DEAR SERGEANT AL: I recently purchased a classic muscle pony car from the 1960’s and after doing some initial research (after purchasing the car: a bad mistake), I’ve become a bit concerned that I won’t be able to keep my car in the state I live. Do you know what the rules are governing older cars with the increasing emissions standards that are in effect verses the newer ones? –PUMPED UP MAYBE PERTURBED MAYBE YANKING MY URBAN STREET CAR LINES EXCLUSIVEY
DEAR PUMP MUSCLE: When it comes to the classic car restoration industry, let me put your car and its future in these terms that will help you better understand how important your car is and how, for now, you needn’t worry about your older car’s future and your ownership of it: your car now belongs to a $2 billion a year industry that generates jobs and income for this country, especially in a poor economy. The classic car industry in some ways might still be considered a necessity as many owners drive a classic car as a primary vehicle. While the classic car industry on the other hand might be considered a luxury, the classic automobile regardless is still an integral part of our history and culture. No matter how bad our climate change issues become, even if suddenly overnight to hypothetically become a state of emergency, the classic car restoration industry will adapt and maintain an integral part of our economy to never go away. Another fact to consider by USA Today: of the 238 million cars on the road, 70% were manufactured before 1996, the crucial year in many states to emissions standards. Although these cars contribute one fourth of the total miles driven, they contribute two thirds of the pollution automobiles generate into the environment. So both government and industry are keenly aware how your older car effects both the environment but also the economy, so both are not yet willing to throw your classic car baby out with the bath water. While both will find ways perhaps to make it more difficult for you to keep and operate your older car and encourage you to buy and use a newer one, both won’t walk away from you to leave you and your 60’s classic muscle car figuratively in the dust. In fact the classic restoration industry will be there for you to ensure you continue to give them steady business. Ford Motor Company for example, recently began retooling original 1964 1/2 Mustang body parts for a complete custom build of a new vintage 1960’s Ford Mustang, new from the ground up. These parts also will fit present vintage cars still in existence. They now have tapped into two major economic demographics.
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| Ford still makes about 95% of the car parts for a vintage Ford Mustang, so if you already have an old Ford Pony, or for about $15,000 for this body, plus the additional cost of the extra parts and labor, this ragtop pony could be all yours if you want. So in spite of tightening emission standards for older cars, old beauties like these are going nowhere . . . |
With all this stated, my suggestion to you is to call your local DMV office to get the rundown on what procedures you have to take to both register and emission test your classic muscle car in your state. There is no state in the union that is going to hold a car manufactured in the 1960’s to the same standards as a car built today. But you will be required to periodically test your car at a certified inspection station or shop (annually or every two years). As long as your car is manufactured before 1996 you will be exempt from many of the rigorous emission requirements. In some states, it is the previous owner, not the buyer, who is held responsible to produce emission documentation to the purchaser. Ask the seller for all repair records and receipts if available, and ensure they produce all certificates documenting the car’s emission inspections. In some states it helps to produce documentation that the car was previously registered in that state: make sure you ask the previous owner for that proof to make it easier to register your car. After your purchase, make sure the car is well maintained and is not unnecessarily burning oil. It costs more money nowadays to maintain a classic car as opposed to a new one. But trust me when I state that at $2 billion a year, the industry won’t mind you spending money to keep your classic car in tip top shape. So PUMP MUSCLE, you are cited with a WARNING: stop worrying about the fate of you and your classic car to get it out on the road and enjoy it! Just make sure you don’t break the law doing it! Enjoy your iron pony in good health!
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Sgt. Al here. I welcome your comments, ideas, and suggestions. You have questions about the police, and I'm interested in hearing what you have to say as a citizen. Thanks!