Vehicle Chassis Number
The method of identifying a vehicle, whether Component-Built or Fully-Built, is by use of the Vehicle Chassis Number which is comprised of code numbers as shown below. The Vehicle Chassis Number will be found stamped on a plate which is fixed to the left-hand side of the engine bulkhead.
As from January, 1970 vehicle identification will be in the following form: -
7001.010001A Both chassis and body numbers being the same.
7001. Represents year and month of manufacture.
01 Represents the production batch.
0001 Represents the unit (chassis) number.
A Represents the model code.
Chassis Change Points:
50/0001 | Model introduced | Sept. | 1967 |
50/0857 | Federalised body to U.S.A. | Mar. | 1968 |
50/0929 | Federalised body to Other Territories | Apr. | 1968 |
50/1280 | Zenith-Stromberg carburetters in Territories other than Federal | Dec. | 1968 |
50/1593 | ‘S’ type introduced | Mar. | 1969 |
50/2447 | Federal ‘S’ type introduced | Nov. | 1969 |
‘S 130’ type introduced to U.K. | Jan. | 1971 |
As there are sixteen different model types within our present production control, the following codes will be used for correct model identification: -
Elan Standard | Fixed Head | Great Britain & Northern Ireland | A |
Elan Standard | Fixed Head | Export | B |
Elan Standard | Drop Head | Great Britain & Northern Ireland | C |
Elan Standard | Drop Head | Export | D |
Elan Special Equip. | Fixed Head | Great Britain & Northern Ireland | E |
Elan Special Equip. | Fixed Head | Export | F |
Elan Special Equip. | Drop Head | Great Britain & Northern Ireland | G |
Elan Special Equip. | Drop Head | Export | H |
Elan Federal | Fixed Head | Export | J |
Elan Federal | Drop Head | Export | K |
Elan 2 ‘S’ Type | Great Britain & Northern Ireland | L | |
Elan 2 ‘S’ Type | Export | M | |
Elan 2 ‘S’ Type Federal | Export | N | |
Europa Standard | Great Britain & Northern Ireland | P | |
Europa Standard | Export | Q | |
Europa Federal | Export | R |
Part Numbers
All Part Numbers commence with the Vehicle Type Number which enables one to determine if the part is peculiar to the Europa or whether it was first used for some other Lotus ‘road’ vehicle, thus:
- 50 = First used on Elan +2
- 26, 36, 45, 500 = First used on Elan
- 46, 54, 65, 74 = First used on Europa
All Lotus Parts Numbers are being ‘updated’ to contain a maximum of nine (9) digits.
Standard Hardware Part Numbers
All standard finish Bolts, Screws, Studs, Nuts and Washers carry Part Numbers in accordance with the code given on or fixing numbers as listed in the Replacement Parts Price List.
Using the Service Parts Lists
The designations ‘LEFT’ and ‘RIGHT’ are to be understood as seen in the driving direction.
Assembly and Sub-assembly piece parts are listed inset under the Assembly/Sub-Assembly descripion and part numbers are given for obtainable piece parts. For easier identification, fixings (e.g. Bolts, Nuts, Pins, etc.) for replacement parts are also listed inset under the parts description. These fixings are NOT supplied with the replacement part and must be ordered seperately as required. The term ‘optional’ in the ‘DESCRIPTION’ column indicates that the respective parts will be supplied as requested or available. Where necessary, ‘CHANGE POINTS’, (i.e. CHASSIS, BODY or ENGINE Nos,) will be indicated in the ‘CHANGE POINT’ column. The applicability of parts to vehicle variants together with the total quantity fitted per Variant, is given in the Quantity columns under the appropriate heading, and, where applicable, by a star annotation in the steering position and columns.
All parts do not necessarily correspond to the illustrations.
Pages which have been altered by Amendment action are identified by Date and the Amendment List Number printed on the bottom left-hand corner of the pages. (e.g. 1072 AL 1)
Instructions on Ordering
- Ascertain the exact Vehicle Variant for which parts are required and obtain the chassis and engine numbers.
- Refer to index and select Section (s) for which Part(s) are required
- Study the illustration and select Plate Reference Number (s).
- Relate the Plate Reference Number to the Plate Reference Number of the Parts List Text.
- Read across from the Plate Reference Number to the appropriate QUANTITY Column referring also to the STEERING Position Column.
- Read the DESCRIPTION Column for correct order identification.
- Check the CHANGE POINT Column for any additional information.
- Re-check the part (s) number (s) selected, repeating instructions 3 to 7 inclusive.
Example
Part Required | Body Shell for an Elan 2 L/H Drive Chassis No 0741 | |
Section | B | |
Plate Ref No | BA 1 | (A) |
Vehicle Identification | 2 L/H Drive Chassis No 0741 | (B) |
Description | Body Shell | (C) |
Part No | 050 B 0001 | (D) |