Any owners of Westi'e/Caterhams abroad?

[bosshog]

Hi all,
is there anyone out there who has a kit car registered abroad? I'm based in France and I've been wanting to have a caterham/westi/ultima/etc for quite some time, but I know that the French goverment doesn't recognise kit cars. But I sure it must be possible to do somehow - has anyone got any experience or know someone who has?
cheers

[LRdriver II]

I would have thought that buying a used/buildt one with valid UK papers/log/registration would make it easy to put it on french plates?
Whats the difference between a small volume unknown car manufacturer and a factory buildt Kitcar?

[bosshog]

LRdriver II said:

I would have thought that buying a used/buildt one with valid UK papers/log/registration would make it easy to put it on french plates? Whats the difference between a small volume unknown car manufacturer and a factory buildt Kitcar?

You would think that in any civilised country having a fully register car from the UK would make it easy, but you're forgetting this is France - nothing applies - you do it their way or you don't do it at all!.

[Paul V]

Saw a French registered Caterham on the way back from Italy, also had a chat with a couple of Swiss Caterham owners on the way there.

[trefor]

bosshog said:

Hi all, is there anyone out there who has a kit car registered abroad? I'm based in France and I've been wanting to have a caterham/westi/ultima/etc for quite some time, but I know that the French goverment doesn't recognise kit cars. But I sure it must be possible to do somehow - has anyone got any experience or know someone who has? cheers

What about a factory built model? They're no different from a TVR then! ... I guess it's something to do with the official registration of the vehicle?

Hopefully someone on PH in mainland Europe knows people with Westfields/Caterhams and can put you in touch to get the 'how to'.

Good luck!

[shaun_e]

I suggest you post on the Lotus Seven Club forum Blatchat (www.blatchat.com) as there are a few regular posters there living in France. It is more difficult than registering a kit car in England and only certain Caterham models are able to be imported easily but it can be done. There are a few ex-pat owners as well as locals.