Some of the most coveted classic cars are limited in number and hard to come by. But new legislation soon may change that - Sort of. State Representatives Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) and Gene Green (D-TX) recently introduced bipartisan legislation that would clear the way for low-volume carmakers to produce modernized replicas of certain classic rides for sale nationwide.
Supported by the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), the Low Volume Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Act of 2015 (HR 2675) would allow carmakers to build up to 500 classic car replicas a year, subject to federal regulatory oversight by the National Highway Traffic Safety Association and the US Environmental Protection Agency. The new rides would have to meet current model year emissions standards, often via the installation of clean engines from other EPA-certified vehicles.
If passed, the bill would serve to provide "turn-key replicas of older vehicles that are virtually impossible to build under today's restrictive one-size-fits-all regulatory framework," says SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting. "This program will create skilled-labor jobs in the auto industry and help meet consumer demand for these classics of the past… It also helps preserve our American automotive heritage."
What do you think? Do you support passage of the bill or should American classics stay just that - classic? If you support the bill, which classic ride would you most want to see make the limited production line? Post your thoughts on the E3 Spark Plugs Facebook Fan Page.
