) 4-bbl V8
L = 350 c.i.d., 175 hp 4-bbl V8

9th Digit: Check Digit
10th Digit: Model Year
B = 1981

11th Digit: Assembly Plant
L = Van Nuys, California
N = Norwood, Ohio

Last 6 Digits: Sequence Number
Sequential production number starting with 100001 for all models.

Note: All VIN information is courtesy of YearOne Inc.