While reading the VIN number thread, I came across the fact that VINs for Japanese cars start at 100021 in September 1989. My car was ordered from the Australian launch and delivered in October, 1989; its VIN number ends 00100055. Could it be that early? Is it possible that there was a separate VIN for Australian cars? Most unlikely.
Opinions please,
Martin 153.
Hi Martin
Have you read this thread on the Australian’5 forum?
http://mx5cartalk.com/phpBB-3.0.2/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=34871
UK market cars had JMZN. The Japanese domestic market cars had the prefix NA6CE before the vin, Australian cars had JMONA prefixes. I don’t know the answer to the question, but just show the links for info. I would think, however, that each set of prefixes would have it’s own vin series.
Thank you, Geoff, with information you provided and the information from the link I am now sure that I have the 55th Australian car. This also means that each VIN may be unique but the numbers are specific to each country/region… or as you say it so much more elegantly, ‘each set of prefixes would have its own’.
Thank you,
Martin
Australian VINs are unique to Australia and NZ. The 14th Australian MX5 (chassis 14) is in the UK; a red car, exported in 1991.
Thank you. Every bit of information helps.
I have also found that British VIN started at (00)100001 and now assume that Australia/NZ cars did the same.
Do you have any idea what became of number 14?
Martin
It was saved from probably ending up in the scrapper around about 2002, when the then owner contacted me to explain he was embarking on a full restoration. He thought he had a Japanese import at first.
The car was originally imported by a UK doctor.
Ahhh somebody with plenty of money then.[;)] I wonder if he ever got it finished?
Thank you. I’m delighted to hear it was saved. I am often amazed how cars buzz around the world these days.
I hope it is still a source of joy.
Martin153