chronoso

I’ll keep an eye on the weather and swing by if the rain stops.

Yeah, I'd definitely be interested in that again! As for interesting cars to see, there's a person with the opposite of my commute who lives somewhere in Littleton with a collection that includes at least an Isetta, a Citroen DS, and a Citroen 2CV. Not exactly zippy backroads cars any of them, but definitely interesting to see and wave hi to in the morning.

Mine was built in NY and originally registered there as a year 2000 custom vehicle and thus the title I brought to MA said as much, including a NY-issued VIN. I expected that to be more of a complication than it ended up being. There was a very short pleading with the understanding and helpful RMV agent when I initially went in to get my plates, but all went well. My preference would have been if the original registration/titling was for a 1960's era model year which some builders have managed to get and to use the chassis number as the VIN, but so far other than having to visit a specific inspection shop annually, it being technically a 2000 MY registration hasn't been an issue.

Here's a quick upload of some shots I took, including the big, heavy, expensive interloper and a few shots of the exit drive a few of us took https://imgur.com/a/DBy9MAH -James

That C&C sounds like a plan. Pretty decent winding route there from my house, plus good bagels. See you there!

Ah well...maybe still a morning blat?

Agreed, sounds great. I’d be in, morning probably would be best. I’ll keep an eye on the weather. I’ve been driving around with the top on just to see how it is..would prefer to not test the water rightness though based on how much breeze get through.

Nice! Hope to see you all around. I did see someone tearing through the traffic circle in the center of Carlisle a few weeks ago, but I was sadly in a non-7 so all I could offer was a fervent thumbs up. I didn't get a photo of the car in time, so not sure whose it was.

I can only really comment on the process I went through, but it ended up not being nearly as bad as I thought it might be (fingers crossed, pending the title arriving in the mail). The previous owner was the constructor in NY, and when they finished the build, they were issued a NY VIN and title. I presented this title and my bill of sale (plus I brought some printed photos as visual aids) to the RMV (which now requires reservations to be made ahead of time) and after a small bit of discussion, the very friendly lady behind the desk processed my application. There was some assistance from other RMV agents to help massage the application through their online system, but when she reached into the drawer to present me with my plates, I breathed quite the sigh of relief. The initial reaction was that they don't handle custom/specialty construction vehicles, but after showing the VIN plate and NY title, they were willing to attempt the application. If they refused, I'd have been sent to Quincy to trailer my car to the trooper inspection (luckily I also have all the build records in case this was going to happen) for an MA issued VIN. Thankfully, it looks like I managed to get my Caterham registered as a normal car. Well, a "normal" car, since it's apparently a 2000 Other Custom (vs, say, a 1991 Mazda Miata). From there, it was off to an understanding inspection station, as recommended by Anker above. Yes, it is indeed emissions exempt, as per the current MA law: "Cars, trucks and SUVs manufactured before model year 2006 (Note: while these vehicles no longer receive tailpipe emissions tests, if they emit excessive smoke they will fail their safety inspections.)" So it, merely by dint of its true age, doesn't need to get sniffed. Luckily the NYers didn't build and title it in 2007! I've heard tell of people managing to register their Sevens as being from the 1960s via the engine stamping number, but that's just rumor. I'm happy with how this all worked out though. -James

Apologies for not posting sooner, been off driving my miracle car. Why miracle car? Because somehow, last Saturday, this happened: Aside from a quick trip out of state (hooray vaccination, hooray being able to easily cross state borders!), it's been a tremendous time zipping around with this little car. Loving it! Thanks much for the inspection station recommendation, it couldn't have gone much smoother. Great pack of people working there. Ended up chatting about cars for a good half hour after my sticker was issued. Now I just wait for the title to arrive and I think I'm fully official. -James

Thanks! If the rain holds off, I'll be there Saturday morning. If it rains, well...no need to have a negative first impression with the inspector by making him get into the car with the roof up and the doors on.

In full supplication before the bureaucracy, I offered myself upon the altar and was granted favor: Next battle is at the inspection station. If anyone knows of a friendly spot somewhere inside the 495 ring, I'd certainly be appreciative. But first, time for an officially sanctioned tour around the neighborhood tonight!

Billerica, but I'm in the Stow/Hudson/Acton/Sudbury area pretty frequently. Maybe after next week, in a tiny but noisy little roadster. Currently working up a list of to-do projects. Thankfully most of them can be done sans-plate and sans new parts. -James

It's home! Just got back from picking up the little guy. For anyone who's wondering, a Seven fits perfectly on a UHaul 6x12 utility trailer (the one without the built-in ramp) Some photos from along the way: never has my Miata ever seemed so gigantic: Next up, I've managed to get an appointment at the local RMV next Tuesday. Fingers cross that titling and registering goes smoothly. I cannot confirm nor deny that there was a quick late night run around the neighborhood, possibly making use of the plate from another small green roadster from the 90s. Exciting times ahead!

Yeah, there were definitely a few that went just over my budget. Frankly was expecting the same to happen in this case but didn't! -James