How can I tell what my car was from the factory by the VIN number?

[DavidFC3S]

Hi guys, New here.
I'm just purchasing what I'm told is a VB SL/E with factory 308 and 4spd manual.
I was hoping someone could tell me if it was genuine or not.

There's a whole lot of numbers on it and I'm not sure what is what so I'll just list all the numbers I could find on it.

8VX69BR
993009-S
M21
AVB018201S
8X69TJH993009B

Thanks in advance for the help, sorry my question is rather vague. I did try contacting holden but they told me they didn't have records back that far

David

[VT-565]

I heard the 4 speed didn't come behind the 5 litres in your model

[Jonno]

ask sl/e nut

[88GreenVN]

Hi guys, New here.
I'm just purchasing what I'm told is a VB SL/E with factory 308 and 4spd manual.
I was hoping someone could tell me if it was genuine or not.

There's a whole lot of numbers on it and I'm not sure what is what so I'll just list all the numbers I could find on it.

8VX69BR (SL/E is the X) 69 is sedan
993009-S (993009 serial number of the car and S = Sydney made the body I think)
M21 (4 speed box)
AVB018201S (18,201 's body made in Sydney)
8X69TJH993009B (the B = VB model in the vin)

Thanks in advance for the help, sorry my question is rather vague. I did try contacting holden but they told me they didn't have records back that far

David

Here is some info in bold for you - as said above SL/E Nut will probably have all the info...

[Not_An_Abba_Fan]

I heard the 4 speed didn't come behind the 5 litres in your model

Yes, the VB 308 had a factory 4 speed.

8 GMH
X Degree of luxury, the X denotes "top of the range" which is the SL/E.
69 Sedan
T Engine code 5.0L
J Year Model 1980
H9 Build Factory Sydney
93009 Production number
B The second letter in the model VB

M21 is the 308 4 speed box.

[DavidFC3S]

Yes, the VB 308 had a factory 4 speed.
J Year Model 1980

Thanks so much for the replies.
Sounds like I'm onto a winner here, I believe the factory 308 4spd is extremely rare?

The year confusing though, you said J means 1980 but the build date on the plate is 04/78

[88GreenVN]

The VB was released in October 78 so it's strange that it's a very early productuion date (made well before release) and was the 18,201'st body made.

are you sure it is the 4/78?

I would have been looking for a very low body number for a 4/78 build date

[DavidFC3S]

The VB was released in October 78 so it's strange that it's a very early productuion date (made well before release) and was the 18,201'st body made.

are you sure it is the 4/78?

I would have been looking for a very low body number for a 4/78 build date

I'm sorry that's my mistake it's an 04/79

[DavidFC3S]

So am I correct in assuming this is a pretty rare car?

[88GreenVN]

So am I correct in assuming this is a pretty rare car?

I'd say so - not many VB 308 4 speeds anyway and the VB had a low production run as well. So yep it's a "keeper"

[SL/ENUT]

Ok, thats is whats called a VB SL/E 308 option pack. Came out of the factory with the 5 litre and M21 gearbox. There was about 100 built all up, split 50/50, 50 with 2.60:1 diff ratio and the other 50 with 3.08:1 ratio. So yep, extremely rare SL/E.

I also have one. Sandlewood beige metallic colour.

[DavidFC3S]

Thanks a lot for all the replies guys
Really appreciate it

I was actually buying it with the intention of an LS1 conversion, but considering the rarity off it I might look at a 355 instead so I can keep the original engine number

[Not_An_Abba_Fan]

It will be worth more if you don't touch the original engine. Get another 308 and stroke that, but when it comes time to sell, it will be worth more as an original, rather than a stroker.

[SL/ENUT]

I agree with not an abba fan, worth more all original than with a stroker motor.

[DavidFC3S]

Thanks a lot for all the advice guys
I'll have to think long and hard what I want to do with this car now
I had really big plans for it, the whole reason I was buying this particular one is I thought the engine had already been swapped from a 253 to a 308 and the devaluing had already been done
Was not expecting to find out it was so rare that I shouldn't touch it

[VS_Pete_1]

Leave it as it is mate.

[DavidFC3S]

I bought this car for $1500 and cost me $250 to transport it home
it's got a bit of rust in it, I was aware of this at the time and had intentions of restoring it. The interior etc is still pretty neat.

My circumstances have changed and I'm going to have to move house in about 3 weeks time to a place where I will have no room to store it.

Would anyone be interested in buying it for around what it's cost me?

call/sms 0410649105 if you're interested I don't come online very often

[DavidFC3S]

If anyone has a reasonable condition datsun stanza, sunny, 200b, 180b, 1200 sedan or 1200 coupe I would be willing to swap