which chassis is authorized in Switzerland?

PostPost by: tzar_of_pushrods » Mon Apr 20, 2009 11:31 am

Hi,
I am considering acquiring a Lotus Elan +2. I live in Switzerland and I am wondering if I have to be careful to have a genuine Lotus chassis or of others like the spider chassis would be allowed on a road registered car.
Anyone in Switzerland has already faced this problem?
Thanks

Fran?ois

BTW: I have a RHD Triumph TR3A + extra new uprated engine for trade...
http://obswww.unige.ch/~wildif/cars/tr3a/
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PostPost by: Expat+2 » Mon Apr 20, 2009 5:55 pm

I have a Spyder chassis on my +2S 130 that I brought over from the UK - it passed the Swiss inspection with no problem, but they probably didn't even notice it. I don't really see why there should be a problem, but the best thing is just to ask at your local test centre - I found the technical people there to be helpful.

You'll have to pass emissions and have a noise test done - neither should be a problem for this age of car. Of course, they'll expect a completely oil-tight engine, which may be more difficult!

One thing to remember: dual-circuit brakes became mandatory from 1972 so if you're buying from the UK get a pre '72 - I had to convert.

Nice TR3. I might be tempted by that trade, I have the feeling it's worth quite a bit more than my +2 though :(
Martin Hirst
1973 +2S 130
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PostPost by: b-havers » Tue Apr 21, 2009 6:24 am

I can't answer for the Swiss authorothies, but I guess they can't be much harder to deal with than the Norwegian.

On most Lotus' it's the body that carry the cars identification. The manual says that in case of an accident, fit a new chassis. So, this can explain that a new chassis is fitteds.

And; most chassisproducers are approved producers, so the new chassis should be at least of the same strength as the original.

And as Expat+2 says; who will ever notice that a new chassis has been fitted, if done properly?
I know some country (like Norway) need the VIN to be engraved into the chassis. This was not done when I bought my Elan from the UK, and when I tild the test station this - they engraved it for me. Plain simple.
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'95 Caterham Seven Roadsport
'02 Elise Supercharged
ex Europa S2
ex Elan +2S 130
ex Esprit Turbo
ex Caterham SS

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