Just moved to USA from UK

[Steve M]

Hi all,

Ive just moved from the UK to Maryland. Keen on any intros or thoughts on any of the following:

1. Any Forum members in the area and any shows or meets that are good.

2. Shipping my Lotus Omega from the UK and dealing with the NHTSA and EPA.

3. Recommended Lotus mechanics in the DC/Maryland/Northern Virginia areas.

4. Anyone moving from the USA to Europe and interested in a swap for a 1995 S4s which is currently in professional storage in the UK.

Cheers,

Steve

[karmavore]

Ive just moved from the UK to Maryland. Keen on any intros or thoughts on any of the following:

Where about? I live in Maryland, just outside DC.

1. Any Forum members in the area and any shows or meets that are good.

http://www.lotuscarclub.org/log30.php This is the biggie.

2. Shipping my Lotus Omega from the UK and dealing with the NHTSA and EPA.

Forget about it. Unless you're planning on sending it back in a year it just aint gonna happen.

Here's a recent topic on the subject: http://www.thelotusf...car-in-the-usa/

3. Recommended Lotus mechanics in the DC/Maryland/Northern Virginia areas.

I wish.

Edited July 26, 2010 by Bibs

[Steve M]

I'm relying on the Show & Display NHTSA limitation for shipping. The Lotus Omega was added in 2008/2009. Think someone shipped one to Texas shortly after that.

http://www.nhtsa.gov/cars/rules/import/sdlist040109.pdf

Just haven't as yet got a straight answer out of the EPA (who have a separate set of rules). Think I might be able to have mine qualify under the 21 year rule for limited on-road use (2500 miles per year) from next year without it needing to be brought into compliance. Anyone have any knowledge or thoughts on this?

[karmavore]

Have fun.... are you moving here permanently?

I think you're going to have an impossible time getting insurance for that car even IF you can get a waiver from EPA.

Rich guys (like Leno, lets say) who bring these exotics in don't have insurance, if I understand correctly. They are "self-insured" with bonds.

Also, the "spirit" of the law is provide importation of cars that are meant to be taken to shows or displayed in some way, not for ex-pats or gear heads to drive 2500/miles a year.

I wish you the best of luck, sincerely, but I think its going to be a huge headache.

[Steve M]

Permanent. I fully intend to take the car to shows etc, but it would be a real shame if I couldn't enjoy the odd blast in it occasionally.

Insurance is the easy bit!! Hagerty - $775 per year. They have covered my vehicles in the UK since 2004 and are truly great to work with. If you have a daily use vehicle which is no more than 5 years old and are willing to limit your mileage then you should check them out (if you have not already).

Thanks for the PM by the way. You have got me worried about Maryland state requirements tho!! Hadn't thought of that one, and their website is a shocker. I feel a(nother) migrane coming on!

Edited July 29, 2010 by Steve M

[ajp33]

Somebody did bring one of those over as I saw it at the LOG (Lotus Owners Gathering) a couple of years ago. He may have brought it over as the Opel version due to a more limited production run.

Join up with lotustalk.com as that is a US based group which has lots of local chapters. Also in October is the next LOG which will be near Gettysburg so not far from you and well worth going to as you can meet up with lots of other local Lotus nuts.

Amazon has a British Food store of sorts if you are craving jaffa Cakes, Hob Knobs etc (Yes I'm a Brit too based in Pittsburgh!) if you need anything feel free to reach out to me.

Enjoy your stay here

Andrew

[Steve M]

Thanks for the tips Andrew. Only been here a month, but marmite is high on my list!!

Will definitely aim for LOG in October.

[cjtpb13]

Steve,

Really our weather is not like this all of the time...LOL !

There is a gentleman in Cecil County that works on Lotus that is well known. As usual he seems to have a waiting list of sorts. I, and I am being very bias here, would not suggest the local Lotus dealer, Criswell Lotus.

If you do contact anyone in the local LOG please let me know. I have tried for several years and have had no reply.

I am located in the Southern Maryland section near Solomons Island. Though time spent here in Maryland is limited with my business travel.

[ajp33]

Just saw a question on elisetalk about importing a 25 year Lotus 7, see link below, and one guy (Monte Busa) appears to have a brother who is a customs broker who may be able to give you some advice.

http://www.lotustalk.com/forums/f221/importing-25-year-old-7-us-90397/

[Steve M]

Thanks gents. Saw the same thread and reached out to Monte. Will let you know if I hear anything on all fronts.

S

[Icanfixit]

The next event for the local Lotus group in the Maryland area is the BBQ at the McGovern's place. A great annual gathering. The Lotus club along with a few other car clubs are invited.

Sept 18th with a rain date of the 19th. After this the next event is LOG. I don't know about Nov. The group has made no plans for that yet.

Contact Kevin McGovern if you are planning on coming.

kevinmcgov@aol.com

[jfitz981]

Hi Steve,

Welcome to the USA and American football!

I was just in ocean city MD a couple of weeks ago and I highly suggest you check out seacrets....by far the best bar...it is huge, live music, club area, beach area, seats in the water, pull up in a boat...

Enjoy being in the states! If you come up to the Philadelphia area, shoot me an email.

Jason