*** Current CT DMV definition of Early American Plates,from the DMV web site:
" Early American Plates (also know as antique plates) - Refers to a license plate which is given only to a motor vehicle 20 years old or older, is being preserved because of the historic interest and is not altered or modified from the original manufacturer’s specification "
http://www.ct.gov/dmv/lib/dmv/M-22.pdf
Might be the only way to determine if EA plates can be obtained when the Make is a Composite , submit an application, if registered after 10-01-09 and has the 1965/66 model year on the registration. However, note the last phrase above " is not altered or modified from the original manufacturer’s specification ", form your own opinion as to the interpretation by the DMV. Note on the form, pdf above, the current registration has to be entered,. My last experience with a vanity/special interest plate was in 2002 , had to have a regular plate first,( Section 2 PRESENT PLATE NUMBER ) then apply for the special plate, a 2 step process. The 20 year old or older portion of the definition could also be subject to interpretation, Cobra kit was built this year but there is a provision for using 1965/66 as the model year. Is it 20 years or older or not yet 1 year old ?
*** Question was answered very specifically:
" Change in model year designation is not retroactive, applies only if registered 10-1-09 or later "
However, on the positive side, just think of all the challenges if the emission exemption did not exist.