The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has given the green light to the Low-Volume Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Act, a new rule that allows the production and purchase of turnkey, factory-assembled, low-volume replica cars.
The new rule was pushed forward thanks to the lobbying efforts of the Specialty Equipment Market Association, better known as SEMA, the organization which hosts the annual eponymous car show in Las Vegas. Per the new rule, low-volume manufacturers will be able to produce upwards of 325 replicas a year, opening up a broad range of fan favorites for reproduction.
The replica vehicles can be based on designs more than 25 years old, and replica vehicles will not have the same level of scrutiny as modern mass-produced vehicles, thus allowing smaller manufacturers a shot at recreating some classic rides.
However, although the newly produced models won’t be as heavily scrutinized as mass-produced vehicles, eligibility for street-legal status means they will still fall under the purview of federal regulation, including emissions laws and registration with agencies like the EPA, NHTSA, and CARB (California Air Resources Board), a process which, according to SEMA, could take several months.
However, the new rule will still allow enthusiasts a shot at owning some of those unicorn vehicles typically only available to the richest of collectors, such as pre-war coachbuilt vehicles, historic race cars, and other rare sports cars. Previously, federal law prohibited replica car manufacturers from building completed vehicles that did not conform to federal safety standards, thus forcing manufacturers to offer kit cars without the drivetrain to enable enthusiasts a chance to build their object of desire at home.
In 2015, The Low Volume Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Act was passed stipulating that the EPA and NHTSA were required to to draft guidelines within a year of the law’s passage. Although the EPA provided guidelines by 2017, the NHTSA did not provide guidance until two months after SEMA filed a lawsuit to compel the agency to act.
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Source: NHTSA
Comments
Finally. This took forever! Now Joe Blow, can purchase a turn key toy to enjoy. Not labor over it for years, trying to gather all the parts and expertise to finish it. Let alone, a spouse on him or her, everyday, to finish that thing or sell it! “Bout time!
This message keeps the gear head happy, yet reduce the current value of the vehicle built. The aftermarket performance companies are thankful for a good profit while transitioning to a new technology. People will ask “is that a kit car” similar to the Shelby Cobras of today. The classic car auctions are probably on the fence with this situation.
I love the blue Corvette in the article but it will reduce the value of the vehicle built. The aftermarket companies are thankful for a good profit while transitioning to a new technology. People will ask “is that a kit car?” similar to the Shelby Cobras of today. The classic car auctions are probably on the fence with this.
I wish to place my order for a GM licensed Dark Green 1969 Copo Camaro.
Fire everyone in the NHTSA. Could you imagine if at work my project timeline was to be completed by 2017, and I got it completed by2022? Holy cow we need to fire everyone in the Fed!!!! 2 years to make standards? I could do that in 3 months, but 7 damn years?????
That’s how they keep their jobs. The purpose of the Dept. of Energy was to eliminate our dependence on foreign oil. They never got close. Trump did it in one term, and now, we’re suffering the effects of a politically motivated group determined to make sure we all are forced to drive electric cars. It does matter who you voe for.
I don’t understand, so if Trump eliminated our dependence on foreign oil isn’t he partly to blame for our newfound dependence on electric cars?
After ditching foreign oil you realistically have to offset some of that demand with electric vehicles. If you think all of these politicians, Trump included, aren’t motivated by their own bank accounts and the doners that keep them topped off then you are out of touch with reality my friend.
Fire all these politicians and bring Americans together again instead of arguing over whose camp is better. Because in reality not a single one of those corrupted liars gives a d*mn about you or me.
Jake, I agree with you. Remember that government jobs are spelled current and retirement benefits. They don’t have to hurry because of the red tape and our taxes pay for it.
Marty, would that be a big block or small block? Of course any copo cars would be acceptable.
427 ci 425 hp nothing crazy.
What makes you think this will make any of the cars built to be affordable?
Exactly…there’s plenty of $200k+ low volume cars I’d like to have but won’t…this probably is more of the same and not attainable for most.
Bring it!!!!!! What engines are available??????