Wavelet coefficients characteristic of the assembly plant of the vehicle were identified using a genetic algorithm for pattern recognition and feature selection. A search algorithm was then used to cross-correlate the unknown with each IR spectrum in the subset of library spectra identified by the search prefilters. Each cross-correlated IR spectrum was simultaneously compared to an autocorrelated IR spectrum of the unknown using several spectral windows that span different regions of the cross-correlated and autocorrelated data from the midpoint. The top five hits identified in each search window were compiled, and a histogram was computed that summarizes the frequency of occurrence for each selected library sample. The five library samples with the highest frequency of occurrence were selected as potential hits. Even in challenging trials where the clear coat paint samples evaluated were all the same make (e.g., General Motors) within a limited production year range, the model of the automobile from which the unknown paint sample was obtained could be identified from its IR spectrum. (Publisher abstract modified)