scannon Posted October 3, 2011 Posted October 3, 2011 I called Jon at Caterham USA a couple of days ago to check on something and had a conversation with Jon (Nelson?) about the changes there. As I understand it, Jon is the sole owner of Caterham USA. Ben Woford and his father owned Rocky Mountain Sportscars Inc. and when the two were combined awhile back they did not become part owners of Caterham USA. Ben is no longer a regular employee there, his wife insisted that he get a real job. Ben is still responsible for finishing the restoration of Bessie. Jon said they have sold about 30 Caterhams so far this year. A new batch of 12 are on the way with only one remaining unsold. He is looking for someone to help with the assembly of these cars. I didn't volunteer.
rikker Posted October 3, 2011 Posted October 3, 2011 so is rocky mountain gone? they have a web site and active phone number? is there a dealer network in the USA for Caterham?, when you look at the website the "retailer" list is dead. Rocky had and still has a parts list, CaterhamUSA has nothing, Rocky used to answer the phone, CatUSA never does. Not exactly inspiring confidence for the BIG $$$ you can drop there on a kitcar.
Croc Posted October 3, 2011 Posted October 3, 2011 Some minor detail clarification - The website for Caterham USA is run by Caterham UK who do not always update it regularly despite messages from Jon Nelson. That is why my yellow seven remains for sale on the "instant gratification" page even though it was sold in April this year. - I think you will find the RMSCI website technical price lists had not been updated since the merger 2 (or was it 3?) years ago. I found this out late last year when trying to put my car together. I had to get the option and parts lists sent to me. - The RMSCI emails and phone numbers did route to Caterham USA earlier this year when I was getting my car together. Have not tried it since Ben left though.... On the other hand, 30 cars in a single year has to be their best sales season ever. This is encouraging when you consider the difficult economic environment that businesses are dealing with in the US and globally.
Kitcat Posted October 3, 2011 Posted October 3, 2011 Yes, 30 new Caterhams sold in a year seems amazing. Almost unbelievable: Especially when a like-new Zetec has gone unsold on our for-sale page at abt 1/2 price of a new one.And, since they don't seem to have the staff to assemble them. And since few, if any, new owners have popped up here. Also, as you note Croc, because the current dismal economy puts the retail cost of these little things out of $ reach of most sports car enthusiasts. Hey, I want it to be true. I want Caterhams in every driveway:).
bball7754 Posted October 3, 2011 Posted October 3, 2011 I purchased Ben's dad's Caterham, so always felt loyalty to RMSCI. That loyalty was only strengthed by the number of lengthy phone conversations with Ben troubleshooting my Seven. I've made several parts purchases from CatUSA, and while a different experience, eventually things have worked out. Steve
Guest Terry Posted October 3, 2011 Posted October 3, 2011 All of the cars shipped to the US use the same shipping company as we do here in Canada. The last time I spoke to the shipper and it wasn't long ago that was not the number he was quoting.
scannon Posted October 3, 2011 Author Posted October 3, 2011 12 of the 30 are in transit at this time and may not be in the shippers count.
Guest Terry Posted October 4, 2011 Posted October 4, 2011 I'll take a CSR please.............. If you send me a cheque I will endeavor to get you one, may be. :blueangel:
TurboWood Posted June 28, 2015 Posted June 28, 2015 I'm sorry for bringing this old thread back from the dead, but does anyone know if Jon is still around?
scannon Posted June 28, 2015 Author Posted June 28, 2015 He closed up the store awhile back but still has two Caterhams yet to sell. He is very hard to communicate with as he is out of the country quite a bit attending to other businesses he owns.
kayentaut Posted June 28, 2015 Posted June 28, 2015 Skip, Jon built my first Superlight in 1999-2000, I would really like it if he is still a source for parts for my new (to me) Superlight R.Can you comment on whether Jon is selling parts? Jim
scannon Posted June 28, 2015 Author Posted June 28, 2015 I don't know if Jon still has any parts. If he has what you need I'm sure he will sell them to you. I would guess that he wouldn't order them from the factory for you. I think he is quite unhappy with Caterham after they took his distributorship away. The second hand info I got a couple of days ago indicated that when the last two cars were gone he was done with Caterham. I bought a Caterham speedometer from the Superformance place in California awhile back, they had it in stock and it was cheaper than the previous one I bought from RMSC and arrived in two days.
Taber10 Posted June 28, 2015 Posted June 28, 2015 Skip, Thanks for the update--I had the same questions. I also "owe" Ben and RMSCI for my build, and Jon for the parts for my "rebuild" after the bear incident. I wish Jon the best in what ever direction he is heading. Taber
scannon Posted June 28, 2015 Author Posted June 28, 2015 Skip, Thanks for the update--I had the same questions. I also "owe" Ben and RMSCI for my build, and Jon for the parts for my "rebuild" after the bear incident. I wish Jon the best in what ever direction he is heading. Taber You can pay what you owe to Ben and Jon to me and I will be happy to spend it for them since they are incommunicado.:jester:
lucky dawg Posted June 28, 2015 Posted June 28, 2015 You may want to check with Bruce at Beachman Racing (206) 774-0852. Myself and several others on the forum have found him to be quite helpful with Caterham related parts and issues.
yellowss7 Posted June 29, 2015 Posted June 29, 2015 You may want to check with Bruce at Beachman Racing (206) 774-0852. Myself and several others on the forum have found him to be quite helpful with Caterham related parts and issues. I second Lucky Dawg's suggestion. Bruce has been very responsive to my requests. Tom
JohnCh Posted June 29, 2015 Posted June 29, 2015 Even though I only live about 15 miles from Bruce's shop, I still haven't had an opportunity to meet him. However, everyone I know who has dealt with him has very positive things to say. Definitely worth a call. -John
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