Registering a race car on the road
Discussion
Old topic I'm sure...I thought this might be the best place to post!
I'm in the process of buying a race car (Clio V6 Trophy) from Europe. The car has no VIN and has only ever been raced. I have a dream....of bringing it to the UK and road registering the thing for some weekend fun and track days. It's a 2003 car, I'd be collecting it on a trailer and bringing into the UK, the documentation is limited about the race series it was used in but I'd get an invoice for the car to show I own it.
From what I can tell, I'd need to raise it (fully adjustable but rock hard Ohlins), fit a horn, side repeaters and handbrake. It seems to have fully working lights, wipers/washers, reverse gear (sadev sequential box). So I don't think (eternally optimistic) that it will need much there.
The thing I can't understand is what do I need to do to get a VIN plate, get a V5 and then get it tested. I've read a few threads around the internet about Renault basically not providing a certificate of conformity for race cars, especially where there's no VIN...so what are my options here? It's also LHD which could have an impact on things.
Any advise or direction of where to look would be greatly appreciated but please, restrain any comments saying 'why???'
I've had a road legal Radical SR3 so I'm not all there clearly 
I'm in the process of buying a race car (Clio V6 Trophy) from Europe. The car has no VIN and has only ever been raced. I have a dream....of bringing it to the UK and road registering the thing for some weekend fun and track days. It's a 2003 car, I'd be collecting it on a trailer and bringing into the UK, the documentation is limited about the race series it was used in but I'd get an invoice for the car to show I own it.
From what I can tell, I'd need to raise it (fully adjustable but rock hard Ohlins), fit a horn, side repeaters and handbrake. It seems to have fully working lights, wipers/washers, reverse gear (sadev sequential box). So I don't think (eternally optimistic) that it will need much there.
The thing I can't understand is what do I need to do to get a VIN plate, get a V5 and then get it tested. I've read a few threads around the internet about Renault basically not providing a certificate of conformity for race cars, especially where there's no VIN...so what are my options here? It's also LHD which could have an impact on things.
Any advise or direction of where to look would be greatly appreciated but please, restrain any comments saying 'why???'
I've had a road legal Radical SR3 so I'm not all there clearly I presume you’d need to go down the road of an Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) test and make sure you meet all the requirements. The IVA manual is available to download online listing everything you need to do. Asking somewhere like www.locostbuilders.co.uk might be worthwhile as there’s a lot of knowledge and experience there about the IVA test.
There was also the Model Report route IIRC, a lot of jap import vehicles are approved under them but I’d be surprised if one exists for the Clio.
There was also the Model Report route IIRC, a lot of jap import vehicles are approved under them but I’d be surprised if one exists for the Clio.
Yes IVA.
Things that immediately spring to mind
Headlights will need to be changed to UK spec,
You'll need to meet radius rules. Might be a problem inside if panels have been removed.
If the standard seatbelts have been replaced with harnesses, they'll want evidence that the mount points are correctly constructed. If they can't be seen on the submitted car, expect to be asked for proof (photos). They may get uppity if the mountings are to points on the chassis not originally intended as seatbelt mounts.
All of my experience is with SVA not IVA, so don't take my word for any of the above, get a copy of the manual and start reading.
Things that immediately spring to mind
Headlights will need to be changed to UK spec,
You'll need to meet radius rules. Might be a problem inside if panels have been removed.
If the standard seatbelts have been replaced with harnesses, they'll want evidence that the mount points are correctly constructed. If they can't be seen on the submitted car, expect to be asked for proof (photos). They may get uppity if the mountings are to points on the chassis not originally intended as seatbelt mounts.
All of my experience is with SVA not IVA, so don't take my word for any of the above, get a copy of the manual and start reading.
Thank you,
It's never had belts only harnesses that are fitted to the chassis and substantial (because racecar). From what I can tell it has heated screen, wipers, washer, headlights (LHD), rear lights, reverse gear, height adjustment, indicators. So I'll need at least handbrake (hydraulic??), hazard switch, horn, fog light and audible alerts? The radius thing could be interesting...I do hope I can get it on the road without a) too much cost b) too much compromise to what the car is.
It's never had belts only harnesses that are fitted to the chassis and substantial (because racecar). From what I can tell it has heated screen, wipers, washer, headlights (LHD), rear lights, reverse gear, height adjustment, indicators. So I'll need at least handbrake (hydraulic??), hazard switch, horn, fog light and audible alerts? The radius thing could be interesting...I do hope I can get it on the road without a) too much cost b) too much compromise to what the car is.
Pay particular attention to wiring too. If I remember rightly things need shrouding/mounting 'properly' i.e. similar to OEM installations, rather than simply cable tying in place. It'll be things like that and radius/sharp edges, mounting and routing of fuel lines etc. that trip take the time and effort, but don't add any real functionality I expect.
nightSpirit said:
Thank you,
It's never had belts only harnesses that are fitted to the chassis and substantial (because racecar).
If not original manufacturer mount points, expect to show your workings. Yes it might look obvious to you, but it may not get accepted without proof that the manufacturer considers the new non standard mounts to be good. It's never had belts only harnesses that are fitted to the chassis and substantial (because racecar).
As I say my experience is not with IVA, so check. The easiest way out is to replace the harnesses with OEM belts, even though the harness will clearly be far better than OEM seatbelts.
I was guessing the interior had been stripped. Radius rules will definitely apply and you will come a cropper.
nightSpirit said:
well it was built by Renault factory for their race series...would hope it's decently done? :?
(about the harnesses)That's exactly the sort of answer that the tester will want!Your interior doesn't look too bad, but read up on the radius rule and make your own mind up
Two other things to look out for on IVA if it is an ex race car - emissions, will have to meet the standard based on the engine age which you will probably need a letter from Renault confirming age )i.e. will need a cat fitting) and noise limits, will need a decently quiet exhaust and is tested at half max power (3k rpm ish) at something like 100dB at 1m (check manual). Brake balance also will need checking i.e. rear must not lock up first and will need demist system for the front screen and operating wipers/washers. As said, download the manual, go through and check everything off and see what needs doing.
Had similar thoughts about an ex race Ginetta G40 which is in a similar position of having a road going version.
Had similar thoughts about an ex race Ginetta G40 which is in a similar position of having a road going version.
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