Direct from Page 2 section BH from the Lotus Service Notes on the Elan 1990 model year onwards.

BH.1-PAINT CODES: A lotus paint code number is allocated to all colours used on production cars, and is stamped in the lower left hand corner of the vehicle identification plate on early cars, or may be printed on the VIN label of later cars, located either next to the bonnet striker plate, or on the left hand front wheelarch.

An 'option code' may also be included. The paint code identifies the type and colour of paint used in manufacture, and should be referred to before cmmencing any paint repairs. If the vehicle is not marked with the code, the VIN should be quoted to Lotus Customer Services Dept. Prior to June 1991, cars were painted using ICI two pack acrylic polyurethane materials, including a P420 (mono) or P421 (metallic) hardened colour coat, and a clear laquer, followed by a flatting and polishing operation.

After this date, all cars have been finished using a Du Pont basecoat/clear acrylic enamel paint system to provide a high lustre paint finish straight from the spray gun.

'A' prefix paint codes are used for cars finished in ICI materials, and

'B' prefix codes for Du Pont finished cars.

Du Pont materials were introduced at the following change point:

VIN: M 8080, 8082, 8083, 8086, 8088, 8091, 8100, 8103, to 8107, 8110 onwards.

The paint code info will be in the same order as the following titles that are in all CAPS.

A21, IAAB, Monaco White, ICI P4207517, A089B6149V.

A21,IABB, Calypso Red,ICI P4207517, A089B6150V, mid red.

A45, IADB, Silver Frost (met), ICI P4217805, A082B6087V.

A59, IAJB, Steel Blue (met), ICI P4218118M, A082B6116V, grey/blue.

A64, IAOB, Norfolk Mustard, ICI P420WD55, A082B6192V.

A65, IAEB, British Racing Green, ICI P420GE51, A089B6197V.

A68, IANB, Pacific Blue (met), ICI P4217750, A089B6196V, mid blue.

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B01, IAAB, Monaco White, DuPont ABN9149, A100B6240V.

B02, IACB, Black, DuPont AB47600, A100B6240V.

B03, IABB, Calypso Red, DuPont ABK9197, A100B6239V, mid red.

B04, IAEB, British Racing Green, DuPont ABK9349, A100B6238V.

B05, IAOB, Norfolk Mustard, DuPont ABN9562, A100B6237V.

B06, IAQB, Aqua Blue (met), DuPont ABK9253, A100B6255V, torquoise.

B07, IARB, Silk Red (met), DuPont ABL9683, B100B6254V, maroon.

B08, IANB, Pacific Blue (met), DuPont ABN9144, A100V6234V, mid blue.

B09, IADB, Silver Frost (met), DuPont ABL9056, A100B6235V.

B10, IAJB, Steel Blue (met), DuPont ABN9148, A100B6236V, grey/blue.

PAINT CODE, OPTION CODE, COLOUR, MANUFACTURERS REFERENCE NO., LOTUS PART NO., REMARKS.