Tuesday, December 8, 2015

Congress just passed a law enabling creation of replica cars, up to 325 a year per builder, built new, but looking like cars at least 25 years old

Rep. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) and Rep. Gene Green (D-TX) introduced the "Low Volume Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Act of 2015" in June, legislation that SEMA has pursued since 2011. It received strong bi-partisan support and was inserted into the highway bill.

The vehicles are required to meet current model year emissions standards, although companies are permitted to install engines from other EPA-certified vehicles to help achieve that requirement. The vehicles are exempt from federal vehicle safety standards that apply to motor vehicles (roof crush, side impact, bumper standard, etc.). The exemption recognizes that it is impractical to apply current model year standards to vehicles designed decades ago (ex: 1930’s roadster) or crash a vehicle when only a few are being produced.

"This law gives enthusiasts the opportunity to buy turn-key replica cars while preserving their option to build one from a kit," said SEMA Chairman of the Board Doug Evans. "It recognizes the unique circumstances associated with limited production replica vehicles, such as the ’32 Roadster and ’65 Cobra, which are primarily used in exhibitions, parades and occasional transportation.



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