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What car?
AndyGT - 3/11/25 at 10:15 PM

Looking for advice on what 7 type car to get. I am looking at a budget of 10-15k and would ideally like to have something with the Vauxhall XE but is this too old school?

I'm based in France so the car would need to be able to have a COC so I can get it registered.

LHD or RHD is not mega important but either something already with LHD or a relatively easy conversion to LHD would be interesting.

I like the Caterham HPC as it seems like a car that will hold its pricetag.

So, what suggestions do you folks have?

Slater - 4/11/25 at 09:17 AM

How about this one?

https://www.mksportscars.com/pages/mk-rx-5-140

and they will probably be able to supply LHD option too.

Not sure on the kit car registration rules in France however......

russbost - 4/11/25 at 10:08 AM

quote:
Originally posted by AndyGT
Looking for advice on what 7 type car to get. I am looking at a budget of 10-15k and would ideally like to have something with the Vauxhall XE but is this too old school?

I'm based in France so the car would need to be able to have a COC so I can get it registered.

LHD or RHD is not mega important but either something already with LHD or a relatively easy conversion to LHD would be interesting.

I like the Caterham HPC as it seems like a car that will hold its pricetag.

So, what suggestions do you folks have?


I thought I knew most of the EU stuff about registration of kitcars, but not come across CDC, is this where a manufacturer like Caterham or Westfield have applied for type approval for a specific set build?

[Edited on 4/11/25 by russbost]

AndyGT - 4/11/25 at 01:57 PM

quote:
Originally posted by russbost
quote:
Originally posted by AndyGT
Looking for advice on what 7 type car to get. I am looking at a budget of 10-15k and would ideally like to have something with the Vauxhall XE but is this too old school?

I'm based in France so the car would need to be able to have a COC so I can get it registered.

LHD or RHD is not mega important but either something already with LHD or a relatively easy conversion to LHD would be interesting.

I like the Caterham HPC as it seems like a car that will hold its pricetag.

So, what suggestions do you folks have?


I thought I knew most of the EU stuff about registration of kitcars, but not come across CDC, is this where a manufacturer like Caterham or Westfield have applied for type approval for a specific set build?

[Edited on 4/11/25 by russbost]



Hi and thanks for any further ideas and answers. Yep, COC is the Certificate Of Conformity which most car manufacturers use for registering types .

Without a COC it is impossible to register a car here in France. I was asked about registering a chassis/DIY build and the receptionist looked at me like I had killed someone! 😄
If I wanted a track car then I'm sure I could find something with an even better performance/cost ratio but would like a Sunday car.

So COC availability is a "must have" then LHD/RHD is optional but would be great if there is a known path to. LHD conversion but not super important.

Thanks again for any suggestions...

russbost - 4/11/25 at 02:21 PM

Pretty sure the only 7 types ever issued with a CoC ( I had read your COC as CDC - hence why I'd not heard of it - was a bit slow on the uptake there!) were Caterham & Westfield - I would think they are pretty uncommon in the UK as the vast majority are going to have gone the route of IVA. Sorry not to be more help

AndyGT - 4/11/25 at 04:40 PM

No worries, any info is good info, I appreciate it's not the kind of news I wanted but it is what it is.

So did Westfield use the vauxhall 20xe engine from factory? If not then any Ford would be ok too. Not keen on mx5 builds.

I've learnt that even home assembled Caterhams and Westfields would not have a COC neither just factory made/assembled ones.

russbost - 4/11/25 at 05:29 PM

There's another thread on this subject here

Link

Apparently the only Westfield models that had CoC were ZEI’s sold in the late 90’s or a sport turbo, not sure which engines they used, but I woulod think Google would tell you

nick205 - 6/11/25 at 03:17 PM

I'm not familiar with the French requirements, but have a question...

If a kit car has been built, tested and registered in the UK is it not possible to transfer the registration to France (export/import)?

(or even through another country and then into France?)

I'm guessing it can't be that simple!

AndyGT - 6/11/25 at 03:26 PM

quote:
Originally posted by nick205
I'm not familiar with the French requirements, but have a question...

If a kit car has been built, tested and registered in the UK is it not possible to transfer the registration to France (export/import)?

(or even through another country and then into France?)

I'm guessing it can't be that simple!


Nope, not possible. Has tobhave a COC issued by the manufacturer. A valid MOT called CT in France and tax declaration if it's your car so papers need to be in your name.

When getting the COC from a manufacturer such as BMW or Opel. They even ask what sized wheels and tyres are fitted.
If not listed on the CoC for the model then your car is rejected by the manufacturer stating incompatible brakes and suspension.

No mods allowed unless you are a registered garage and pay taxes on iit, the fleet insurance would cover your insurance but then the
Logbook papers would be wrong so still may end up having the car confiscated.

[Edited on 6/11/25 by AndyGT]

nick205 - 6/11/25 at 04:56 PM

Thank you for explaining

A lot of work to register a kit car and no modifications once it is registered!

AndyGT - 6/11/25 at 05:14 PM

quote:
Originally posted by nick205
Thank you for explaining

A lot of work to register a kit car and no modifications once it is registered!


A few people who have used triumph spitfire or other donar car papers, they think that they may get away with it but I don't think it's worth it if you have an accident. Insurance null and void, driving without insurance etc etc.

Nothing more than standard cars can be imported here. You guys are soon lucky!

Hence my original question regarding genuine factory built cars.
I'm looking at around 15k for a non K series engines car and not a fan of pintos in light cars, too nose heavy.