Registering in VA - March 2007
 

Check out this link for a change in the law. Should be a little easier now.

http://www.sema.org/main/semaorghome.aspx?id=56975

VA-DMV REPLICA LEGISLATION-SUMMARY OF THE LAW

With the help of SEMA and several State legislators, we got a new bill passed in VA to get Cobras (and other replicas) registered, titled and inspected.

The new 2007 Replica car legislation allows replica vehicles, including Cobras, to be registered with the model year which it replicates...and inspections will be based on the requirements for that model year. When you go to register your Cobra in VA, you might want to print out the legislation and take it with you. You can find the entire VA motor vehicle code here: http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp...cod+TOC4602000

However, here are the relevant sections of the VA code.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

§ 46.2-100. Definitions.

The following words and phrases when used in this title shall, for the purpose of this title, have the meanings respectively ascribed to them in this section except in those instances where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

.......

"Replica vehicle" means every vehicle of a type required to be registered under this title not fully constructed by a licensed manufacturer but either constructed or assembled from components. Such components may be from a single vehicle, multiple vehicles, a kit, parts, or fabricated components. The kit may be made up of "major components" as defined in § 46.2-1600, a full body, or a full chassis, or a combination of these parts. The vehicle shall resemble a vehicle of distinctive name, line-make, model, or type as produced by a licensed manufacturer or manufacturer no longer in business and is not a reconstructed or specially constructed vehicle as herein defined.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


§ 46.2-602.1. Titling and registration of replica vehicles.

Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, the model year of vehicles constructed or assembled by multiple manufacturers or assemblers shall be the model year of which the vehicle is a replica. No vehicle titled under this section shall be driven more than 5,000 miles per year as shown by the vehicle's odometer. No vehicle titled under this section shall be automatically eligible for antique motor vehicle license plates provided for in § 46.2-730.

Any vehicle registered under this section shall be subject to vehicle safety inspections as provided for in Article 21 (§ 46.2-1157 et seq.) of Chapter 10 and emissions inspections as provided for in Article 22 (§ 46.2-1176 et seq.) of Chapter 10. Such vehicles shall meet such safety and emission requirements as established for the model year of which the vehicle is a replica.

The Department shall assign each such vehicle a new vehicle identification number, line-make, and model year, if required.

(2007, cc. 325, 393.)


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

§ 46.2-625. Specially constructed, reconstructed, replica, or foreign vehicles.

If a vehicle for which the registration or a certificate of title is applied is a specially constructed, reconstructed, replica, or foreign vehicle, the fact shall be stated in the application and, in the case of any foreign vehicle registered outside the Commonwealth, the owner shall present to the Department the certificate of title and registration card or other evidence of registration as he may have. The Commissioner may require such other evidence of ownership as he may deem advisable and promulgate regulations establishing what additional evidence of ownership, if any, shall be required for titling and registration of specially constructed, reconstructed, replica, or foreign vehicles. All titles and registrations for specially constructed, reconstructed, and replica vehicles shall be branded with the words "specially constructed," "reconstructed," or "replica" as appropriate.

---------------------------------------------

If you need further information about registration etc in VA, please go to the CACC forum.
http://www.capitalareacobraclub.com/index.php

When I first got my cobra in 2001 I registered it as a 65'. Then I had to re-register it as a 2001. Now I'd like to register it again as a 65' but how much is it going to cost me. The state always makes out like a bandit on these transactions.

Since you live outside of No. VA, you don't have emissions tests or property tax issues to deal with. Unless you're going to sell it, I suggest you leave it alone.

If you do want to pursue it, contact Joe Owziak at the DMV in Richmond at 804-367-2977.