Hello everyone,

I'm new to the forums here. I'm purchasing a '59 Mark IX and I'm very excited about it. However, I'm wondering if I can lookup info using the VIN just like a modern vehicle?

Is there a service out there that provides info on older VINs (Carfax is 1981 or newer) and would that info only give me specifics about the car when it was built, or could I find any possible accident/flood/etc history on the car using the VIN as well?

Any info would be appreciated, thank you!

Daniel F

Submitted by easttennatm@ho… on Sat, 11/03/2007 - 11:18

Thanks for the replies :)

As far as the VIN goes, the one that has been provided with the car matches the info I have found on this website for what type of Jag, year, and engine the car should have. The "BW" at the end of the VIN also shows the car came with the Borg-Warner auto transmission, which it has. The "Originality Guidelines" page was very informative and helpful.

So from what I can tell, my car is pretty much original except for a repaint a few years ago and the interior was redone. Thankfully it was redone correctly and looks very good.

Anyway, thanks again for the info and I look forward to getting to know all of you!

Daniel

Submitted by zurdo_1@univis… on Sat, 11/03/2007 - 10:42

if you are in the State of California, they will provide Owner History when you send them a Notarized Form and Fee requesting the info.
Go to the Calif. DMV and search for the proper Forms.

There are privacy issues involved ( I don't understand why because I'm not asking for anyone's Private Medical Records!! ), so some States refuse to provide the information of Owner History, which in my humble opinion, is stupid if not illegal or unconstitutional, (whatever THAT means), but you can counter-attack using the Freedom of Information Act assuming you are an American Citizen and you can prove it!! But just imagine getting into a legal battle with a State government just to find your car's provenance.
Probably not worth it. Does it add value to the car? I doubt it unless it was owned by a famous person, and famous people rarely put their property in their own names, not even Clark Gable and other famous actors who had car collections. Jay Leno? I think he said all his cars were in Dave Letterman's name for tax purposes.

Submitted by SE98-32482CJ on Sat, 11/03/2007 - 08:55

Daniel you can obtain the build data and other useful information on this site with the Heritage certificate. As far as the CARFAX type information it is possible that might be found if the car had been in an accident in the last decade and insurance was filed. Other than that there are experts (and some who claim to be so get a ref. from other club members) that can detrmine if there was severe damage. But Daniel if the car has been restored properly non of that matters. If the car has 500,000 miles on it but has been properly restored that is just history. Good luck. George Camp