NHTSA Replica Manufacturer

[Don]

Is anyone aware of Cobra Replica Manufacturers that have been approved by the NHTSA as a: Low Volume Replica Manufacturer ? A non Cobra example, Allard Motor Works’ J2XMK3 has been approved:

https://allardj2x.com

"The purpose of this part is to implement 49 U.S.C. 30114(b) to exempt not more than 325 replica motor vehicles per year that are manufactured or imported by low-volume manufacturers from certain requirements for motor vehicles. This part specifies eligibility requirements for low-volume manufacturers to qualify for the exemption. “

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-4...ter-V/part-586

[twobjshelbys]

Several of the majors have claimed they will participate but so far, if they are, none have made a big splash about it.

The issue with the program is that the car is basically a Shelby Cobra wrapped around a 2023 car - yes it shall be emissions compliant on the date of manufacture. Ford doesn't officially have an engine in the program. So right now you'd get a replica with a LS3 or maybe a Coyote if someone can get it approved. In a space where authenticity plays a role a Cobra with a Chevy engine just isn't going to be very popular. Indeed, Cobras with Coyotes, even though it is a Ford, prove hard to sell... Most people who sign up for a Cobra want a lopey gas guzzling gas smelly big displacement (if not big block) Ford engine where most of the horsepower goes to running the wheels instead of pollution control crap.

[Mark IV]

Originally Posted by twobjshelbys

Several of the majors have claimed they will participate but so far, if they are, none have made a big splash about it.

The issue with the program is that the car is basically a Shelby Cobra wrapped around a 2023 car - yes it shall be emissions compliant on the date of manufacture. Ford doesn't officially have an engine in the program. So right now you'd get a replica with a LS3 or maybe a Coyote if someone can get it approved. In a space where authenticity plays a role a Cobra with a Chevy engine just isn't going to be very popular. Indeed, Cobras with Coyotes, even though it is a Ford, prove hard to sell... Most people who sign up for a Cobra want a lopey gas guzzling gas smelly big displacement (if not big block) Ford engine where most of the horsepower goes to running the wheels instead of pollution control crap.

While Ford doesn't sell an emission compliant crate engine via Ford Racing, Ford Power Products does. FPP is the OEM powertrain supplier to outside manufacturers. FPP can supply current production "chassis drops" that have full emissions equipment and are compliant with EPA regulations. Everyone keeps saying "Ford doesn't sell an EPA approved engine package". This is not true, they just don't sell it retail to a non-manufacturer. They supply Revology for the "new" old Mustangs they sell and will also be supplying another Vintage Mustang manufacturer shortly.

[twobjshelbys]

In at least one discussion about this the manufacturers were also rumored to be subject to the incredibly detailed record keeping requirements of the components that go into them. This is a detail that the kit builders don't have. Anything with a serial number and batch identifiers for things like screws and bolts. This is all how Ford (and all the rest) know how to contact you for, for example, air bag recalls...

Plus, if I buy a totally turnkey vehicle that is emissions compliant that I can just take down to my DMV and register, I'm (and I speak for myself) going to expect some kind of real warranty. Kit guys are pretty loose. The majors with finished rollersseem to cover initial defects pretty well, but engine/trans is separate. As a completed product it's all on the seller. And warranty reserves count as a liability on the balance sheet.

In short, doing this could end up being a major financial commitment.

Look to the latest incarnation of AC Cars to probably be "full service" but question how long "full" will last before bankruptcy given the history of those involved... That is if they ever really deliver iron instead of press releases.

[Mark IV]

Originally Posted by twobjshelbys

Look to the latest incarnation of AC Cars to probably be "full service" but question how long "full" will last before bankruptcy given the history of those involved... That is if they ever really deliver iron instead of press releases.

Yeah, like they will ever deliver, that ain't gonna happen!

[sunman]

This is for the EV cars of the future.
No safety rules to comply with, it’s a 1966 and no emissions it’s electric.
You sell EV cars without government design control.
Just don’t call it a Cobra.
I read here someone is already building one.
If anyone is hiring I know how electrons flow, call me.


Have Soldergun
Will Travel

[incoming]

@Sunman? I know how to hook up a reeeely beeg Electric motor and how to wire in a switch for reverse. Those cables connected to the car will severely limit its distance.

[sunman]

Phones, tvs, saws, drills and much more had cables too.
We fixed that.
The cables for my new bus hook up to a roof full of panels and undercarriage full of batteries.
Wrap your mind around that. Unlimited mileage with shop, motorcycles inside, Cobra out back.
Somewhere in an electronic shop hidden in the north 405 woods…

Party On