Texas Registration for Caterham R400 Question

[ajs117]

I was wondering if anyone had any insights about how to title and register a Caterham in Texas.  In my research I found two options, one being to title it as a “custom vehicle” and the other being as a “kit car”.  I’m curious what route people here have taken and what are the inspection and emissions testing implications of each.

 

 

[Vovchandr]

It matters what you're trying to register.

 

If its new its one thing. If it's older its another.

 

If you have a regular Caterham title to begin with and its over 25 years you might not have problems at all.

 

Typically no matter what you have to follow the emissions of the source engine for a custom vehicle or a kit.

 

 

[ajs117]

The out of state title started in 2010 but does not currently have a cat on it.  The part of the vehicle code that intrigued me was the following：
 

• A custom vehicle is a vehicle at least 25 years old and of a model year after 1948 or built to resemble a vehicle at least 25 years old and of a model year after 1948.
  
  The way I read this is that the Caterham is build to resemble a Lotus 7 which is more than 25 years old.  If I were able to title the car as a custom vehicle in Texas it sounds like it would be exempt from emissions

[TexasDreamer]

I have a 1991 Caterham which was imported from England a few years ago and it is titled as

YR/Make: 1992 Cate 

Model: 7

Body style: RD.

 

Texas recognizes Caterham so no problems getting it registered. The person who imported it titled it in another state. Someone else transferred it to TX. I transferred the title inside Texas. Only question was on the year because the VIN translates to 1991 but due to the original owner build time it was first registered (In England) in 1992. This question did not delay the title transfer.

[ajs117]

2 hours ago, TexasDreamer said:

I have a 1991 Caterham which was imported from England a few years ago and it is titled as

YR/Make: 1992 Cate 

Model: 7

Body style: RD.

 

Texas recognizes Caterham so no problems getting it registered. The person who imported it titled it in another state. Someone else transferred it to TX. I transferred the title inside Texas. Only question was on the year because the VIN translates to 1991 but due to the original owner build time it was first registered (In England) in 1992. This question did not delay the title transfer.

So is your car registered as a kit car, passenger vehicle with Caterham as the OEM, or as a custom vehicle?  Given that your car is more than 25 years old you don't have to do emissions testing anyway assuming you live in a county that  requires it.

Edited December 12, 2022 by ajs117

[IamScotticus]

Aasembled Vehicle / Replica.

https://www.txdmv.gov/motorists/assembled-vehicles

 

if over 25 yrs, Antique or Classic

 

It is easy to get Cobras registered and through safety, amd everyone knows what a Cobra is.

Answer all questions with, "Is like a Cobra, its the European Cobra.

Pretend you have  a Cobra.

"Cobras were manufactured by Ford", yes, Caterhams were manufactured by Lotus.  No difference. 

If the proces gets too hairy, grab your stuff and withdraw the application.  Find a tax office with someone who knows what they're doing.

Edited December 13, 2022 by IamScotticus