The AUSubaru.com.au Forums

I seem to recall with early Commodores and the aid of a factory manual you could look at the cars compliance plate (VIN ?) number and each of the numbers/letters meant something, ie, manual, engine type etc.
Does anyone know if this is still the case with Subarus in particular the MY and the L series.
I just wanted to know what each number means so I can learn a bit more about the car.

the first fsm on this site 1983 Subaru EA81.pdf has that in the first section of the FSM.

hope that helps

TOONGA

or a quicker read

J- country of manufacture J Japan W Germany, K Korea _on many Holdens now
F - Fuji
1 type of vehicle 1 passenger, 2 multi purpose
A car line
C body type C 4dr sedan, N stn wag, X is XTVORT,K wag with step roof
1 engine type 1 1300, 2 1600, 3 16004wd,4 1800, 5 18004wd, 7 18004wd air susp
B year code 86MY is B, 85MY is A
L is stering wheel side or R
0 dummy position
C is carb, B is turbo, E mpfi
A trans code 4MT,B 5MT,C AT,D 4wd5mt,E 4wd5mt dr,F 4wd at
six numbers