rcollum Posted July 10, 2015 Share Posted July 10, 2015 I am in the beginning stages of looking for a Caterham. My question is, does anyone have fairly recent experience getting a car from another state (titled an a 60's-era Lotus 7) titled in Virginia? I understand that the motivation to register the car as a 'continuation' or 'replica' is to avoid extensive emissions testing. I just need to know if it will be possible to register in VA, given the discrepancy between what it is, and what the title says it is. I understand that there is some requirement to be able to prove that major components (chassis and engine) are not stolen. I'm hoping Caterham USA can provide something like an archive document, proving they sold the chassis. I'd have to rely on the owner to provide a document proving they bought the engine installed. Am I missing anything? --Bob Collum Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kitcat Posted July 10, 2015 Share Posted July 10, 2015 I have no idea what the intricacies are, but I do know the used '09 Birkin I bought in VA several years ago was titled there. I think as a '67 Lotus? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MudHut Posted November 12, 2015 Share Posted November 12, 2015 I'm currently in the process of getting a WCM previously titled in Florida as a 1967 Lotus Replica titled in Va. So far, I've learned that in the state of Va. If the title has the words replica, rebuild or reconstruction on it anywhere, it is considered BRANDED and the title process must be done through the mail to the DMV headquarters in Richmond, VA in the 'branded title' department. Just sent it off certified mail. Awaiting an answer. Jay Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rcollum Posted November 12, 2015 Author Share Posted November 12, 2015 Jay: My car came with a Michigan title, listed as a '1965 Caterham', but had no mention of replica, rebuild or reconstruction. I had no problems, but I can imagine that Virginia would put you through the wringer with mention of any of those. Where in Virginia are you located? --Bob Collum Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MudHut Posted November 13, 2015 Share Posted November 13, 2015 Roanoke, Va. I picked up a WCM Ultralite out of Chicago this past weekend. Drove it around on the travel permit for several days until it was absolutely illegal. Couldn't help myself. Jay Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rcollum Posted November 13, 2015 Author Share Posted November 13, 2015 My experience in Northern Virginia was as follows- Before I purchased my Caterham, I visited the largest DMV in the area. They described a procedure that involved going to the one VA State Trooper barracks in our area set up for physical inspection of cars. The paperwork the DMV office gave me described a pretty thorough going-over, and left me wondering if the officer was going to find fault with no bumpers, no backup lights, etc., etc. Luckily, I listened to a friend who used to work at a DMV. Their advice was, as long as you have a legal title, take it to a local DMV, as small a facility as possible, and register the car. The huge DMV had plenty of people with 'second opinions' on everything. The one I ended up going to had two clerks, and the only question I was asked was 'would you like an Antique plate?' Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MudHut Posted November 14, 2015 Share Posted November 14, 2015 I'm hoping for the same Antique plate question, once I get the title. I spoke with the State police about the legality/street-ability of the car before purchase. That shouldn't be a problem. Well, the title wasn't supposed to be a problem either. I'm guardedly optimistic but prepared for a battle. Glad it went well for you and that possibly bodes well for me. Jay Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MudHut Posted November 24, 2015 Share Posted November 24, 2015 Spoke with the DMV "branded" title dept. yesterday, they have a two week backlog and are currently processing paperwork from Nov. 3. My optimism is waning a bit. My only conciliation is the weather. It's between 20-40* outside right now. So I wouldn't be driving it anyway. Getting to tinker and scheme while I wait. Jay Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrmustang Posted November 24, 2015 Share Posted November 24, 2015 Spoke with the DMV "branded" title dept. yesterday, they have a two week backlog and are currently processing paperwork from Nov. 3. My optimism is waning a bit. My only conciliation is the weather. It's between 20-40* outside right now. So I wouldn't be driving it anyway. Getting to tinker and scheme while I wait. Jay Jay, Check in with the "Capital Area Cobra Club" (a Google search is your friend), as there are enough VA members with both new and used Cobra replicas that can show you the ropes. Bill S. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MudHut Posted December 15, 2015 Share Posted December 15, 2015 Just wanted to do a follow up and say "Thank You" to those that offered advice and direction. I now have a my car tagged and titled, the computer system for the VA DMV would not let the nice employee issue an antique title for a "Replica" although it is titled as a 1967 Lotus. Jay Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rcollum Posted December 15, 2015 Author Share Posted December 15, 2015 Just wanted to do a follow up and say "Thank You" to those that offered advice and direction. I now have a my car tagged and titled, the computer system for the VA DMV would not let the nice employee issue an antique title for a "Replica" although it is titled as a 1967 Lotus. Jay Congrats, Jay. Maybe we can get together at a British car show next year - maybe in Richmond? --Bob Collum Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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