Caterham Questions

[Hettric]

As a new owner I will have many questions, I have spent much time "mining information" on this site and know it to be helpful.

As I start the wrestle with the MA RMV and their new laws on "Replicas".

My first question is what year Lotus Seven does my 1998 Caterham Sprint "replicate" most? - any year I pick?

The current Con.title is a "composite" so there is no chance of slipping it past as a "1967 Lotus".(something that is by law no longer a option)

 

(d) Replica vehicles shall be titled as the year in which the vehicle was built and the make, model and year of the vehicle that is intended to be replicated. A label of “Replica” shall be applied to the title and registration card.

 

Thanks

[Croc]

I am not too sure about MA rules as I do not live there but I have not heard of many good stories from forum members trying to register a seven there.

 

Aidanparte was (I think) the last forum member to get through a MA registration on this forum. Other members who are in MA and went through this process in the past and may be worth contacting via PM to see if they can help are Beam, CaterhamSVT, and Warren _W.

 

You may also want to read the following post to see if it provides any pointers:

http://www.usa7s.com/vb/showthread.php?t=5137&highlight=registering

 

I also find SEMA a useful source of information:

http://www.semaactionnetwork.com/page.asp?content=resources&g=semaga

[Hettric]

Thank you Croc,

I spent a lot of time digging in to the new (4/30/2012) MA laws, believe I know more than most, am aware of the links you provided, (and many more). I have been in contact with Aidenparte, his car is titled as a "Lotus" (and imported) was done before the new law deadline,( but still should have met the new law) I'm sure the RMV is clueless in practice.

I was very worried about buying a car and not being able to register. I am confident it can be done, but confusion reins throughout the system, I suspect for a while there will be little consistency in it's application and I may be the first Caterham.

[bball7754]

Missouri instituted a similar "replica" law in Jan. 2005, which is when I purchased my Caterham. I spent hours poring over the regulations, and calling down to the main DMV office in the state capital to ask questions.

 

I decided that going to a local DMV would be a mistake, as the main office barely knew about the new law. So, I drove 2 hours to the state capital (Jefferson City) and main DMV office to register my Seven.

 

The law had a similar "replica" component, so I brought one of my books on the history of the Seven/Caterham. Believe I decided to use 1968, but I'm not sure any longer.

 

When I got to the DMV office, there was only 1 person working, and she seemed like the stereotype of a DMV worker. Unhappy, unsmiling, unpleasant, which made me uneasy.

 

Just before it was my turn (it was clear the person ahead of me was finishing up), a second worker came back from her break. And she was, in a word, fantastic.

 

When I said I wanted to register the Caterham under the new Custom Vehicle law, she didn't blink. Just started asking me for the required documentation, which she seemed to know off the top her head. She examined all my paper work, then said she needed to go in the back, although she didn't say why.

 

I started to fear the worst, then looked down to the end of the counter and noticed a calendar on the wall. The theme appeared to be cars, and the car for that month was a Lotus Elise. I decided that was a good sign.

 

Which it was. She returned from the back with a set of plates in her hand! She said they were stored in another building, which is why it took so long. She handed me the plates, and number on them was "CV0001" - as in Custom Vehicle 0001. I'm pretty sure I was the first person to register a car under the new law in the state.

 

Long winded story, but you might want to consider going to the main DMV office for the state for the registration. And hope you find the story encouraging.

 

Steve

[Kitcat]

Chris T at Sevens and Elans in MA shd know. Grease the wheels by starting your "upgraditis" during the call:).

[Hettric]

Have been in contact with Chris, we seem to disagree on what the new law means in practice. He advised titleing as a 19** Lotus - the law specifically prohibits that, although If the existing title said that, I would give it a shot - on the chance it would slip through (like Aidan).

 

Is there any year that was considered the "ultimate" Lotus Super Seven? Might just as well call it that year.

Edited August 21, 2012 by Hettric

[Hettric]

Thanks bball7754, you give me hope.

I have since learned the Conn. Title process is the same as the new MA's. By rights they should accept it with no issue, I don't know if there is a snag in "composite" vs "replica" description as MA has no "composite" and it is a "replica" by their standard.

[danilo]

WHY? is there a problem in registering it as Exactly as what it is:

a '97 Caterham??

[Hettric]

When I emailed Caterham USA looking for help/info on dealing with the requirements I was told all Caterhams sold in the USA are sold as components only, Engine and transmission supplied by "others". I may be wrong but I think this applies to Lotus Sevens also sold in the USA (maybe somebody can confirm/deny) This by the EPA's definitions classify them as "kit cars", they are not certified cars in the USA.

[scannon]

When I emailed Caterham USA looking for help/info on dealing with the requirements I was told all Caterhams sold in the USA are sold as components only, Engine and transmission supplied by "others". I may be wrong but I think this applies to Lotus Sevens also sold in the USA (maybe somebody can confirm/deny) This by the EPA's definitions classify them as "kit cars", they are not certified cars in the USA.

If you buy a new Caterham kit from Caterham USA and want them to assemble it they will give you a part number to take to your Ford dealer to order an engine with most of the parts removed that you won't need. Those you do need that replace them come as part of the kit. You can also buy a Cosworth built engine or supply your own engine from a donor car.

 

The kit ruling exempts them from DOT safety items like crash testing, air bags, 5 mph bumpers and the like. State rules vary. In Colorado a kit car is also exempt from emissions testing. Its the only way to get one into the USA. The car is partially assembled but not a roller. I can't speak to the original Lotus 7s in the USA but they had always been sold in the UK both as kits and completed cars. Same for Caterhams.

[Hettric]

"Kit Cars" are now titled as "Replicas" in MA (they use the EPA definition of "Kit car"). Those titled/registered before 4/30/2012 are grandfathered "emissions exempt" those titled after must meet emissions standards that in my opinion (if held to the letter of the law) won't be possible with a Seven.

[wemtd]

Do you know if they allow a tail pipe sniffer or is a OBD error check also required?

[Hettric]

It's complicated but it is the EPA standards MA has adopted. The emissions standards are set by the engine used and must be in the original configuration that the engine was certified. ( new stock emission equipment, trans, rear end+tire gear ratio etc.)

Seems the only way would to use a early engine that required minimum standards.

http://www.epa.gov/oms/imports/kitcar.htm

[Croc]

I finally just realized the magnitude of the issue you are grappling with. I had not realized MA has gone down the (IMHO wrong) path of NJ with its 'strict consctructionist' view of replicas.

 

If they apply the EPA rules that way in practice then there is no way a Caterham (or Birkin or WCM or Westfield or Stalker) can be legally registered. As you note, you would have to run the same transmission, axle, diff, wheel diameter, emissions stuff, exhaust, catalytic converter, etc. As we all know, that stuff will not fit on a seven-type chassis with the possible exception of a Stalker which has more room for that stuff. I can also say getting your OBDII to work without fault codes should be interesting.

 

I dont have a solution sadly - I have enough issues with my own state.

 

The only real options I see is an over 25 year old car or one that is already in state and can be transferred across preserving the original title status?

[Croc]

Thinking through this last night, I think you need to divorce the EPA requirements from the inspection requirements. While MA has signed up for the EPA requirements (from 1974....unless you count the 1987 "clarifying" memo!) my question is whether the MA DMV actually inspects for this stuff thereby enforcing the EPA rule literally or partially? No state tha i am aware of is enforcing the EPA rules stringently - even NJ which is a bureaucrat's heaven. For example, does MA put it on a dyno to confirm diff ratios and gearing ratios are original? I suspect not. They can test for emissions stuff through tail pipe sensor and OBDII so that is still a significant challenge.

 

 

Before I went through the NJ specialty car inspection process I had to get a copy of their inspection regs/checklist to find out exactly what they do check for. It was supposedly confidential in NJ but I had attorney bust that little stupidity open with an FOI submission. Do you have this document for MA?

 

 

Going through the SEMA documentation

http://www.bipac.net/semaga/TagTitleToolbox_MA.pdf

 

I note that there is no tailpipe inspection requirement for pre-1996 OBDII cars. So that opens up possibilities for an 16 year or older car as the new rules say replicas are tested on the model year of the engine installed. A crossflow should work then as that was used in the late 1960s in Lotus sevens.

 

 

You say you have a 1998 Caterham so I assume this has the standard 1700cc crossflow/kent engine? Caterham USA was installing crossflows up to 1999 model year as the first zetec was in late 1999 with MichaelD's.

 

So now that I am up to speed with your issue, I come back to your original question:

What year Lotus Seven does my 1998 Caterham Sprint "replicate" most? - any year I pick?

I think yes within reason. It has to withstand some scrutiny. Looking at Wikipedia to refresh my memory, it states that the kent engine was installed in “last production Lotus Sevens.”

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Kent_engine

Based on this, given the looks and mechanical similarity I would be arguing with the DMV that it replicates a 1969 Lotus Seven – being a 3rd generation with a kent/crossflow which was used in the period.

 

If I had my Dennis Ortenburger (Lotus Sevens & the Independents) history book with me I may be able to refine this better but this is the best I can do right now.

Edited August 28, 2012 by Croc

[yellowss7]

Great analysis Dr. Croc!:seeya: Jon, Nelson should hire you as his Consultant/expert to get his cars street legal.

 

Tom

[Croc]

It helps living in the worst state in the union to register a seven. I would almost move to CA given how easy they have it. I said almost.....

[rx7locost]

As I read the MA law, you are purchasing a Conn Composite vehicle. When you bring that into MA, the existing Conn assigned VIN is retained, There is no need for a MA assigned VIN. https://secure.rmv.state.ma.us/PolicyBrowserPublic/PB/default.htm?turl=WordDocuments%2Fnewresidents.htm

 

So you currently have a Conn title to a 1998 Composite vehicle that was built prior to 2012. You are exempt from emission testing, period. MA should not have to apply a MA VIN nor should it change the year of manufacture. If MA decides to rename the manufacturer and add some "reference" model year, that doesn't change the fact that it was built prior to 2012. Everything else they put on the title is just their bureaucraticred tape. It shouldn't effect your situation.

 

Spoken from a non-MA resident.

[Hettric]

RX7locost -Yes in my case (with the Conn Title) that is exactly how I see it in theory, I am about to find out In practice.

[lucky dawg]

On a related subject:

In Washington (state) I may be able to register my CSR as a Replica. If so, what year Lotus should I tell them it most closely resembles, and therefore have on the title? I'm thinking a '66 sounds good. Your thoughts?