SOLD - 2016 LHD Caterham 480 SV for Sale (1,253 miles) - $58,500 reduced from $62,500 - SOLD

[JimmyG]

FYI on the California SB-100, I bought my 2013 Catherham 360 out of Texas and I just drove it around with the Texas plate for 2 years before even trying to get the CA SB-100.
Dealing with local CA DMV offices is a pain in the ass because most window clerks don't know how to do it with the right forms and inspections and will send you off on wild-goose chases trying to get inspections at regular local smog stations, etc. It took me a full year and with 6 visits to the DMV, the CHP for serial number verification, an independent garage for a safety and lighting inspection, and then it took 6 weeks to get an appointment at one of the very few Smog Referee stations in CA which only does a visual smog check, no tailpipe reading was done.

Once it gets titled with an SB-100 it NEVER Has To Be Smogged Again. I then removed the Catalytic Converter and replaced it with a straight race pipe section for more power, which Caterhan sells online. 

Once you know how, or have someone help you, applying for an SB-100 can be easier, quicker, and less frustrating.

The only question with this 420R for California, is there a Catalytic Converter after the exhaust header collector which the photos do not show??? If not, you'll need to buy or modify the exhaust in front of the side muffler to include a Catalytic Converter. 

Other than that, you'll have the shipping cost of the car to California, which from back east will cost about $2,000 in an enclosed carrier, plus you will have to pay CA sales tax on the purchase price. I made up a Bill of Sale for a lot lower than what I paid for the car, which is what most private buyers do, and the DMV noticed this and delayed the paperwork another couple of months, but they have no Kelly Blue Book to reference prices for a used Caterhamn, so they finally had to let me finalize the new title and registration. I love my Caterham, it handles so well and is so much fun to drive in mountain roads around Los Angeles and Malibu.

[KnifeySpoony]

Cat is not a requirement for SB100 - only emissions requirement is a PCV. 

[toldfield]

My experience with DMV was similar at the Pasadena office.  They knew nothing and had to get out a book that looked like it was from a Harry Potter movie.  The BAR Referee was great.  After his initial inspection of my car he gave me detailed instructions on how to deal with DMV and cautioned me against telling them I had spoken with him.  His advice smoothed the path with DMV and when I returned to his place with the SB100 paperwork he congratulated me, attached the exemption sticker, and told me to have fun.