Lotus Elise S1 Service Notes page 4

Lotus Service Notes Introduction
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER & ENGINE NUMBER
The Vehicle Identification Number (V.I.N.) is stamped on the chassis in the right hand rear wheelarch
area, and is also printed on a label stuck to the body in the front services compartment. The engine number is
marked on a vertical patch at the left hand end of the forward face of the cylinder block, and is most easily
viewed using a mirror.
Both numbers should always be quoted with any vehicle enquiries, as Factory records are filed against
V.I.N., and specification change points are identified by V.I.N, or engine number. The vehicle licence number
may not accurately reflect vehicle age, may also be changed during the car's life, and is an unreliable method
of vehicle identification.
The V.I.N, comprises 17 characters, coded in accordance with European Economic Community (EEC)
directives. Note that the coding of the V.I.N, changed with the introduction of '98 M.Y. Prior to July 2000,
change points will be identified in Service Notes and Service Parts Lists by characters 10 (model year) and 15
-17, or 14 -17 (serial number). After July 2000, characters 10 to 17 will be quoted.
'96 & '97 Model Year
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