When Is an Just An
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Caucus Class of 2015 • Off-Road Land Use Pursuits Summer 2015 I semaSAN.com WHEN JUST IS AN OLD CAR AN OLD CAR? Car Hobby Divided on Vintage Vehicle Bills hen it comes to older driving. Many abusers com- vehicles, the adage “one monly seek refuge in these person’s trash is another designations after failing person’s treasure” cer- the required emissions test, tainly applies. The variety diluting these categories Wof tastes within the automotive hobby ensures with cars that the law was that just about any car or truck is desired by not intended to protect. someone. In addition, the value attached to On the flip side, oppo- each four-wheeled specimen changes over nents believe that these time. However, because a car may be rare proposals are not favorable doesn’t always mean that it is valuable. Many to enthusiasts and make it other factors, including current condition, more difficult to register prior refurbishment, pedigree, special options, legitimate historic vehicles. limited packages and more must be considered Over the past several legis- as well. lative sessions, Marylanders After more than 100 years of automo- have fought to retain the tive innovation, identifying factors that One look at the BMW M3 above makes it tough to believe that this historic vehicle definition have earned certain vehicles “classic” status very ride is now 25 years old. For years, this model has garnered an against restrictions that are enthusiastic following of car fans. The uniquely painstaking task is increasingly relevant. A leading authority of adapting modern technology into this particular vehicle, including based on unsubstantiated in the collector car community, the Antique a 6.2L GM V8 powerplant, was undertaken by owner/builder Kevin Byrd. claims of abuse. The Mary- Automobile Club of America, allows all vehi- land Motor Vehicle Admin- cles 25 years old or older to be officially judged certain benefits, including an historic license istration is already authorized by regulation to at national meets. In many states, vehicles plate, reduced registration fees, and exemp- suspend the registration of any historic vehicle that are 25 years old and older are eligible to tions from equipment and emissions inspec- for use that violates the law. The state also receive a variety of benefits and accommoda- tions. In Nevada, under pending legislation, seems focused on collecting additional regis- tions. At the federal level, the Cash for Clunk- only vehicles manufactured prior to ’96 would tration revenues at the expense of collector- ers Program spared cars 25 years old and older be eligible for “classic vehicle” registration, car owners. Further, the population of these from the scrappage heap and expanded parts denying future classics the opportunity to vehicles is still not enough to cause any sig- recycling opportunities. Long-time readers ever achieve this registration status. Currently, nificant smog issue in either state. It has been will remember the SEMA Action Network’s vehicles 25 years old and older are eligible. A shown that classic vehicles currently constitute (SAN’s) role in securing that amendment to separate bill to repeal the emissions test exemp- less than 1.6 % of the total vehicle population the law. tion for all classic vehicles, classic rods, street in Nevada! Earlier this year, the Maryland and Nevada rods and old timers is also on the table. Under The SAN has chosen to oppose these bills in legislatures introduced legislation attempting that bill, all vehicles manufactured before ’96 order to safeguard the greater good. SAN mem- to redefine which rides qualify for specialty would instead be exempted, meaning that all ber Ramzi Vincent boiled down the issue in a registrations. Under the Maryland bill, the ’96 and newer vehicles would be emissions letter to Maryland lawmakers: “Why penalize age requirement for vehicles eligible for reg- tested for life. the many for the crimes of the few?” As an orga- istration as “historic motor vehicles” would These measures, and others like them, nization, we have always recognized the fact that have been raised from 20 to at least 30 years are the result of specialty registrations being the automotive community as a whole forms a old. The law currently provides these vehicles granted to vehicle owners that “abuse” the diverse constituency. We believe that nobody’s privilege. You know taste in cars and trucks should be compromised what they are—daily by legislation to the extent possible. The hobby drivers, commercial will be best served by demonstrating that we trucks and otherwise share common goals and that we can work poorly maintained autos together to ensure that these designations will wearing a specialty tag. be available to younger enthusiasts entering the Supporters argue that hobby in the years to come. these efforts attempt Only time will tell the outcome of these to restore the designa- battles. Fortunately, Maryland’s bill died when tion’s inherent value. the legislature adjourned for the year. How- Most laws limit use of ever, the fate of Nevada’s proposals is still these cars and trucks undecided at the time the Driving Force went to participation in car to print. Be on the lookout for an update and club activities, exhibi- let’s hope with our combined efforts, it brings Courtesy Shutterstock Now approaching age 25, cars such as this ’93 Chevrolet Camaro Indianapolis tions, tours, parades good news for those affected car collectors! 500 Pace Car are destined to become collectibles. and occasional pleasure —Cover illustration by Colby Martin SUMMER 2015 I semaSAN.com SAN DIRECTOR’S DISPATCH Filling the Generation Gap Solving the “Classic” Car Question: Who and What’s Next? Colby Martin an you believe that the Viper is only two years FM radio stations away from turning 25. I’ve fol- C playing “oldies” now lowed its development since commonly include songs from the first concept images were the likes of Aerosmith, Journey made public. Others lusted and Madonna among their rota- for the late actor Paul Walker’s tion? That chord was struck (pun ’93 Toyota Supra from the intended) when I began realizing film The Fast and the Furious’ that I rarely heard the origina- Released in 2001, an argument tors of rock ‘n’ roll on the usual can be made that the film will play lists. You know, Buddy be as generation-defining as Holly, Chuck Berry and ’50s- previous iconic features like era Elvis tunes. This realization American Graffiti, Bullitt, Van- helped shape my gradual move ishing Point or Smokey & The away from terrestrial radio and Bandit. The myriad of popu- into other methods of enjoying No, the two youngsters above were not “dragged” into posing with the quintessential lar driving simulator-style music. Like most others, I tend to T-bucket shown here at the 1999 California Hot Rod Reunion. Being the high schooler video games will be equally on the right, my brother and I were honored to stand beside “TV Tommy” Ivo’s iconic bounce between a variety of musi- roadster—we already had learned that it helped inspire a style that has lasted six important in defining tomor- cal genres based on the mood of decades. Moments like this have allowed me to personally connect with a time that row’s collectibles. the moment. I admittedly still I couldn’t experience firsthand, in this case 1956. From my perspective, the get a bit hung up on labels that future of this great hobby define a particular style. But, I feel very differ- eration Y or Millennials. They are the successors appears intact. Everyone can still create a dream ently when it comes to my beloved automotive to Generation X and are currently between the car to suit their own specific taste. There is a pastime. Maybe that’s what a decade of work- ages of 18 and 34 years old. By definition, I fall renewed interest in the driving aspect of spe- ing for a group like SEMA will do to a person. into this group, although those who know me cialty cars these days, much to the delight of These days, I’m much more open minded to will agree that I’m not very representative of the folks in my age bracket. So much fun can be treatments outside my natural “wheelhouse.” bunch. Call me old fashioned. experienced by touring, autocross, reliability Over the years, I’ve noticed a lingering anxi- Many high-profile automotive media out- runs, racing on a track and more. A lot of focus ety among members of the car community lets have referenced a recent report from MTV is now placed on a machine’s handling too. Just regarding the makeup of the next generation about this emerging economic powerhouse. look at the booming restomod trend, where of enthusiasts and what they will drive/col- Contrary to popular belief, they too con- modern technology—primarily powerplants lect? This growing concern is spurred by the tinue to see car ownership as a way to estab- and suspension components—is adapted to notion that today’s youngsters won’t carry the lish independence and shape their unique old iron. The recent musclecar resurgence has torch forward. At my office, Next Gen (i.e. next adult identity. In fact, 75% would rather give created new fanatics. Should we not protect generation) is the industry’s buzz word for the up social media for a day than their cars, and these collector cars of the future, such as excit- topic and it appears constantly. The “what” part 72% said that they would rather give up tex- ing recent offerings like the Chevy COPO of the question is fairly easy to answer.