How to decode a 1997 Jaguar XK8 VIN
Characters 1-3 of a 1997 Jaguar XK8 VIN
A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code consisting of the first three characters of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which distinctively identifies the manufacturer of the vehicle globally. The WMI is integral for recognizing the brand, country of origin, and vehicle type. For instance, 1997 Jaguar XK8 vehicles possess a WMI beginning with “SAJ,” denoting their production by Jaguar Land Rover Limited. These luxury passenger cars are marked for their origin in Whitley, Coventry, in the United Kingdom, highlighting the European craftsmanship behind their design. The WMI is essential in providing detailed and specific information about a vehicle’s manufacturing background directly from its VIN.
List of WMI Codes for a 1997 Jaguar XK8
WMI: SAJ
- Model Years Covered: 1997-1999
- Example VIN: SAJGN2747VC001948
- Manufacturer Name: Jaguar Land Rover Limited
- Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
- City: Whitley
- State or Province: Coventry
- Country: United Kingdom
Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 1997 Jaguar XK8 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 1997 Jaguar XK8:
| Known VDS for a 1997 Jaguar XK8 | ||
|---|---|---|
| GN274 | GX574 | GX274 |
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 1997 Jaguar XK8 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 1997 Jaguar XK8 VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| V | 1997 |
11th Character in the 1997 Jaguar XK8 VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known 1997 Jaguar XK8 Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C | Browns Lane | England | SAJGN2747VC001948 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1997 Jaguar XK8
The final 6 characters in a 1997 Jaguar XK8’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
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How to find a 1997 Jaguar XK8’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your 1997 Jaguar XK8 is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your 1997 Jaguar XK8. The VIN is usually located here and can be seen by looking through the windshield.
- Check the door frame on the driver’s side of your XK8. There is often a VIN plate or sticker located where the door latches when closed.
- Examine the engine bay of your Jaguar XK8. The VIN might be stamped onto the engine block or displayed on a plate attached to the chassis.
- Search under the hood for a Federal Emissions Label, which typically has the VIN printed on it.
- Review your vehicle’s registration documents, insurance papers, or service records for your 1997 Jaguar XK8, as the VIN will be listed on all official vehicle documentation.
- Inspect the trunk area of your Jaguar. The VIN might be found on the underside of the trunk lid or in the spare wheel well.
What info can a 1997 Jaguar XK8 VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being 1997, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
- Body Class and Doors: A VIN can specify the body class to show that the vehicle is a Convertible/Cabriolet with 2 doors, offering detailed insights into the vehicle’s design and size.
- Engine Type: The VIN decodes to specify the engine details as V-Shaped with 6 cylinders and a displacement of 4.0 liters, giving an idea of the vehicle’s performance capabilities.
- Fuel Type: The VIN may identify the primary fuel type the vehicle uses, which in this instance is Gasoline, hinting at the vehicle’s environmental footprint and possible fuel efficiency.
- Safety Features: Safety feature information such as the availability of front airbags for the 1st row (driver and passenger) can be discovered, suggesting the level of safety provided by the vehicle.
- Vehicle Manufacturing Details: It provides manufacturing details such as the plant city being Browns Lane and the country as England, offering insights into the origin of the vehicle.
- Transmission and Steering: The VIN identifies the vehicle as having an Automatic transmission and left-hand drive steering location, which are key factors in the driving experience and vehicle control.
Don’t have your 1997 Jaguar XK8’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1997 Jaguar XK8
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Body Class | Convertible/Cabriolet |
| Destination Market | U.S. |
| Displacement (CC) | 4000.0 |
| Displacement (CI) | 244.09497637892 |
| Displacement (L) | 4.0 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Engine Configuration | V-Shaped |
| Engine Number of Cylinders | 6 |
| Front Air Bag Locations | 1st Row (Driver and Passenger) |
| Fuel Type - Primary | Gasoline |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating From | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating To | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) |
| Model | XK8 |
| Model Year | 1997 |
| Plant City | Browns Lane |
| Plant Company Name | |
| Plant Country | England |
| Seat Belt Type | Manual |
| Steering Location | Left-Hand Drive (LHD) |
| Transmission Style | Automatic |
| Vehicle Descriptor | SAJGX274*VC |
| Vehicle Type | Passenger Car |
| Sample_VIN | SAJGX2740VC006256 |
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