Free 1981 Ford Mustang VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1981 Ford Mustang VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1981 Ford Mustang VIN

World Manufacturer Identifiers (WMIs) are unique codes used to identify the manufacturer of a vehicle and provide specific details about it. In the case of the 1981 Ford Mustang, the WMI is “1FA,” which is distinct for Ford Motor Company vehicles manufactured in the United States, specifically in Dearborn, Michigan. This code forms the initial part of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which is a 17-character sequence used globally to track individual motor vehicles. The WMI not only confirms the vehicle’s manufacturer but also indicates the country of assembly and the vehicle type, in this instance, pointing to a passenger car. This system is invaluable for vehicle registration, identification, and tracking purposes across the automotive industry.

List of WMI Codes for a 1981 Ford Mustang

WMI: 1FA

• Model Years Covered: 1981-2004, 2015-2024
• Example VIN: 1FABP12D5BF174999
• Manufacturer Name: Ford Motor Company
• Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
• City: Dearborn
• State or Province: Michigan
• Country: United States

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 1981 Ford Mustang VIN

These characters correspond to components like:

• Engine type
• Transmission
• Model or trim
• Body style
• Gross vehicle weight range

Below find the known vehicle descriptor codes for a 1981 Ford Mustang:

Auto manufacturers have some discretion to decide how they want to code this section, but its contents and decoded results are generally consistent.

Character 9 is the “check digit” in a 1981 Ford Mustang VIN.

Based on a formula developed by the US Department of Transportation, it helps reduce fraud by ensuring the validity of the VIN.

10th Character in the 1981 Ford Mustang VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1981 Ford Mustang VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1981 Ford Mustang Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1981 Ford Mustang

The final 6 characters in a 1981 Ford Mustang’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

Check your Ford Mustang’s VIN below:

What info can a 1981 Ford Mustang VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, possibly indicating the year 1981, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Manufacturing Location: It may indicate that the vehicle was produced in Dearborn, Michigan, United States, possibly offering insights into the origin of manufacturing.
• Vehicle Specifications: Basic Ford Mustang model information, including engine details such as a 2.3L displacement and an in-line engine configuration, may be encoded within the VIN.
• Engine and Performance: The vehicle’s engine, manufactured by Ford, may feature a displacement of 2.3 liters (140 cubic inches) and an output starting from 88 horsepower, possibly showcasing the vehicle’s performance capabilities.
• Fuel Type: The primary fuel type for this vehicle may be gasoline, possibly providing necessary information for fuel-related decisions.
• Safety Features: The mention of “Active Belts” under other restraint system information might suggest the presence of this particular safety feature.
• Body Class and Doors: The VIN discloses the vehicle as a Sedan/Saloon with 2 doors, offering insights into its body type and size.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1981 Ford Mustang