How to decode a 1991 Lotus Elan VIN
Characters 1-3 of a 1991 Lotus Elan VIN
A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code consisting of the first three characters of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which identifies the manufacturer of a vehicle. In the case of the 1991 Lotus Elan, the WMI ‘SCC’ denotes Lotus Cars Ltd, a distinguished vehicle manufacturer located in Gaydon, Norfolk, United Kingdom. This code is integral in providing specific information about where and by whom a vehicle was manufactured. The WMI is crucial for vehicle registration, identification, and global tracking, serving as an international standard for classifying vehicles. Specifically, for the 1991 Lotus Elan, this indicates it is a passenger car produced by Lotus Cars Ltd, embodying the exquisite craftsmanship and automotive legacy of the British car industry.
List of WMI Codes for a 1991 Lotus Elan
WMI: SCC
- Model Years Covered: 1991
- Example VIN: SCCGA36B0MHF27468
- 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 1991 Lotus Elan 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 1991 Lotus Elan:
| Known VDS for a 1991 Lotus Elan |
|---|
| GA36B |
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 1991 Lotus Elan 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 1991 Lotus Elan VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| M | 1991 |
11th Character in the 1991 Lotus Elan VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known 1991 Lotus Elan Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| H | Hethel | United Kingdom | SCCGA36B0MHF27468 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1991 Lotus Elan
The final 6 characters in a 1991 Lotus Elan’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
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How to find a 1991 Lotus Elan’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your 1991 Lotus Elan is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Examine the dashboard on the driver’s side of your 1991 Lotus Elan. The VIN is typically located on a plaque that can be seen through the windshield.
- Look on the driver’s side door post where the door latches when closed. The VIN for your Lotus Elan might be located there, often on a sticker or a metal plate.
- Inspect the front of the engine block. The VIN for the 1991 Lotus Elan can often be stamped on the engine itself.
- Review the rear wheel well, particularly on the driver’s side. You may have to look closely as the VIN might be stamped in a less obvious location in this area.
- Check beneath the spare tire in the trunk area. Sometimes, the VIN is printed in this location for added security.
- Inspect your vehicle’s paperwork. The VIN will be present on the title, registration, and insurance documents for your Lotus Elan.
What info can a 1991 Lotus Elan VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year being the year 1991, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
- Plant Country: The manufacturing country for this vehicle is indicated as the United Kingdom, pointing to its origin and potentially the manufacturing standards.
- Vehicle Specifications: This dataset describes a 1991 Elan with a 1.588 L, 4-cylinder gasoline engine by Isuzu, showcasing detailed engine specifications.
- Body Type and Size: The body class is identified as a Roadster, which specifies the style and possibly the target use of the vehicle.
- Safety Features: The vehicle is equipped with manual seat belts and an inflatable restraint system with active belts, possibly highlighting its safety equipment.
- Engine and Performance: With an engine possibly generating 162 horsepower from a turbocharged in-line engine configuration, the VIN may provide insights into the vehicle’s performance capabilities.
- Transmission Style: The transmission is listed as Manual/Standard, which can give potential owners or enthusiasts insight into the driving experience.
Don’t have your 1991 Lotus Elan’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1991 Lotus Elan
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Body Class | Roadster |
| Displacement (CC) | 1588 |
| Displacement (CI) | 96.905705622 |
| Displacement (L) | 1.588000 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Engine Brake (hp) From | 162 |
| Engine Configuration | In-Line |
| Engine Manufacturer | Isuzu |
| Engine Model | 4XE1-TM |
| Engine Number of Cylinders | 4 |
| Fuel Type - Primary | Gasoline |
| Model | Elan |
| Model Year | 1991 |
| Other Restraint System Info | Inflatable with Active belts |
| Plant City | Hethel |
| Plant Company Name | |
| Plant Country | United Kingdom |
| Seat Belt Type | Manual |
| Series | 1 - Series |
| Transmission Style | Manual/Standard |
| Turbo | Yes |
| Valve Train Design | Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC) |
| Vehicle Descriptor | SCCGA36B*MH |
| Vehicle Type | Passenger Car |
| Sample_VIN | SCCGA36B0MHF27468 |
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