Strange VIN

[19Eclipse90]

Hey guys, I was messing around with CAPS data files, curious to know exactly how the 3/S database for the stories was put together. Going through, I found this VIN (I don't know what else to call it) and am baffled at what it is exactly. It was intermixed with other VINs but was not like any of the others immediately surrounding it.

VIN: Z16AWY0Y001697

Yes, I know it is shorter than a normal VIN and I know that Z16A is the Model Code for 94+ twin turbo cars. It does not give results on http://www.3kgt.com/ie.htm or http://www.ypass.net/misc/3sinfo/story.php. But I got to wondering, then, why it gives specific results (aside from the Option) in CAPS and ASA?

From CAPS/ASA: 3000GT(MMNA) 3000/4WD/4WS ULTIMATE LINE,6FM/T CAL
Model: Z16A
Classification: MJGFL7M
Option: 000
Exterior: R71A
Interior: 67J
Production Period: 1997071-1997071

Anyone care to shine light on this?

[stealthee]

Its a Japanese VIN.

[colt45 gto]

Z16A is the GTO model Vin from '91>

[19Eclipse90]

So why does it say MMNA or why is it specified for CAL emissions? Or is that just because I was looking the number up on the US/North American ASA?

Does that mean that GTOs are not accounted for in the database used to create the two websites I mentioned?

Just curious and appreciate the info so far.

[stealthee]

Correct, GTO's are not accounted for because technically GTO's are not 3000GT's. The two websites account for North American bound cars only with the standardized US 17 character VIN.

[GTOJOE]

Doesn't look like a normal GTO vin. All GTO vins start with Z16A-XXXXXXX or Z15A-XXXXXXX but usually only numbers. I have never seen one with letters after the model code. Also it looks like there are too many numbers/letters. Normal vin is 7 numbers after the model.

[BjornRune]

Yeah, as Joe said that does not look like a regular GTO VIN. Mine does not contain any letters after model code (Z15A-0123456).

[colt45 gto]

i think it all depends on what part of the world your in as to which numbers follow the prefixed code. z15a and z16a are pretty much a standard thing...

i thought i would have a stub from a few of my old cars to give you an idea..looks like i sent them all with the cars.

[19Eclipse90]

I don't have the Japanese version of ASA so I can't put it in there to check, but the number does not work in the European ASA. Further, the classification code matches those of the US 3000GT and, in US ASA it shows the car as LHD, ruling out the possibility that it is a GTO, correct? So why would a North American 3000GT have a Japanese (or other) VIN? As we all know, the North American/US VINs begin with J (for Japan as the country of origin), are 17 characters long, and from what I've seen never explicitly include the vehicle's model code (Z1#A).

Again, sorry that I continue to pry, but it's weird and I'm still very curious. And with all due respect, I don't quite feel satisfied saying it depends on where you are in the world simply because that doesn't solve the mystery. I appreciate all the input thus far, guys.

[colt45 gto]

ah ha i found one.... sarahs gto the chassis/vin number was z16a-0100674 thats for registration M923EWX '95 Japanese 3000GT VR4(GTO)