For model/years 78, 79 and 80, the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is unique, when for only those 3 years a 10-digit VIN format was used.
From model/year 81-later, a new 17-digit VIN format was standardized per ISO 3833.
To get started, it's important to understand a few facts about how 928's were classified.
- 928's were separated into types, based on engine spec: Type US and RoW (Rest of World)
For ease of discussion, Canada is included with Type US and Japan is omitted. - These types were built in parallel to each other, meaning their serial number sequences were independently separate. Porsche 928 serial vs. production numbers here.
- Each type started at serial number (S/N) 0011. Porsche documentation reads S/N 0000, which has been confirmed as incorrect.

To find the VIN on any 928, there are 4 primary places to look.
- Left-side door jamb near door latch, adhesive applied label (Type US)
- Left-side A-pillar under windshield, stamped plate (Type US)
- Front-side under hood near where hood latches, stamped plate riveted to chassis (Type RoW)
- Right-side inner fender wall, stamped into chassis (All Types)
For thorough VIN verification, I recommended using the VIN plate on the inner fender wall.
It's the only permanent VIN located on ALL 928's
VIN Decode, MY78-79
Digit
- 9 - Model Designation
- 2 - Model Designation
- 8 - Model Designation
- 8 - 1978, 9 -1979
- 1 - Type RoW, 2 - Type US
- 0 - Coupe Designation
- 1 - Serial Number
- 2 - Serial Number
- 3 - Serial Number
- 4 - Serial Number
VIN Decode, MY80
Digit
- 9 - Model Designation
- 2 - Model Designation
- A - 1980
- 0 - Producer Code (Porsche)
- 8 - Model Designation
- 0 - Type RoW, 1 - Type US, 2 - Type RoW (S model)
- 1 - Serial Number
- 2 - Serial Number
- 3 - Serial Number
- 4 - Serial Number