44540, Mark 2 LC Maltese Registered

[Trident team]

A request made to me by a lady looking for a 1969 Mk 2 Lotus that belonged to her late husband.
Bought new in England in 1970 never registered in the UK but exported to Malta with reg. # 44540.
Then after a short stay was then exported from Malta to Australia and re-registered with NSW # EXE 027.
Car was then sold to Geoghegans who were at the time the Australian Lotus Distributors.
I know it's a long shot but any leads would be appreciated.
I will try and get some more info. re. VIN code if I can and place of purchase.
Pictures to follow.
Thanks

[Bertil]

Have you tried www.cortina-mk1.com/ Australian Cortina enthusiast web site?

[Trident team]

Thanks for the tip Bertil.
I have been trying all the owners of Mark 2 models, with no luck.
The Mark 1 Owners Site is next on my list.

[Trident team]

This is her when first registered in Australia on NSW plates

[Trident team]

Some more pictures of this car for anyone interested.
The licence plates indicate it's location at the time.
Any help would be appreciated.
Cheers Geoff

[Steve 155C]

Is there anyway you can get the VIN number from the Aussie rego number?

[Bertil]

Looks like a series 1, 1967-68 so not a 1969 (ser 2) car, the heater spec is a -67 according to Swedish spec, however that differs from around the world, but the dash layout with gauges on top of the dash is ser 1 for sure. From what I can see it dont look as there is any trim on the rear panels eighter, saying its a ser 1.

Possible to get the VIN from the Maltese registration?


Did you try the Aussie Mk1 site, theese guys are out and about alot.

[Trident team]

Thank you Steve and Bertil for your interest and advice.
I will investigate those options. If I can get the VIN Code # and other details how is that going to help in the search?

[Trident team]

The Australian Rego. records are very difficult to access unless you have good reason.
Which is a good thing I guess.
But in circumstances like this maybe it could be possible, let's hope.

[Steve 155C]

I checked with my work mate who is Maltese to see if he thinks its possible to find the VIN from the reg and he doesn't think so as they have changed the registration system several times since then. But he did offer up a bit of trivia.

The stone tower in the photo is called "bahar ic caghaq tower" (St Marks Tower)

[Steve 155C]

It's a long shot, but have you been in touch with Aussie member robertverhey to see if he knows the car? He used to have a collection of MK2s so may just have heard of this one.

[Trident team]

Thanks Steve
I will
Cheers Geoff