If you’re even a little bit of a car nut, there’s a good chance you know about chassis codes. Car geeks can go through entire automotive conversations without ever mentioning a model name.
That sort of banter is basically what characterizes a day in AutoGuide.com office. After one such exchange, we decided to compile a list of our 10 favorites. So that’s what you’ll find here: the 10 chassis codes we think are the most important. Do you agree?
If you had a 1999 to 2006 BMW 3 Series, you had one that was known as the E46. The E46 is considered by many to be the best interpretation of BMW’s “The Ultimate Driving Machine” tagline. It was sporty yet refined, while its no-frills design philosophy helped showcase its focused approach to driving.
The E46 peaked with a brilliant car, the BMW M3 (seen above). Available as a coupe or convertible, the E46 generation M3 used a 3.2-liter straight-six engine that sent 333 hp to the rear wheels. Depending on the transmission used, the E46 could manage a 0-60 time under five seconds. Pair that straight-line speed with the M3’s handling prowess and the car became a legend among BMW fans.
Here’s a code that has been brought back into the spotlight thanks to the recent Scion FR-S, Toyota GT-86 and Subaru BRZ. Considered the spiritual predecessor to these new cars, the AE86 was a lightweight, rear-wheel drive coupe version of the Corolla that was made between 1983 and 1987.
The AE86 wasn’t a fast car, but its nimble, agile nature made it fun to drive and easy to control during oversteer. Often seen in drifting events, the AE86 was further popularized thanks to its part in a Japanese animated show called Initial D. The Panda-themed Corolla in the show is known as the Hachi-Roku, Japanese for “eight-six.”
The philosophy of having a lightweight, low powered but highly-engaging car was the driving force behind the new Scion, Toyota, Subaru sports car. The new cars from Scion and Toyota pay homage to the AE86 with “86” badges on their front fenders.
There’s only one name you need to know when it comes to small convertibles and that is “Miata.” Now known as the Mazda MX-5, the car that started it all was dubbed the NA back in 1989. Tipping the scales just past 2,000 lbs., the NA is known nowadays as the pure Miata, as every generation since has gotten bigger and heavier.
Two engines made their way into the NA Miata: a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine debuted in the NA, makinge 115 horsepower while a 1.8-liter engine arrived in 1994 making 130 hp. In production from 1989 to 1999, the NA Miata was a Japanese take on European roadsters like the Alfa Romeo Spyder, Triumph Spitfire and MG MGB.
Offered with minimal options, the NA quickly became a legendary car able to run problem-free for thousands of miles while delivering a raw and engaging driving feel. Not only that, but it spurred a grass-roots motorsport movement that sees owners participating in track events, auto-crosses and other high-performance events to this day.
It’s hard to peg where the Nissan Skyline’s popularity stems from. Likely a result of the Playstation generation who had the opportunity to drive a number of realistic cars in Gran Turismo, the Skyline was one of the fastest cars in the game. And that out-of-reach car that could spank anything was known by two names – the R34 and Godzilla for the top-trim GT-R models. The R34 was in production between 1998 and 2002 and was known for the performance of the GT-R model.
Nissan paired an advanced all-wheel drive system with a twin-turbo six-cylinder engine in order to beat rival cars like the Toyota Supra and Mazda RX-7. To many, when you think Skyline, its the R34 model that springs to mind, and that’s the way it should be.
Another car from the heyday of Japanese sports cars, the third-generation Mazda RX-7, in production from 1991 to 2002, was known as the FD. In comparison to other Japanese sports cars in its class, the RX-7 was extremely light, allowing it to out-handle the competition. Pair that lightweight body with the twin-turbo rotary engine and the Mazda sports car was a certified rocket.
The Mercedes-Benz SL coupe is the second longest running nameplates in the history of the brand, the most recognizable is the 1972-1989 models that go by the chassis code R107. With its long production run, the R107 is coming into its own as a collectors car these days and top dollar is being spent to gain a high-quality model.
R107’s also feature unfortunately large black bumpers in the U.S., making them easier to spot. The car came with a soft-top and optional hard-top roof, while C107s were called SLC’s and had fixed-roof coupes with rear seats.
This one is a no-brainer. The Jeep Wrangler from our youth is a rugged, yet approachable off-road vehicle. With limitless capability and styling as blue-collar as a pair of worn-in jeans the Jeep Wrangler TJ just says “Jeep.”
TJs are the Wranglers made between 1997 and 2006 and saw the return of the circular headlights. The TJ was also the last production vehicle to use AMC-related parts. The TJ was available in many trim levels and special editions, including the ever-capable Rubicon.
While always a solid car, the Ford Mustang really came into its own this past generation. Available from 2004 to 2014, the S-197 Mustang is notable because it introduced and really nailed the “modern-day retro” niche. The S-197 has to be one of the most successful Mustangs, and the upcoming sixth generation model (with the chassis code S-550) has a lot to live up to.
Under the hood of these cars lays a V6 that peaked at 310 hp, or a variety of V8 engines. The S-197 also has a huge following in the aftermarket community, where it was named the hottest car at SEMA two years in a row (2012 and 2013).
Any list of chassis codes would be incomplete without mentioning the Chevrolet Corvette, which is known by a C followed by the generation of the car. Our favorite is the C6 (although the new C7 may change that).
Available between 2004 and 2013, the C6 used a variety of potent V8 engines throughout its production. Depending on the trim level, among them is the “tame” 6.0-liter V8 engine that offers 400 horsepower, or the huge 7.0-liter LS7 that makes 505 hp. Of course the high-performance ZR-1 used a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 with 638 hp.
The C6 is noteable for bringing so much performance to so many people and even introduced new features to the Corvette formula – namely technology. With the ZR1 model, buyers could have the magnetic-ride suspension setup, which helped the car handle compete against higher performing vehicles than it ever could before.
Did you know that the 911 in “Porsche 911″ referred to the chassis? Well, kind of. The first 911 was actually going to be called the 901, until Peugeot got involved saying they had the exclusive rights to all cars ending with 01. So Porsche called its car the 911 and the rest is history.
The 911 was offered in between 1963 and 1989, when it was then replaced by the 964-era 911. The original 911, like many other Porsches used a rear-engine, rear-wheel drive layout that is still being used in the modern 911 (known as the 991) today.