How to decode a 2009 Lotus Elise VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2009 Lotus Elise VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code assigned to every vehicle manufacturer and is integral to the creation of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). The WMI for the 2009 Lotus Elise, a prestigious sports car built by Lotus Cars Ltd, starts with the letters “SCC,” identifying the United Kingdom-based manufacturer. This code not only denotes the manufacturer but also provides insights into the vehicle type, in this case, a passenger car. Produced between the model years 2005 to 2011, the Lotus Elise exemplifies the sophisticated engineering and design characteristic of Gaydon, Norfolk, where Lotus Cars Ltd is headquartered. Through the WMI, enthusiasts and professionals alike can trace this vehicle’s origins, cementing its status as a quintessential British sports car.

List of WMI Codes for a 2009 Lotus Elise

WMI: SCC

Model Years Covered: 2005-2011
Example VIN: SCCPC11139HL30148
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 2009 Lotus Elise 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 2009 Lotus Elise:

Known VDS for a 2009 Lotus Elise
PC111

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 2009 Lotus Elise 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 2009 Lotus Elise VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
9	2009

11th Character in the 2009 Lotus Elise VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2009 Lotus Elise Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

Plant Code	Plant City	Plant State	Plant Country	Plant Company Name	Example VIN
H	Hethel		United Kingdom		SCCPC11139HL30148

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2009 Lotus Elise

The final 6 characters in a 2009 Lotus Elise’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

Check your Lotus Elise’s VIN below:

How to find a 2009 Lotus Elise’s VIN?

Locating the VIN number on your 2009 Lotus Elise is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:

Look at the base of the windshield on the driver’s side of your 2009 Lotus Elise; the VIN is typically displayed there, visible from outside the vehicle.
Examine the door jamb on the driver’s side of your Lotus Elise for a sticker or plate that may have the VIN listed.
Inspect the frame of the car where the door latches when closed, as the VIN might be stamped onto the frame.
Check under the hood of your Elise; there may be a VIN plate located on the firewall.
Examine the trunk area, often on the trunk lid or in the compartment where the spare tire is located, for a VIN plate or sticker on your 2009 Lotus Elise. 6. Consult your vehicle’s service or owner’s manual, as it may list the VIN along with other important details about your 2009 Lotus Elise.

What info can a 2009 Lotus Elise VIN reveal?

Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, possibly indicating the year 2009, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
Vehicle Type and Body Class: The VIN suggests the vehicle is classified as a Passenger Car with a Convertible/Cabriolet body, possibly highlighting its design and potential lifestyle fit for prospective buyers.
Engine Specifications: Important details such as a 1.8-liter engine capacity, model 2ZZ, and features like Variable Valve Timing (VVT) and Lift Intelligence can be derived, giving insight into the vehicle’s potential performance and efficiency.
Safety Features: The VIN indicates the presence of 1st-row (Driver and Passenger) airbags and manual seat belts, possibly indicating the vehicle’s safety equipment level.
Plant Location: Manufacturing details such as the plant city being Hethel and the country as the United Kingdom provide context on the vehicle’s origin, which might influence its value and appeal.
Seat Belt Type: The specification of manual seat belts offers a glimpse into the vehicle’s interior features and safety mechanisms.
Vehicle Descriptor and Sample VIN: The Vehicle Descriptor ‘SCCPC111*9H’ within the sample VIN ‘SCCPC11139HL30148’ uniquely identifies the vehicle specifications, allowing for precise identification and verification.

Don’t have your 2009 Lotus Elise’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!

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Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2009 Lotus Elise

Vehicle Spec	Value
Body Class	Convertible/Cabriolet
Displacement (CC)	1800.0
Displacement (CI)	109.84273937051
Displacement (L)	1.8
Engine Model	2ZZ
Front Air Bag Locations	1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Model	Elise
Model Year	2009
Other Engine Info	VVT and Lift Intelligence
Other Restraint System Info	Active Belts
Plant City	Hethel
Plant Company Name
Plant Country	United Kingdom
Seat Belt Type	Manual
Vehicle Descriptor	SCCPC111*9H
Vehicle Type	Passenger Car
Sample_VIN	SCCPC11139HL30148