Prior to 1972 models, and specifically the 1969s are broken down thusly:


The 1st digit designates the GM Division Number. 1 = Chevrolet, 2 = Pontiac (U.S.), 3 = Oldsmobile, 4 = Buick, 7 = Canadian Pontiac, Beaumont, Acadian, 9 = Canadian GMC

The 2nd & 3rd digits show within the division the car line trim level & whether six or eight cylinder

The 4th & 5th digits show the body style

The 6th digit shows the model year

The 7th digit varies from plant to plant as the starting number for the vin. Followed by the sequential unit number within that car line. Interestingly a Chevelle could come down the line as unit # 6078 while the Beaumont on the line behind it might be unit #5201. They kept separate totals for each car line even though different car lines were interspersed on the same production line.

Attached is an example of a 1969 Chevrolet. Canadian Pontiacs would be something like 7665791...., meaning Pontiac Parisienne 8 cyl Sport Coupe, 1969, Oshawa built.

(Courtesy of GM Heritage)