New to the site (and the USA/NJ)

[The Stig]

Guys

 

As way of introduction, I have just moved from the UK and had to sell my Westfield so looking for a replacement here in NJ, probably a Caterham this time or an older Lotus 7.

 

My Westfield was used for hillclimbs and sprints on the UK (some pics on my Flickr acount of my various competitive exploits - http://www.flickr.com/photos/25013566@N06/sets/72157606648647482/)

 

Living in New Jersey seems to be the worst place to be to own a Seven from the threads I have read but keen to make contact with any Seven owners as I plan to get something for limited road and some Solo use.

 

I saw a thread about a Caterham in Texas that looks promising as a project would be perfect.

[yellowss7]

If you don't mind the Sumo Version, Croc's SV is for sale, already registered in NJ and is actually a very nice car. It's in the for sale section.

 

Tom

[jfgw]

Welcome aboard! As a fellow Englishman, I can relate to the challenges of moving to another country, but you will find a very active and very friendly group here! 7 enthusiasts exist all over the place

 

I don't have specific experience of NY/NJ 7 ownership, but my 98 Caterham was built by Chris at Sevens & Elans near Boston, who sold it to an attorney near Chicago. I bought it from him a few years ago, registered as a 67 Lotus, and just did a title transfer based on buying a car from out of state. That was all I had to do to register it in Ohio.

 

If you are looking for a competition-biased car, my Vauxhall engined, Quaife sequential box Caterham will be for sale soon. PM me if you are interested.

 

Welcome again!

James

[Croc]

Welcome to the US. As a fellow expat (Aussie), I can relate to the strangeness the US must seem like upon first moving here. However, it is possible to find decent beer here - just ask for microbrews and don't drink anything called Bud, Coors, Amstel, Miller, Pabst, or Rolling Rock and you will be fine. The locals are very friendly and don't bite much. I also recommend getting a gun rack fitted in your vehickle just to fit in when you are at the local mall shopping. Camoflage is the latest fashion accessory these days too!

 

:jester:

 

Seriously I sent you a PM with my contact number if you want to chat over a beer (or 5) on the pain and sufferring it takes to register a Seven in NJ and the alternative options available to you. This will significantly influence your choice of Seven for purchase. I am located in Jersey City NJ and will be around this weekend if you are lost for the 4 day holiday weekend.

[Sabbot]

Likewise welcome to the US and the site. You picked a great time of year to move over - just in time for some snow (I did the same about 7 years ago).

Mike (croc) helped me register a Caterham that I found in Connecticut. I looked into all the options of building various kits, buying in the UK and shipping but at the end of the day the right car came up and it was just easier to buy locally.

Out of curiosity I recently looked at the car in Texas a) because it was relatively inexpensive (assuming everything was straight) b) could be built into interesting competition spec and assuming it could come with a bill of sale and / or title stating it is a 67ish lotus it should be relatively simple to register it in NJ. Don’t know what size you are but believe it or not at 5’10” and 160 lbs I find the standard Caterham snug in comparison to a couple of outwardly smaller, but assymetrical, Sylva Strikers that I had in the UK. Mike’s SV in a nice car and offers way more wiggle room than mine. Oddly enough I’ve just found out that another ex-pat (friend of an ex-neighbor in London) is intending to import a few Caterham’s for racing next year. When I find out exactly what he is up to I can put you in touch.

Cheers

Stewart

[blubarisax]

Welcome to NJ, good luck with finding the perfect Caterham. I'll put in a plug for Mike's car, its a beauty; and already registered in NJ. Act fast and you could still get in a few rides before winter sets in.

 

Mike, if you are in town for thanksgiving, there is a spare setting at our table...(just sucking up to get a ride in your new vehicle!)

[Croc]

Oddly enough I’ve just found out that another ex-pat (friend of an ex-neighbor in London) is intending to import a few Caterham’s for racing next year. When I find out exactly what he is up to I can put you in touch.

Cheers

Stewart

 

 

Stewart - I think you may have stumbled onto the Caterham Drive Experience guy who is doing a large import to set this up on the East Coast in 2012. Is he affiliated with NASA (National Auto Sport Racing)?

[The Stig]

Thanks for the responses and advice. I am keen to get something soon but not to make any mistakes. The Texas based Caterham is interesting and I am in correspondence with them so who knows.

 

I will ensure I post my expolits, trials and any dramas here. I don't mean the pain of getting a SS number, driving licence, bank account and all those fun things. At least that much is behind me.

 

I feel ashamed to admit I failed the NJ theory test twice! It is just plain stupid for someone who has been driving for 25 years!

[DeanG]

Try http://www.lotusenthusiasts.org/Home.asp they are NJ based and have some fun now and again. There is a big NJ car culture, it is just hidden.

[Croc]

I second Dean's LEO suggestion. I try to make all of the LEO events and usually drag a few other Sevens along. I have always had a great time with them and they are very welcoming of Sevens and car enthusiasts of all types - even porsche owners. Atwell Haines is a great guy and works hard to promote LEO.

[s2k7]

My Westfield came from England in pieces. I assembled it here and saved a lot.

Welcome Stig, if you happen to be in Connecticut let me know.

 

Oh! I wonder if you eat a prisoner food.....start with beer & lobster with thick butter sauce. I'll treat you.

Oh by the way, you heard about buffalo wings at hooters? they are good too,

they have meaty voluptous wings.

 

Stay away from Nascar & football!