Free 1998 Lotus Turbo Esprit VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1998 Lotus Turbo Esprit VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1998 Lotus Turbo Esprit VIN

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) codes are a vital part of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) system, providing unique information about the manufacturer of each vehicle. For instance, Lotus Cars Ltd, a renowned British manufacturer of sports and racing cars, is identified by the WMI code ‘SCC’ in the VINs of its vehicles. This code is crucial for the 1998 Lotus Turbo Esprit, indicating its production by Lotus in Gaydon, Norfolk, United Kingdom. The WMI not only reveals the manufacturer but also helps in verifying the car’s authenticity, and its specific identity within the vast automotive industry. This identification system is essential for regulatory compliance, vehicle tracking, and for consumers researching the history of a vehicle.

List of WMI Codes for a 1998 Lotus Turbo Esprit

WMI: SCC

• Model Years Covered: 1983, 1990, 1993, 1998-2000
• Example VIN: SCCDC0821WHA15438
• 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 1998 Lotus Turbo Esprit 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 1998 Lotus Turbo Esprit:

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 1998 Lotus Turbo Esprit 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 1998 Lotus Turbo Esprit VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1998 Lotus Turbo Esprit VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1998 Lotus Turbo Esprit Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1998 Lotus Turbo Esprit

The final 6 characters in a 1998 Lotus Turbo Esprit’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 1998 Lotus Turbo Esprit VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, like the year 1998, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Engine Type: Specific engine information, such as a V-Shaped 8-cylinder engine with a displacement of 3.5 liters, may be encoded within the VIN, hinting at the vehicle’s potential performance and power.
• Possible Turbocharged Engine: The presence of a turbocharger is indicated in the VIN, which could suggest enhanced performance capabilities for the vehicle.
• Manufacturing Details: The VIN provides insights into the manufacturing details, such as the plant city being Hethel and the plant country being the United Kingdom, which may interest those who value the origin of their vehicle’s craftsmanship.
• Safety Features: From the VIN, it can be inferred that the vehicle comes equipped with front airbags for both the driver and passenger in the 1st row, alongside manual seat belts, indicating the vehicle’s commitment to safety through its restraint systems.
• Vehicle Type and Model: Through the VIN, the vehicle is identified as a Passenger Car, specifically a Turbo Esprit model, offering clarity on the vehicle’s intended use and branding.
• Unique Identifier: Each VIN serves as a unique identifier that can help prospective buyers or owners access specific records and histories of the vehicle, enhancing transparency and trust in transactions.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1998 Lotus Turbo Esprit