Attention Replica Fans: U.S. Passes Positive Legislation

Over the last decade, SEMA has been working with the NHTSA, the EPA, and the U.S. congress to pass legislation allowing low-volume vehicle manufacturers the ability to produce fully-built, ready-to-drive automobiles to sell worldwide. Recently President Obama signed our nation’s big highway bill, “Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act,” that had the “Low Volume Motor Vehicle Act,” written within it. This makes history in the modern times.

Now, instead of assembling your replica in your garage or having a local shop build it, customers are able to buy completely built road-ready cars from the replica companies themselves. This bill helps small batch replica, hot rod builders, and also new alternative green energy transportation companies looking to get into building cars.

The documentation on Mustang360 says the provisions from the NHTSA states that for a low-volume builder who produces 1000 or less vehicles per year, there is a cap of complete replica-builds at a low 325 units. Replicas are kept at a lower volume; totally new vehicles from tiny manufacturers will have the cap of 1,000 units.

The replica vehicles are labeled as 25 years or older, which highlights the golden era of the Mustang like the original classic through the Fox Body pony car. I can already see the replicas at Cars and Coffee in the next year or so, and I’m excited. Aren’t you? All the replicas will have to meet emissions standards, however most of the vehicles will be show cars with limited use, so that won’t be an issue.

This is not just about boys with rare toys, it is also about job growth and enhancing the American economy. New companies will arise, smaller companies will grow, and metal craftsman talents will be rekindled with these replica machines bringing a wealth of culture and spirit back into the American automotive industry.

I am really considering buying a replica ’60s Ford Mustang now that this bill has passed. A persuasive purple pony car with new racing components might be on my wish list for next Christmas. What replica Ford Mustang or hot rod would you want to buy? From which company? How would you have them custom build your dream Mustang?

Chime in with your thoughts on the forum. >>

Via [Mustang360, SEMA]