New Cobra Registration - Our nightmare
 

G'Day Guys

I recently became the new owner of an aluminium bodied factory built 1987 AC Cobra Mk IV Roadster (Brian Angliss Car). We all know what a nightmare it can be trying to register a Cobra here in Victoria (anywhere in Australia actually). Luckily, mine being a 1987 build, rego was easy even though it is very close to an original Cobra in terms of having the original tubular ladder chassis, Holley Carbi V8, no head rests etc as it is a 'pre 1989' car.

During the acquisition I had a chat with a chap in California who is building a new nut and bolt recreation of a 289 slabside and on this topic he described how they are able to register Cobra's in CA.

Read it and weep :)

Here in California we have a loophole in the law that was put in place by a State Senator who was a car enthusiast, twenty years ago. It's called SB100 (Senate Bill 100) that allows up to 500 cars a year to be registered without compliance with modern regulations.

I simply have to demonstrate the following:

1. Compliance with any emissions controls for the "notional year being replicated". In my case, 1963. All the Cobra had was a PCV valve breather. Simple to install.

2. Brake and lamp inspection

3. Demonstrate the car was not delivered by the selling dealer as a complete car. Thus, a roller is sold (no engine, transmission) and a third party or owner (my case) does the installation of the drivetrain.

4. Show proof that all the main parts that were installed on the car are not stolen. Receipts.

You then take the car to a "referee" who reviews the above and then issues the SB100 exemption. No further checks in the future. Treated as an old exempt car going forward with no inspections whatsoever.

Although in recent years they have not reached the 500 limit I would like to get this done earlier in the year, so there is no chance of running out of numbers. If the limit is reached, you would then have to wait for the following year and reapply.

That doesn't sound unreasonable to me....here in Washington State it is very simple, and as a historic vehicle you don't have to buy a annual license ......easy peasy....

You are so lucky over there. Here in Oz any Cobra made after 1989 (from any country) must comply to full engineering, safety and emission controls as does a brand new car

It would be amazing if Australia could implement something like SB100 for classic cars and replicas!