Registration, MA

[HealeyRick]

Originally Posted by ChrisBlair

Hmmm. Thanks. I knew there was more to it. Naturally MA would have me crush a car instead of penalize real gross polluters. Almost seems useful to have a lawyer dig into it. The reader will say "that's ridiculous". Actually, with some of the things I've done the hard way and on my own, having a lawyer tell me "you should do this and this" up front would have saved me a bag of money and a heap of time.

Funny, I'm a retired Massachusetts lawyer and about 9 years ago I was interested in building a FFR Daytona coupe, just after the latest regs changed. I came to the conclusion that there was a real chance I wouldn't be able to register the car after I built it and instead swapped a V8 into my Austin-Healey. It's a daunting process and frankly, instead of consulting an attorney you would probably be better off consulting Massachusetts Cobra guys like Michael Everson and Mike Forte who have actually registered some cars recently. Perhaps even talk to Factory Five since they are based here.

I think if I was building a big-block kit, I'd start looking for a big block crusher car at the beginning of the build and register it right away so I could have the one-year registration done by the time I was finished. I couldn't see that the crusher car needs to be running, just registered, so you could probably just by a junker and register it. You really need to be dedicated to register a Cobra replica in this state.

[Blue66]

Back in 2015 you could register it pretty easy BUT then ya had to get an inspection sticker. That's when the **** hit the fan. Wanted the car to pass emissions

[ChrisBlair]

Originally Posted by HealeyRick

Funny, I'm a retired Massachusetts lawyer and about 9 years ago I was interested in building a FFR Daytona coupe, just after the latest regs changed. I came to the conclusion that there was a real chance I wouldn't be able to register the car after I built it and instead swapped a V8 into my Austin-Healey. It's a daunting process and frankly, instead of consulting an attorney you would probably be better off consulting Massachusetts Cobra guys like Michael Everson and Mike Forte who have actually registered some cars recently. Perhaps even talk to Factory Five since they are based here.

I think if I was building a big-block kit, I'd start looking for a big block crusher car at the beginning of the build and register it right away so I could have the one-year registration done by the time I was finished. I couldn't see that the crusher car needs to be running, just registered, so you could probably just by a junker and register it. You really need to be dedicated to register a Cobra replica in this state.

Not the best news Rick, but straight talk is what I need so thanks

[sgianino]

Chris Blair,
I say just go for it!! Build or buy the car worry about it later
There are exemption forms in place....Otherwise how would every custom Hot Rod at car shows be registered when there a Fiberglass body or Custom Motorcycle for that matter.....you know them $200K Custom rods at cruise nights ? are they running a full cat back exhaust with Air bags and working wipers with reverse lights...Highly doubt it
I dont believe that buying a crusher with a 66 title works, I would think the RMV would be a little smarter then to let that slide by...I might be talking out my Butt The registry at the time gave me an exemption form that also waives me of emissions every year so getting my yearly Sticker isnt an issue
Im speaking from experience and also a residence of Mass....My only doubt is that things might have changed and im Grandfathered into the old rules 0f "2006"

[sgianino]

Originally Posted by ChrisBlair

Not the best news Rick, but straight talk is what I need so thanks

Chris,
What are you looking at buying?
Roller or Turnkey
Or are you just curious about how to register a Cobra

[ChrisBlair]

Originally Posted by sgianino

Chris,
What are you looking at buying?
Roller or Turnkey
Or are you just curious about how to register a Cobra

I apologize for the very late reply. Work has been an s show for end of year,
and then the holidays had their way with me.

I am looking to buy a completed example although building is in my repetoire (or at least it used to be, long boring story). I don't want to spend the time and I really have no place to build, having lost my shop space of 22 years last October. Also in my 30+ years of classic car ownership I found that money-wise it's usually better to buy something completed unless you have the fire to wrench and build your own car. Pretty much have done that...

My preference would be a 289 USRRC replica, close second would be an 289 FIA. The proportions of those models is best for my tastes.

Reality may dictate that if I do buy a Cobra (my other Holy Grail is a '65 Corvette Coupe), it may have to be an example of a car already registered in MA, which limits my options.

Thanks for taking the time to reply to my questions.