Billy

The issue in Florida is apparently that Caterham Cars is not recognised by Florida. This is despite the fact that Caterham Cars is listed on the NHTSA as a low volume manufacturer. It doesn’t make any sense at all. When a car is registered in Florida there is a form that needs to be completed by the tax collector’s office. One field that requires filling is that of manufacturer. If they type in Caterham the registration cannot proceed. Clearly some offices use Lotus as a manufacturer and this does and has worked for many. With several cars being issued either a vintage Florida registration or a Florida registration. other marques like Cobra replicas have experienced issues as Florida vehicle safety employees appear to sometimes accept replicas based on the manufacturer of the original example but sometimes use the manufacturer of the replica. This inconsistency is the cause of the confusion I think and can and does yield different outcomes for different applicants. i personally think it is something Caterham should look into. If they offer cars in Florida they should either work towards a resolution with the state apparatus and be open about the fact they may be illegal to use in the state.

Greetings all Nearly two years ago I posted in the hope of getting information of registering a car in Florida. Despite the great advice I was unable to register the car. I registered the car in Montana which was a straightforward process handled by a very helpful company. The reason for this post is to update you with what I think is interesting information. 2 weeks ago I decided to transfer the registration of my car to Florida. This would have meant paying sales tax and the conveyancing cost to the Florida tax collector. Again I was thwarted but this time, I received an email from the supervisor of Florida Region 8 office for motor vehicle safety, stating that Caterhams are not eligible for registration in Florida and, that any Caterhams who are currently registered in Florida will have their registrations cancelled. I am sharing this as it may impact other owners. I would be happy to share the email with anyone who may be affected.

Greetings again fellas. Following an hour long trip on perfect conditions I arrived at my destination, stopped the car and ten minutes later tried to re-start it. Only a click came. I charged the battery fearing an alternator issue, rocked the car in gear in case the starter had jammed and nothing. Just a click. Close to the starter motor on the left hand side of the block however, I noticed a black wire, which I traced back to the battery, was hanging loose. I am assuming my problem is that this is an earthing cable which has vibrated loose and stops the starter from getting enough juice to crank the motor. If so where might I get a replacement bolt for the wire? I am guessing that the bolt might be of a specific material, thread etc. many thanks in advance?

Thanks Gents i decide to go with the PC680 and have the hold down ordered. Hopefully it will all come together nearly. Still very disappointing that the stock battery failed after a few days! Thanks again,

Greetings I’m sure this has been covered many times but some of the references are a little dated so I’m hoping to get the latest info. I have just received my new 420R but the battery seems to have failed after a couple of short drives. It won’t crank the motor. What battery can I use that requires the least amount of surgery to terminals, brackets etc and does the job? I can’t seem to find a Banner battery. ill be posting pics of the car shortly. many thanks in advance.

Greetings again. my new 420 is now only weeks away however, so far I am unable to navigate the registration rules in Florida despite the great advice I received form several of you. it seems the laws have changed in Florida relatively recently and now I have to register the car as a vehicle assembled from parts. I started the process which seems to be going perfectly, until I was told that as Caterham is not a manufacturer registered with the NHTSA, the parts used for assembly cannot be verified. 47 calls and several different DMV offices have of course provided contradictory advice but at this point, I am at a roadblock. Rather maddeningly, a virtually identically specc’d Caterham car was registered in Florida but a few weeks ago. I have even talked with the company that did the work, but they only deal with dealers and will not get involved. if there is anyone out there with any contacts, advice. I believe that the people at the DMV offices are interpreting statutes and just as confused as I am about the regulations. Despite some helpful folks they will not assist if their supervisors advise them not to. Before I consider registering in Montana I thought I’d check again with your good selves? thanks in advance.

Thanks very much fellas, your advice is much appreciated.

Greetings I will be receiving a newly built 7 later this year. The car is being built in Wa. However I want to register the car in Florida where I live. local DMV office was unable to guide me and I am not sure how to proceed. I would like to register the car and drive it over a period of weeks from Wa to Florida but I believe I might only be able to get a 10 day temporary registration after which I would need to have the car inspected at my local DMV office before it can be permanently registered. I anyone has any guidance or experience of the best way to proceed I would be grateful. many thanks.