1966 Elan S2 Type 26 VIN/Chassis Plate Question

[greghsc]

Hello, I'm new to these forums and to Lotus' so please go easy on me. I have a 1966 Lotus Elan that the Chassis Number breaks down to a S2 Type 26. I was just wondering if the plate where the engine number/unit number and chassis number is located is normally hand engraved with the the numbers. Mine is and I really can't make out the engine number. Any thoughts? Thank you very much!

[types26/36]

Hi Greg......welcome to the forum, the VIN plates on the early cars were engraved and if your car is an S2 (type26) then this is correct.
You should be able to get the engine number off the block just below the carbs and on the ledge above the engine mounting.

[greghsc]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate the quick response!

[Emma-Knight]

Once I came about the same question - and the same answer. Stamped vin plates would indicate an aftermarket solution... some times the Engine number is missing on the plate... it all has to be the Lotus way

[robcall]

Once I came about the same question - and the same answer. Stamped vin plates would indicate an aftermarket solution...

Only true for early Elans

[billwill]

Once I came about the same question - and the same answer. Stamped vin plates would indicate an aftermarket solution... some times the Engine number is missing on the plate... it all has to be the Lotus way

Because they were Kit cars, sold that way to avoid purchase tax, and officially you had to get your engine from a different supplier than the rest of the kit in order to qualify for avoidance of purchase tax ?

[trw99]

From what I have seen Lotus sold you the kit with two invoices, one for the body and running gear and the other for the engine. They used two different Lotus company names.

Tim

[Elanintheforest]

That's the way it was done, just a paperwork exercise. Here are the order forms for my '67 Plus 2....

Mark