Thanks for all the suggestions; I think I will first try the exemption waiver route; thanks to Larry, I have discovered the little known regulation in WA state:
RCW 46.16.240 , a special front license plate exception.
If the body of the car is built in a way that it is impossible for a plate to be mounted to the front of the car (like a Ferrari) then no front plate is required. If you fall into this category then you can write the Washington State Patrol and request a waiver. If approved, no front plate is required. "Law enforcement will oppose doing away with all front plates on all cars. He said they need them mainly for vehicle identification. The law, RCW 46.16.240 requires the front plate. It is a $124 fine and first/primary offense if you do not have one. About 9 states do not require a front plate. There are about 6 million registered cars in WA..
Vehicles issued front license plate waivers are listed below.
1972 Italian DeTomaso Pantera
1974 Jaguaricon E-Type
2000 Panoz
1971 DeTomaso Pantera
2000 Plymouth Prowler
2000 Jaguar XK8
Caterham/Lotus Super 7
1984 Ferrari 512 BBI
1967 Ford Cobra
Vehicles denied waivers for attaching a front license plate include:
Toyota MR 2
Porsche 928
Corvette
Mini Cooper
Ford SVT Cobra
Lotus Elise
Ford escorticon
Nissan 30ZX
BMW Z8
Dodge Viper
Mercedes-Benz
Mazda Miata
Maserati."
Every vehicle is required to have a front license plate if it is
possible to affix one to a vehicle. Therefore if there is a license
plate bracket which may be affixed to the vehicle allowing for the font
license plate to be displayed, you will be required to install it on
your vehicle whether or not it requires you to drill holes.
If after researching you cannot find a license plate bracket that will
work for your vehicle, you can apply for a front license plate waiver
for your vehicle. These waivers are looked at on a case by case basis
based on the original manufactured version of the vehicle and its
ability to affix a front license plate. To request a front license
plate waiver please write a letter articulating why you feel you should
be exempt from the law, include a picture of the front of the vehicle
and any additional information you feel would outline your case and send
to:
Washington State Patrol
Equipment & Standards
PO Box 42600
Olympia WA 98504-2600
I believe the SL-C qualifies as being like a Ferrari! I will let you all know how I get on - it may be a while as my car is not road worthy yet but I will pursue.