Scheme guide · 1972
American Motors 13-character VIN, 1972 (1971 not yet sourced)
What each character of a 1972 American Motors, AMC VIN means, with the factory or regulatory source for every code.
1 source · 35 sourced codes · decode a VIN
Character by character
| Positions | Field | How it is read |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Manufacturer | See the code table below |
| 2 | Model year | See the code table below |
| 3 | Transmission | See the code table below |
| 4 | Car line (series) | See the code table below |
| 5 | Body style | See the code table below |
| 6 | Model (trim class) | See the code table below |
| 7 | Engine | See the code table below |
| 8 | Plant (first digit of the serial) | See the code table below |
| 9–13 | Sequential serial (remaining digits) | Production sequence number |
Where to find it: 1972 factory key: the VIN is visible through the windshield on the driver side of the instrument panel (Car Ordering Guide and Price List, Section 1 p. 3, footer).
Manufacturer codes
| Code | Meaning | Applies to | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
A |
Built by American Motors Corporation | all | 1972 Car Ordering Guide and Price List, Section 1 p. 3, 'Vehicle Identification Number Key' (issued August 2, 1971), Section 1 p. 3, Vehicle Identification Number Key, 'Built By American Motors Corporation' box |
Model year codes
| Code | Meaning | Applies to | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
2 |
1972 | all | 1972 Car Ordering Guide and Price List, Section 1 p. 3, 'Vehicle Identification Number Key' (issued August 2, 1971), Section 1 p. 3, Vehicle Identification Number Key, '1972 Model' box |
Transmission codes
| Code | Meaning | Applies to | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
A |
Automatic column shift | model year 1972 | 1972 Car Ordering Guide and Price List, Section 1 p. 3, 'Vehicle Identification Number Key' (issued August 2, 1971), Section 1 p. 3, Vehicle Identification Number Key, 'Type of Transmission' box |
C |
Automatic console shift | model year 1972 | 1972 Car Ordering Guide and Price List, Section 1 p. 3, 'Vehicle Identification Number Key' (issued August 2, 1971), Section 1 p. 3, Vehicle Identification Number Key, 'Type of Transmission' box |
M |
4-speed manual floor shift | model year 1972 | 1972 Car Ordering Guide and Price List, Section 1 p. 3, 'Vehicle Identification Number Key' (issued August 2, 1971), Section 1 p. 3, Vehicle Identification Number Key, 'Type of Transmission' box |
S |
3-speed manual column shift | model year 1972 | 1972 Car Ordering Guide and Price List, Section 1 p. 3, 'Vehicle Identification Number Key' (issued August 2, 1971), Section 1 p. 3, Vehicle Identification Number Key, 'Type of Transmission' box |
E |
3-speed manual floor shift, Sync. | model year 1972 | 1972 Car Ordering Guide and Price List, Section 1 p. 3, 'Vehicle Identification Number Key' (issued August 2, 1971), Section 1 p. 3, Vehicle Identification Number Key, 'Type of Transmission' box |
F |
3-speed manual floor shift | model year 1972 | 1972 Car Ordering Guide and Price List, Section 1 p. 3, 'Vehicle Identification Number Key' (issued August 2, 1971), Section 1 p. 3, Vehicle Identification Number Key, 'Type of Transmission' box |
Car line (series) codes
| Code | Meaning | Applies to | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
0 |
Hornet | model year 1972 | 1972 Car Ordering Guide and Price List, Section 1 p. 3, 'Vehicle Identification Number Key' (issued August 2, 1971), Section 1 p. 3, Vehicle Identification Number Key, 'Carline' box |
1 |
Matador | model year 1972 | 1972 Car Ordering Guide and Price List, Section 1 p. 3, 'Vehicle Identification Number Key' (issued August 2, 1971), Section 1 p. 3, Vehicle Identification Number Key, 'Carline' box |
4 |
Gremlin | model year 1972 | 1972 Car Ordering Guide and Price List, Section 1 p. 3, 'Vehicle Identification Number Key' (issued August 2, 1971), Section 1 p. 3, Vehicle Identification Number Key, 'Carline' box |
7 |
Javelin | model year 1972 | 1972 Car Ordering Guide and Price List, Section 1 p. 3, 'Vehicle Identification Number Key' (issued August 2, 1971), Section 1 p. 3, Vehicle Identification Number Key, 'Carline' box |
8 |
Ambassador | model year 1972 | 1972 Car Ordering Guide and Price List, Section 1 p. 3, 'Vehicle Identification Number Key' (issued August 2, 1971), Section 1 p. 3, Vehicle Identification Number Key, 'Carline' box |
Body style codes
| Code | Meaning | Applies to | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
5 |
4-door sedan | model year 1972 | 1972 Car Ordering Guide and Price List, Section 1 p. 3, 'Vehicle Identification Number Key' (issued August 2, 1971), Section 1 p. 3, Vehicle Identification Number Key, 'Body Style' box |
6 |
2-door sedan | model year 1972 | 1972 Car Ordering Guide and Price List, Section 1 p. 3, 'Vehicle Identification Number Key' (issued August 2, 1971), Section 1 p. 3, Vehicle Identification Number Key, 'Body Style' box |
8 |
4-door station wagon | model year 1972 | 1972 Car Ordering Guide and Price List, Section 1 p. 3, 'Vehicle Identification Number Key' (issued August 2, 1971), Section 1 p. 3, Vehicle Identification Number Key, 'Body Style' box |
9 |
2-door hardtop | model year 1972 | 1972 Car Ordering Guide and Price List, Section 1 p. 3, 'Vehicle Identification Number Key' (issued August 2, 1971), Section 1 p. 3, Vehicle Identification Number Key, 'Body Style' box |
Model (trim class) codes
| Code | Meaning | Applies to | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
5 |
Gremlin or Ambassador SST | model year 1972 | 1972 Car Ordering Guide and Price List, Section 1 p. 3, 'Vehicle Identification Number Key' (issued August 2, 1971), Section 1 p. 3, Vehicle Identification Number Key, 'Model' box |
7 |
Hornet SST, Javelin SST, Matador or Ambassador Brougham | model year 1972 | 1972 Car Ordering Guide and Price List, Section 1 p. 3, 'Vehicle Identification Number Key' (issued August 2, 1971), Section 1 p. 3, Vehicle Identification Number Key, 'Model' box |
8 |
Javelin AMX | model year 1972 | 1972 Car Ordering Guide and Price List, Section 1 p. 3, 'Vehicle Identification Number Key' (issued August 2, 1971), Section 1 p. 3, Vehicle Identification Number Key, 'Model' box |
Engine codes
| Code | Meaning | Applies to | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
A |
258 CID Six, 1-barrel | model year 1972 | 1972 Car Ordering Guide and Price List, Section 1 p. 3, 'Vehicle Identification Number Key' (issued August 2, 1971), Section 1 p. 3, Vehicle Identification Number Key, 'Engines' box |
E |
232 CID Six, 1-barrel | model year 1972 | 1972 Car Ordering Guide and Price List, Section 1 p. 3, 'Vehicle Identification Number Key' (issued August 2, 1971), Section 1 p. 3, Vehicle Identification Number Key, 'Engines' box |
H |
304 CID V-8, 2-barrel | model year 1972 | 1972 Car Ordering Guide and Price List, Section 1 p. 3, 'Vehicle Identification Number Key' (issued August 2, 1971), Section 1 p. 3, Vehicle Identification Number Key, 'Engines' box |
N |
360 CID V-8, 2-barrel | model year 1972 | 1972 Car Ordering Guide and Price List, Section 1 p. 3, 'Vehicle Identification Number Key' (issued August 2, 1971), Section 1 p. 3, Vehicle Identification Number Key, 'Engines' box |
P |
360 CID V-8, 4-barrel | model year 1972 | 1972 Car Ordering Guide and Price List, Section 1 p. 3, 'Vehicle Identification Number Key' (issued August 2, 1971), Section 1 p. 3, Vehicle Identification Number Key, 'Engines' box |
Z |
401 CID V-8, 4-barrel | model year 1972 | 1972 Car Ordering Guide and Price List, Section 1 p. 3, 'Vehicle Identification Number Key' (issued August 2, 1971), Section 1 p. 3, Vehicle Identification Number Key, 'Engines' box |
Plant (first digit of the serial) codes
| Code | Meaning | Applies to | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
1 |
Kenosha | model year 1972 | 1972 Car Ordering Guide and Price List, Section 1 p. 3, 'Vehicle Identification Number Key' (issued August 2, 1971), Section 1 p. 3, Vehicle Identification Number Key, 'Plant Location' box |
2 |
Kenosha | model year 1972 | 1972 Car Ordering Guide and Price List, Section 1 p. 3, 'Vehicle Identification Number Key' (issued August 2, 1971), Section 1 p. 3, Vehicle Identification Number Key, 'Plant Location' box |
3 |
Kenosha | model year 1972 | 1972 Car Ordering Guide and Price List, Section 1 p. 3, 'Vehicle Identification Number Key' (issued August 2, 1971), Section 1 p. 3, Vehicle Identification Number Key, 'Plant Location' box |
4 |
Kenosha | model year 1972 | 1972 Car Ordering Guide and Price List, Section 1 p. 3, 'Vehicle Identification Number Key' (issued August 2, 1971), Section 1 p. 3, Vehicle Identification Number Key, 'Plant Location' box |
5 |
Kenosha | model year 1972 | 1972 Car Ordering Guide and Price List, Section 1 p. 3, 'Vehicle Identification Number Key' (issued August 2, 1971), Section 1 p. 3, Vehicle Identification Number Key, 'Plant Location' box |
6 |
Kenosha | model year 1972 | 1972 Car Ordering Guide and Price List, Section 1 p. 3, 'Vehicle Identification Number Key' (issued August 2, 1971), Section 1 p. 3, Vehicle Identification Number Key, 'Plant Location' box |
7 |
Brampton | model year 1972 | 1972 Car Ordering Guide and Price List, Section 1 p. 3, 'Vehicle Identification Number Key' (issued August 2, 1971), Section 1 p. 3, Vehicle Identification Number Key, 'Plant Location' box |
8 |
Brampton | model year 1972 | 1972 Car Ordering Guide and Price List, Section 1 p. 3, 'Vehicle Identification Number Key' (issued August 2, 1971), Section 1 p. 3, Vehicle Identification Number Key, 'Plant Location' box |
9 |
Brampton | model year 1972 | 1972 Car Ordering Guide and Price List, Section 1 p. 3, 'Vehicle Identification Number Key' (issued August 2, 1971), Section 1 p. 3, Vehicle Identification Number Key, 'Plant Location' box |
Cautions for this scheme
- A decode reads what the 1972 factory key says each character means. It does not prove the car is original, correct, or the car the VIN plate was made for; the VIN records the invoiced build, not later engine, transmission, or trim changes.
- 1971 VINs are not decoded: no 1971 factory key, ordering guide or service-manual VIN page has been sourced, and the 1970 and 1972 codes are not carried across to 1971. This pack's id reserves the 1971 slot; a 1971 VIN (A1…) currently matches no AMC pack.
- No other AMC pack decodes 2 in position 2, so a 1972 VIN is offered only by this pack.
- Position 6 (Model) groups trim lines under one digit: 5 covers both the Gremlin and the Ambassador SST, and 7 covers the Hornet SST, Javelin SST, Matador and Ambassador Brougham. Read it together with the carline in position 4.
- The key lists no 2-door hatchback, convertible, or base-model digit for 1972; any such character decodes as an unknown code.
- AMC also fitted a separate body identification plate (body number, model, trim and paint codes). It is not decoded here.