Documentation help needed

[lee]

I'm finally getting to the point where it is time to get my Federalised 1971 Elan registered here in the U.S. I have a National Emissions Standards Act certificate dated 1971 stating the 1971 Lotus Elans with Zenith exhaust emission controls, charcoal canister, etc. comply with Federel regulations, but the Customs person said I need a "Letter of Compliance from the Manufacturer" that verifies that my VIN is 1971 and is compliant, and I'm not about to argue with him (he seems like a very nice guy). So--does anyone know who and how I should try to contact at Lotus . Hopefully a name and an e-mail address, plus any other bits of advice anyone has to share. Thanks.

[trw99]

Write an email to the Lotus Archivist, Andy Graham with the VIN of your car and he will be able to assist you. His address is [email protected]

Tim

[2cams70]

I have in the past written these types of letters for an OEM manufacturer as one of my more menial day job tasks.
You should not require a letter if the vehicle still has a plate on it fitted by either the wholesale agent with the import approval or the OEM way back in 1971. This plate should have the VIN details, the date it was determined to be compliant to regulations, manufacturer details and a statement about it complying to FMVSS regulations. A letter is only required from the original company that had the approval if this plate has subsequently been lost or destroyed. It's illegal even for the original manufacturer/agent to issue new plates.

The chances of getting the original manufacturer / agent to issue such a letter or declaration for a car that old is pretty slim but worth a try never the less. If this car was originally from outside the USA (eg. UK spec.) and you are trying to import it and claim it's USA spec or can be converted to USA spec then it's not correct to try and do it by this means.

[mbell]

It would be useful to be a bit more specific on the situation. Are you trying to get the car released from the port or you now trying to register it with Oregan DMV?

[lee]

Problem solved. The inspector saw the four identification plates, the matching number stamped on the chassis, and said everything is fine. I'm ready to move on. Thanks for the help.