MOT test: Vauxhall 8V engines

[MartinPhipps]

In my capacity as the CC Archivist, we have recently been contacted by two owners of cars with Vauxhall 8V engines who have been unable to get their cars through the MOT test following the recent MOT rule changes. This is likely to impact owners of Vauxhall 8V cars that went through SVA from around 1998 to 2003, as the new system will not recognise their emission levels. The only default option that the MOT testing stations have is a cat test, which is obviously not suitable for such engines.

If provided with a letter as per the below, which was prepared by CC's Simon Lambert, the testing station should be able to revert to a visible smoke test. We know that this letter has allowed one of the owners to get his car through the test.

"Chassis number:  SDK**********

We write in relation to the Caterham Seven with chassis number SDK*******, a [name of model] model that was supplied to the customer in [month/year] with engine #KD-*****-XC.

This vehicle was originally fitted with and, after passing the Single Vehicle Approval examination, was registered with a Vauxhall 8V engine built in 1994 by Holden, Australia.  The engine was provided new, having been in storage at Vauxhall prior to supply to Caterham.  As such, it was not fitted with a catalytic convertor and is not required to pass a cat test.

Signed on behalf of Caterham Cars Ltd.

Name/Title"

If you need such a letter, for which there will be a small issue fee, please contact me at martin.phipps@caterham.com. I am normally only there one day each week, so it may take a few days before I can respond.