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Help with what 4 numbers on MGC VIN mean

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D & S Hagye

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Help with what the 4 numbers on a 1968 or 1969 MGC VIN mean. Also, anyone else in California have problems with bringing in an MGC from another state trying to answer the emission standards questions to get registered and plated?
 
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Not sure which numbers you're referencing; can you provide a picture of the ID plate? In the meantime, here's a chart that may help:

MGB Vehicle Identification | Moss Motors

mossmotors.com mossmotors.com

And welcome to the BCF!
 
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As Mickey says, a picture would help!

Note that there was no "standard" VIN number format until 1981- and British cars didn't use the USA VIN format anyway. Many state DMVs would "invent" a VIN using other numbers stamped on the car, and adding numbers and letters to match the state's own VIN format.

Nothing is simple!
 
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I have found that the DMV in CA will license your MGC with its current VIN, but you will have to have the VIN verified by an approved person. I have used a guy that lives about 10 miles south of me for 4 cars now. Once that paperwork is done, the process at the DMV flows ok. Look up DMV verification on google.
 
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Mickey Richaud said:
Not sure which numbers you're referencing; can you provide a picture of the ID plate? In the meantime, here's a chart that may help:

MGB Vehicle Identification | Moss Motors

mossmotors.com mossmotors.com

And welcome to the BCF!
Click to expand...
Am I missing something? It's an MGC. Here's what's on the California temporary registration. GCN1U6980G as vin number. The problem we're having is there isn't any emissions label. If it was actually manuf
 
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D & S Hagye said:
Am I missing something? I couldn't find anything starting with GCN. It's an MGC. Here's what's on the California temporary registration. GCN1U6980G as vin number. The problem we're having is there isn't any emissions label. If it was actually manufactured in 1968 and we can prove that, all the problems go away. If it was manufactured in 1969 we have to supposedly have emissions information for it at time of manufacture. I can't imagine there isn't someone else living in California who hasn't had this same exact problem with a 1969 MGC. Thanks in advance for any help. S Hagye
Click to expand...
 
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Jerry said:
I have found that the DMV in CA will license your MGC with its current VIN, but you will have to have the VIN verified by an approved person. I have used a guy that lives about 10 miles south of me for 4 cars now. Once that paperwork is done, the process at the DMV flows ok. Look up DMV verification on google.
Click to expand...
It was verified by the CHP. That doesn't seem to be enough. Would you please share his info with me. Thanks in advance for your help. S Hagye
 
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I can't find his name on line anymore, he may have retired. But I also found that the DMV people don't know their own rules. If someone tells you that they can't do it, find another DMV person or ask for a supervisor.
 
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I have now been referred to the technical assistance department. They will call me next week. We have been to the local DMV 4 or 5 times and talked to multiple people and a supervisor with no success. Are you in a high population city, I think that may be part of our problem. They don't seem to be able to figure out a work around. Seems they don't think the California Highway Patrol officer was good enough. But like I said it's the emissions info they seem to be stuck on.
 
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Your serial number/VIN looks correct for an MGC, here's a quick and dirty breakdown from the information I have on the MGC:

G - indicates that it is a production MG
C - indicates model as an MGC
N - indicates car is a roadster, a D would indicate that it is a GT
1 - indicates that it is the first series (and in the case of the MGC, only series)
U - this one is a bit screwy as there are different interpretations. The most consistent seems to be LHD US Spec, but I have also seen it as an indicator for LHD in general as well for MGs.built in the last quarter of 1969 onward to the end of production, probably not though given your build number.
6980 - indicates it is #6980 of the production run of ~9K total so roughly 75% of the way through the run and therefore probably a 1969. IIRC the US Spec 1968 models did not have the amber and red reflectors on the front and rear wings, the 1969 US cars did so that could potentially serve as a model year indicator.
G - indicates Abingdon built

Hope this helps in your dealings with the powers that be.
 
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The 4 numbers on the 1968-1969 MGC VIN usually refer to the production sequence and engine specs. When it comes to registering your MGC in California, the emissions standards can be a real hassle. I faced this issue when I brought in a classic from another state—had to get it tested and sometimes modify it to meet California’s strict requirements. It’s a good idea to reach out to a local emissions specialist or DMV office for the most accurate advice.
 
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