illinois title and registration

[CHRIS DAMSCH]

I was looking for a little help on registering a used spf in illinois. I am looking at a few different vehicles which are titled differently. The one in question is titled as a 2002 in ohio. Can I purchase this vehicle and register it in Illinois without having emmission or insurance problems. Any help from the experienced would be greatly appreciated.

[Jeff-Karnitz]

Check ERA's site out. They use to have a link of for registering info on just about all states. You best bet is to buy a car that is titled as a 1960's car. That way you forgo any emmision issues.

Jeff

[CHRIS DAMSCH]

Thanks Jeff,

Anybody in Illinois buy a used spf. If so could you share your registration experience with me?

[Wilson]

Chris,

Not with an SPF, but I just finished working my way through a
new kit. In investigating how to do this I found three paths:
1) transfer of existing title/registration
2) using a Certificate of Origin for a new vehicle
3) posting a bond and getting a "Bonded Title"

You're clearly in the first catagory. A direct transfer from Ohio
will give you a 2002 Cobra. If your plans are to drive this
unrestricted, you'll have to meet the emissions requirements
for 2002. If you plan to drive it only as a "show" car, on occassion
to a car show, etc., you may be able to get a letter stating such
from your insurance carrier and get an emissions exemption (I've
not done this, but an acquaintance has and claims this works -
I'd still expect a hassle). An alternative is to check into the
services of US Titles. You'll end up selling your car to them. They
operate out of New York which allows cars to be registered based
on the year they replicate. They then sell your car back to you
with a valid NY registration. NY does not issue titles for cars
prior to 1973, hence you can get a 1965 Cobra registration.
Illinois recognizes that NY does not issue such titles and will
issue you an IL title from a NY registration. wa-la a 1965 title
for you car. However, you may be already stuck since a title
has already been issued for the car. It might be worth checking
in to.
Ralph

[snake oil]

Hello Chris,

I do not have a used SPF but a used '92 Lonestar Classic.

Everything was pretty much the same with any uased car except for the car registration under manufacturer read ASVE
(assemled vehicle).
The emmissions is a different story, that I solved by using
a show car exempt affidavit, You may aquire one at your local
air emmission office.
BUT you have to ask for it,
they don't like to readily hand them out.

Good luck
Arcenio

[Len Hurlburt]

Chris, Snake oil has the key. If you bring a 2002 out of state title to Illinois, the state will issue you another title registered as a 2002. You should then obtain an show/race emissions exemtions which costs nothing but a little time. That is of course unless you want to turn your Cobra over to the underpaid state employee at the emissions center....... Len

[JerryH]

I don't know about registering a car from another state but here is the Illinois website for registering these cars.

Secretary of State - Vehicle Services

[TerrysSPF]

I think the law changes in Illinois almost every year. The only state that's worse than us is poor old California!
You CAN apply for a "show car" exemption, but I believe they limit the amount of miles you can drive in a year (2-3K or so). It used to be that the engine in the car HAD to have a pre-74 block, but I heard that changed last year. Whatever block you have though, must have a serial number stamped on it (to make sure it isn't stolen). I also heard that "new" for this year is that the cars have to have the full bumpers attached (no quick jacks allowed!).
Best bet is to get a car with a 60's title, and if you're going to do something, better do it NOW. Don't forget we have a Democrate sitting in the Gov's office now (1st time in many years!), so they now control the entire state legislation! The new laws may end up looking similar to California's pretty soon.

[JerryH]

The site above has two procedures for titling these cars.
1) As a '65 replica, no emissions, just has to pass a NSRA inspection.
2) As a combination of the year it was built and the engine date for emissions.

[CHRIS DAMSCH]

Thank you all for your help.