VIN Coding

There are three variations of the VIN; prior to '98 M.Y. there is one for domestic and non-USA export markets, which complies with European Economic Community (EEC) directives; and one for the USA which complies with requirements laid down by the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA). From '98 M.Y. - On, a common coding is used. The following charts explain how to decode these 3 different VIN styles.


This chart should be used for 1988MY- 1992MY Esprits


This chart should be used for 1993MY- 1997MY Federal (USA) Esprits
 


This chart should be used for 1993MY- 1997MY ROW (Non-USA) Esprits
 


In 1998, Lotus consolidated the VINs for USA and Non-USA cars. This chart shows the coding to be used for 1998MY- On Esprits.
 


This chart shows the engine coding for Esprits.