exempt if 30+ years old, WHAT IF?

[David Hodgson]

Hi Guys
I have built my Cobra to nearly the exact method you are talking about. Accepting that I could not build an exact replica, I set out to capture the essence of the '60's Cobra, warts and all. In '89 I almost signed up for a Robnell (wish I had have) but on further investigation in my state revealed that the rules applied to the changing of a body was relevant to the year of manufacture of the new body, chassis or engine. In ACT, my body being "new" was subject to ADR's applicable at the time of build or aproval in principle to build, and the engine and running gear subject to ADR's and local rego rules in force at year of manufacture of the chassis being used or engine being used, which ever the newer, as long as the chassis was not SUBSTANTIALLY modified.
I believe this was also for W.A and N.T, but not available in other states, why? I don't know. It may be that the route I took was not as simple as pulling of a Corvette body and dropping on a Cobra leaving the wheelbase and engine standard.
In the early '80's there were some pretty nasty efforts based on a Toyota Crown chassis as this was readily available in Aus. and close to the dimension required. G-Force, a reputable make in Aus offered 3 chassis variants, one being a Crown chassis. I worked with Rob at G-Force to achieve a chassis design we were both happy with and also the local rego authority, which consisted of a 1971 Crown chassis shortened 14" fitted with extra chassis rails similar to most of the flat ladder chassis for Cobra's in Aus, and a Jag independant rearend. Not as ideal as some of the chassis' on offer today but reasonably balanced and acheiving the requirement to run a Leaded no emission controlled '68 302 and legal side pipes at 96 or 98 dba (can't recall, need to check my eng report) so i am free to do just about whatever engine mods I like and no hiding from EPA.
Now keep in mind this was in '89 and using components readily available then but 15 years on there have been great advancements in chassis, and variety of rear ends etc.
Oh did I mention this probably limits the sale of this car to ACT as well.
But as Jeff implies a straight body swap on a Corvette could open up many doors, if it's engine mods your looking to achieve.