Is frame stamp same as VIN ?

[tedtaylor]

I'm buying a '67 Elan that appears to have a frame stamping of 36/68##
Is this correct and consistent? that the assigned VIN# was stamped on the top of front frame fork beside engine?
I previously thought the stamping was some other unique identifier (apart from the VIN) from the frame manufacturer for inventory purposes.
Please advise.
thanks

[billwill]

When it came from the factory, the frame number was probably the same as the VIN number on the plate in the engine compartment.

But many Lotus Elans (if not most) have had replacement subframes/chassis fitted, which for genuine Lotus replacements have LR nnnn stamped in that position.

Wise owners (unlike me) did NOT inform the DVLC/DVLA that this was a chassis change as that unleashes a raft of bureaucratic nonsense which can take years to sort out. DVLA might well want to treat it as a Kit car and insist on a Q numberplate dated the year of the subframe change.

It has been ruled (and the DVLA usually have to be reminded each time) that the metal bit under a classic Elan is a subframe not a chassis and the Vehicle Identification Number is the identity of the whole car not the 'chassis number'.


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lotus-chassis-f36/dvla-and-replacement-chassis-t20719.html?hilit=DVLA

lotus-chassis-f36/dvla-and-replacement-chassis-t20719.html#p120989

[gjz30075]

Ted, I've seen other early frames with its vin in that location on the frame. My '72 Sprint has its vin in that
location, along with a chassis number on the lower horizontal flange, roughly below the vin location.

[billwill]

Lotus replacements have LR nnnn stamped in that position.

Oh I had not realised you were talking about a different location.

I was referring to the top of the frame, near the exhaust manifolds.

[LotusArchives]

Ted,

I have sent you a PM,

Various chassis markings have been used over the year Elans.

[Elan45]

On all 3 of my S3 Elans, the number stamped into the top flange of the frame is on the carb side, just in front of the engine mount. This number matches the chassis number on the VIN plate except that my Super Safety has a galvo Lotus replacement frame, so the stamped frame number is a LR # and does not match. I have retained the old original in case it is ever sold and the new custodian needs to know.

Roger

[gus]

and of course it all ends 1/1/1970 when the date coded VINs started

was that worldwide or just US, think it was world wide