Based on the Jaguar Heritage website, the first VIN numbers issued in 1975 were 2W1001 for RHD and 2W50001 for LHD. The first VIN numbers issued in 1976 were 2W1319 for RHD and 2W51409 for LHD. If this means there are two VIN number ranges and VIN numbers were used sequentially, this would add up to 1726 cars made in 1975 (318 RHD and 1408 LHD).

However, production figures suggest that only 1245 cars were made in 1975. Also, the XJS Data website clearly shows a photo of car UG2W51342 made in January 1976.

Would this suggest that there was only one VIN number range, the '5' was more like a prefix, and every VIN number only existed either as a RHD or as a LHD? E.g. since car 2W50390 exists (recently sold at a salvage auction), does that mean there would be no car 2W0390? Or were there simply gaps in the batches of VIN numbers used?

What I am trying to find out is the following: Is car UG2W50390 actually car number 390 made or more like car fourhundredsomething?

This is more confusing than Left Twix and Right Twix.

Andy

https://jaguarheritage.com/content/p...is_numbers.pdf
XJS Data - Catalog - Car Numbers - Jaguar XJS information, articles, photos and register

 

Andy,

There were indeed 2 discrete VIN ranges until May 1978, with the US range having one additional digit. If you look at the relevant ratio of US cars made compared to the total then car UG2W50390 is about the 470th car made.

There is a slight discrepancy in the production figures that you may have seen published and the actual figures. Those discrepancies have been republished on a number of websites and books. As regards UG2W51342, I think that was made in Dec 75 as there were certainly cars with later VINs than that were also made in 75.

Cheers

Paul

 

Paul,

Thanks for the info. What rough car number would VIN UG2W 50613 be?

Thanks,

Andy

 

While this probably does not apply here and is more common with engine numbers there are numerous times when "5" is confused with "S" in regard to prefixes in some publications and databases.
Just something to look out for.

 

Andy,

On those pre-78 cars, it's really difficult to know the exact build order without looking at the build records. However, just based on the ratio of US cars compared to the cars going to the rest of the world, you'd assume that US car 50613 would be about car build no. 750.

Cheers

Paul

 

Cool. Thanks! I should just be happy to have a first year XJS at all.