How to decode a 1988 Lotus Esprit VIN
Characters 1-3 of a 1988 Lotus Esprit VIN
A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code consisting of the first three characters in a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), designated to identify the vehicle’s manufacturer. WMIs are crucial for accurately tracking, registering, and recalling vehicles across the globe. For instance, Lotus Cars Ltd, a prestigious automobile manufacturer based in Gaydon, Norfolk, United Kingdom, uses the WMI “SCC” for its vehicles. This code is notable in the VINs of specific models, such as the 1988 Lotus Esprit, identifying the vehicle as a passenger car produced by Lotus. This system ensures each vehicle can be distinctly recognized by its manufacturing origin and type worldwide.
List of WMI Codes for a 1988 Lotus Esprit
WMI: SCC
- Model Years Covered: 1986-1989, 2001-2004
- Example VIN: SCCFC20A0JHF62345
- Manufacturer Name: Lotus Cars Ltd
- Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
- City: Gaydon
- State or Province: Norfolk
- Country: United Kingdom
Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 1988 Lotus Esprit VIN
These characters correspond to components like:
- Engine type
- Transmission
- Model or trim
- Body style
- Gross vehicle weight range
Below find the known vehicle descriptor codes for a 1988 Lotus Esprit:
| Known VDS for a 1988 Lotus Esprit |
|---|
| FC20A |
Auto manufacturers have some discretion to decide how they want to code this section, but its contents and decoded results are generally consistent.
Character 9 is the “check digit” in a 1988 Lotus Esprit VIN.
Based on a formula developed by the US Department of Transportation, it helps reduce fraud by ensuring the validity of the VIN.
10th Character in the 1988 Lotus Esprit VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| J | 1988 |
11th Character in the 1988 Lotus Esprit VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known 1988 Lotus Esprit Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| H | Hethel | United Kingdom | SCCFC20A0JHF62345 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1988 Lotus Esprit
The final 6 characters in a 1988 Lotus Esprit’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
Check your Lotus Esprit’s VIN below:
How to find a 1988 Lotus Esprit’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your 1988 Lotus Esprit is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your 1988 Lotus Esprit. The VIN can usually be seen from the outside through the bottom corner of the windshield.
- Inspect the door jamb on the driver’s side of your Lotus Esprit, as the VIN might be located on a sticker or plate where the door latches when closed.
- On the Lotus Esprit, you should also check for the VIN on the firewall of the engine bay, which might require you to open the hood.
- Look at the chassis of the car; the VIN may sometimes be stamped directly into the metal of the frame under the bonnet.
- Check any official documentation that came with the vehicle, such as the title, registration, or owner’s manual, as the VIN will definitely be recorded there.
What info can a 1988 Lotus Esprit VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 1988, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
- Body Class and Doors: Based on the VIN, the Lotus Esprit is classified as a Coupe with 2 doors, offering detailed insights into the vehicle’s design and structure.
- Engine Type and Power: The VIN specifies that the Lotus Esprit features a 910 model engine with a turbocharger, offering a high brake horsepower of at least 215 and indicating a high-performance powertrain.
- Manufacturing Location: The VIN identifies the manufacturing location as Hethel in the United Kingdom, which can provide valuable information for enthusiasts and potentially influence the vehicle’s market value based on its origin.
- Safety Features: The VIN denotes the presence of manual seat belts and active belts as part of the restraint system, highlighting the safety features incorporated at the time of manufacture.
- Body Type: The VIN reveals the vehicle as a 2-door Coupe, providing insights into its design and potential use, catering primarily to those seeking sports or luxury vehicles.
- Turbocharged Engine: The VIN confirms that the engine is turbocharged, signifying the vehicle’s enhanced performance capabilities, which may appeal to those prioritizing power and speed.
Don’t have your 1988 Lotus Esprit’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1988 Lotus Esprit
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Body Class | Coupe |
| Doors | 2 |
| Engine Brake (hp) From | 215 |
| Engine Model | 910 |
| Model | Esprit |
| Model Year | 1988 |
| Other Restraint System Info | Active Belts |
| Plant City | Hethel |
| Plant Company Name | |
| Plant Country | United Kingdom |
| Seat Belt Type | Manual |
| Series | Turbo F |
| Series2 | 3 |
| Turbo | Yes |
| Vehicle Descriptor | SCCFC20A*JH |
| Vehicle Type | Passenger Car |
| Sample_VIN | SCCFC20A0JHF62345 |
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