A Sunday Drive
Maryland Historic Vehicle Owners Fight to Retain “Pleasure Use” Benefit
The work week is over. The weather is perfect. The gas tank is full. For historic vehicle owners, there isn’t an experience quite as rewarding as a weekend cruise in the machine of your dreams with your best guy or gal at your side. After all, you’ve put countless amounts of time, money and effort into every detail of the vehicle. It’s commonly said that what matters is the journey, not the destination, and few days are brighter than while enjoying your rolling creation in the great outdoors. How would it feel if that experience with your collector vehicle was compromised or even removed?
A story that began with Maryland legislation that sought to severely curtail hobbyist rights, ended with an army of angry state hobbyists taking steps to protect enjoyment of vintage vehicles. As introduced, Maryland House Bill 550 and Senate Bill 846 aimed to further limit the use of historic motor vehicles, beyond what is currently provided for in the law. According to bill sponsors, these bills sought to address abuses of the historic vehicle designation by certain historic vehicle owners. Under the introduced bills, the age requirement would have been raised from 20 to at least 25 years old, historic cars would have been prohibited from being used for “occasional transportation” and an historic vehicle, show vehicle or antique insurance policy would have been required. While the SEMA Action Network (SAN) does not approve of the misuse of reasonable collector car laws, imposing new, unfair limitations became grounds for debate. So, the SAN went to work. In partnership with the hobbyist community in the state, the SAN worked with Delegate Kirill Reznik to propose amendments to H.B. 550 to protect legitimate historic vehicle owners. These amendments were also offered to S.B. 846 for Senate committee consideration.
Under the amendments, which have not yet been formally approved, vehicles would continue to be eligible for the historic class upon their 20th year; there would be no collector insurance requirement and the “occasional use” provision would be restored. Further, permissible use would now include “for the purposes of obtaining repairs and routine maintenance.” The SAN also helped increase the classes of vehicles among those eligible for historic status to include taxi cabs, funeral vehicles, ambulances and limousines. The American Truck Historical Society successfully negotiated separate legislation to address historic trucks over 10,000 lbs.
To address abusers of the current law who may be using the historic status to operate daily drivers without constraints, the proposed amendments to H.B. 550 and S.B. 846 require that an historic vehicle owner must have use of a regularly registered vehicle to be used for primary transportation. The bill would also clearly stipulate that the historic vehicle not be “an individual’s or a family’s primary method or transportation.” Further, the amended bills enhance law enforcement authority to target violators of the historic vehicle laws without inconveniencing legitimate hobbyists.
“The amended versions of these bills demonstrate a real effort by the primary bill sponsors, especially Delegate Reznik, to enact reasonable and fair compromise legislation that recognizes the unique place these vehicles play in our nation’s heritage, while adequately addressing the abuses of the rights and freedoms granted these cars,” said SEMA Vice President of Government Affairs Steve McDonald. “If enacted into law, this legislation will also aid in facilitating law enforcement efforts to crack down on abusers.”
The SAN would especially like to thank the dedicated hobbyists of Maryland for helping to ensure that historic vehicle owners can continue to create fond memories using their cars. Stay posted on these bills and others around the nation at
www.semasan.com.
CAUCUS CORNER
Each month,
Driving Force features members of the State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus. The SEMA-supported caucus is a bipartisan group of state lawmakers, almost 550 members strong, whose common thread is a love and appreciation for automobiles.
Here are its newest members:
Alabama
Representative
Kurt Wallace
Arizona
Senator
Don Shooter
Connecticut
Representative
John Rigby
Illinois
Senator
Tom Johnson
Illinois
Representative
Rita Mayfield
Illinois
Representative
Jerry Mitchell
Michigan
Senator
Vincent Gregory
Michigan
Senator
Goeff Hansen
Michigan
Representative
Ken Goike
Michigan
Representative
Andrea LaFontaine
Michigan
Representative
Sean McCann
Minnesota
Representative
Bob Gunther
Minnesota
Representative
Duane Quam
Missouri
Senator
Joe Keaveny
Missouri
Representative
Mike Cierpiot
Missouri
Representative
Gary Cross
Missouri
Representative
Charlie Denison
Missouri
Representative
Bill Lant
Missouri
Representative
Melissa Leach
New Hampshire
Representative
Kirsten Larsen Schultz
New Hampshire
Representative
Patricia Lovejoy
New Hampshire
Representative
Bill Ohm
Oklahoma
Representative
Jabar Shumate
Oregon
Senator
Jason A. Atkinson
Oregon
Representative
Tim Freeman
Rhode Island
Senator
Louis DiPalma
Pennsylvania
Representative
Tina Davis
Pennsylvania
Representative
Marcy Toepel
Visit
www.semasan.com for a complete list of caucus members.
LEGISLATIVE QUICK HITS
Colorado Emissions Exemption: Legislation that originally sought to extend the emissions inspection exemption to vehicles that are eight model years old and newer was amended and approved by the Senate Transportation Committee, but action on the bill was indefinitely suspended by the Senate Appropriations Committee. Under the amendment, the bill now would provide the exemption to vehicles six model years old and newer. Current law only exempts vehicles that are four model years old or newer. Even with the amendment, this is still a bill worthy of support.
Connecticut Antique/Rare/Special Interest Motor Vehicles: The SAN is opposing Connecticut legislation to increase the age requirement for vehicles eligible for registration as “antique, rare or special interest motor vehicles.” Under the bill, vehicles seeking registration as antique, rare or special interest motor vehicles would be required to be at least 30 years old. Currently, vehicles 20 years old or older are eligible for this status and special license plates. For the purpose of property taxes, the bill also increases the maximum assessment of these vehicles from $500 to $2,000.
Hawaii “Collector Car Appreciation Day”: Resolutions have been introduced in the Hawaii House of Representatives and Senate seeking recognition by the state for July 13, 2012 as “Collector Car Appreciation Day.” Earlier this year, the SAN announced this date to mark the third commemoration in what has become an annual event to raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society. The SAN is again working to secure a U.S. Congressional resolution to recognize the day’s significance. In the previous two years, thousands of Americans have gathered at car cruises, parades and other events to celebrate our nation’s automotive heritage. The SAN is maintaining a list of scheduled events to commemorate America’s time-tested love affair with the automobile. Individuals, car clubs and business owners interested in publicizing events should contact Colby Martin at
san@sema.org.
Illinois Ethanol: The Illinois House Revenue & Finance Committee will consider legislation allowing the state’s Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to provide information to gas stations encouraging the stations to offer E15 as an option for customers. The bill also allows the Department to provide information to gas stations on any financial assistance that may be available to subsidize the cost of providing E15 blended fuel to consumers. The bill was introduced despite the fact that a bill is moving through the U.S. House of Representatives which would require the National Academy of Sciences to further analyze the effects of E15 on engines and other components before the EPA can permit its sale.
New Jersey Street Rods and Custom Vehicles: A version of SEMA model legislation to create a vehicle registration classification for street rods and replica custom vehicles and provide for special license plates for these vehicles was reintroduced in the New Jersey Assembly. Last year, comparable legislation was not enacted into law in New Jersey prior to the legislature’s adjournment. The bill defines a street rod as an altered vehicle manufactured before 1948 and a custom as an altered vehicle at least 25 years old and manufactured after 1948. The bill allows kit cars and replica vehicles to be assigned a certificate of title bearing the same model year designation the body of the vehicle most closely resembles.
Utah Vintage Travel Trailers: A SAN-supported bill to create a statutory definition of a “vintage travel trailer” and provide for a one-time $40 registration fee was approved by the Utah Senate and now moves to the governor for his signature and enactment into law. The bill has already been approved by the House of Representatives. Under the bill, vintage travel trailers would also be eligible for a special group license plate and would be exempted from wheel cover, mudguard, flap, or splash apron requirements.
Virginia License Tax: Legislation that originally threatened to provide localities with the authority to raise from $100 to $500 the amount charged for an annual license tax for vehicles that do not display current license plates was approved by the Virginia Senate and now has been sent back to the House for concurrence. A previous version of the bill had already been passed by the House. The SAN has since negotiated an additional amendment to the bill that now totally exempts from the license tax ALL vehicles and parts cars that are stored on private property for the purpose of restoration or repair. Vehicles stored within a structure would remain exempted from the tax.
West Virginia Property Tax: A SAN-supported bill to provide owners of antique and classic motor vehicles with a cap on property taxes paid on these vehicles was passed by the Senate Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Having already passed in the West Virginia House of Representatives, the bill will now be considered by the Senate Finance Committee. The bill would value antique and classic motor vehicles for property taxes at $1,000. At the most costly rate in West Virginia (approximately 3%), the actual property tax paid by antique or classic motor vehicle owners at the $1,000 value would only be about $30 per year.
West Virginia Ethanol: The West Virginia House of Delegates has introduced a concurrent resolution urging the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to revoke its decision to allow the sale of gasoline with fifteen percent ethanol (E15) until there is clear and convincing scientific evidence that E15 does not pose a risk to any gasoline-powered vehicle or equipment. The SAN is supporting the resolution.
West Virginia Aftermarket Exhaust Systems: SEMA-model legislation that would allow vehicle hobbyists to install and use aftermarket modified exhaust systems that meet a 95-decibel limit was passed by the House Roads and Transportation Committee. The bill must now be approved by the Judiciary Committee before moving to the House floor for a vote by all members. Current West Virginia law only allows a muffler originally installed by the manufacturer or an equivalent. Among other things, the bill would remove subjective provisions in the law and force compliance with an objectively measured standard, while benefitting consumers, the aftermarket industry and police officers who are charged with enforcing the law.
Wisconsin Motor Vehicle Registrations: Legislation has been introduced in the Wisconsin Assembly to provide legal registration to hobby vehicles with a clear title, required safety equipment and in good working order. Under the bill, these registrations would be available to owners regardless of the vehicle’s color, former owner, or previous uses. Identical legislation has already been introduced in the Senate and will be considered in the Transportation Committee. The bills ensure that all vehicles, including ones that predate Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) or are specifically exempted from them, are not denied registration or forced into a highly-restrictive registration class, for non-compliance with FMVSS. This includes pre-1968 vehicles, imports, kit-cars, government surplus vehicles, etc.
APRIL 2012 SAN CLUB EVENTS
Arizona
California
April 13-14, La Jolla
21st National Swap Meet
Sponsor: Model T Club of Kern County
Info: 661/325-2840 or
john.rimmer@sbcglobal.net
April 14, Pomona
33rd Annual Fun Under the Sun Car Show
Sponsor: Association of Handcrafted Automobiles
Info:
info@replicarclub.com or 951/780-9332
April 20-21, Pomona
Ford-Cobra-Shelby Reunion
Sponsor: Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum
Info: Museum.NHRA.com
April 27-29, Bakersfield
Western Street Rod Nationals
Sponsor: National Street Rod Association
Info:
www.nsra-usa.com or 209/474-0103
April 29, Orange
Z-Car West Coast Nationals Car Show
Sponsor: Motorsport Industries
Info:
www.motorsportauto.com/show or 714/639-2620
Colorado
April 14, Westminster
Westminster Car Show
Sponsor: Collector Car Council of Colorado
Info:
www.collectorcarcouncil.com or 303/393-8014
Connecticut
April 15, Wallingford
Spring Dust-Off
Sponsor: Connecticut Street Rod Association
Info:
www.csra.org or 203/742-0413
April 29, East Hampton
Gas and Steam Show
Sponsor: Belltown Antique Car Club
Info:
belltowncarclub@yahoo.com
Florida
Georgia
April 6-7, Perry
3rd Annual Spring Perry Auto Fest
Sponsor: Georgia Street Rod Association
Info: 678/662-2267 or 478/318-1096
April 14, Warner Robins
22nd Annual Car Show
Sponsor: Road Rebels Rod & Custom Car Club
Info: 478/397-5271 or 478/396-0926
April 14, Marietta
18th Annual Swap Meet
Sponsor: Georgia Street Rod Association
Info:
www.gsra.com or 770/517-6701
Kentucky
April 29, Louisville
18th Annual NSRA Safety Day
Sponsor: Okolona Street Rods
Info: 502/741-1229 or okolonastreetrods.com
April 28, Dallas
23rd Annual Car & Truck Show
Sponsor: Georgia Classic Rides
Info:
www.georgiaclassicrides.com or 404/513-3847
Maryland
April 1, Baltimore
Spring Antique Car Show Streetcar Museum
Sponsor: Heart of Maryland Classic Chevy Club
Info: 410/484-129
April 14, Bowie
Glory Days Spring Car Show
Sponsor: Asphalt Angels Car Club
Info:
www.asphaltangelsofmd.org or 443/812-3184
April 15, Westminster
Spring Thaw Show
Sponsor: Mid Maryland Ford Club
Info: 410/259-1343
April 21, Mt. Airy
Cruise to Berkeley Springs, WV
Sponsor: Heart of Maryland Classic Chevy Club
Info:
www.hmccc.50g.com
Massachusetts
April 1, Maynard
18th Annual Model A Swap Meet
Sponsor: Minuteman Model A Ford Club
Info: 978/562-2390 or
cmartinstow@comcast.net
April 21, Lakeville
Annual Safety Fast Inspection
Sponsor: Cape Cod British Car Club
Info:
www.capecodbritishcarclub.org
April 22, Fitchburg
42nd Annual Swap Meet and Car Show
Sponsor: Early Ford V8 North East
Info:
V8fleemarket@yahoo.com or 781/272-1114
Nevada
April 19-21, Laughlin
25th Annual Gambler Classic River Run
Sponsor: Southern NV Classic Chevy Club
Info: 888/880-0210 or
www.gamblerclassicriverrun.com
New Mexico
April 28, Albuquerque
2012 Mopar Challenge Series - 1st Race
Sponsor: Mopar Muscle Club of NM
Info:
www.moparclub.com or 505/896-8115
New York
April 15th, Smithtown
7th Annual Spring Car Show Fundraiser
Sponsor: St. Patrick School
Info: stpats.americanhotrods.com or 631/588-2696
North Carolina
Ohio
April 7, Columbus
Spring Swap
Sponsor: Mid-Ohio Ford Club
Info: 614/855-4750 or
www.springswap.com
Oklahoma
April 13-15 Oklahoma City
Southwest Street Rod Nationals
Sponsor: National Street Rod Association
Info:
www.nsra-usa.com or 209/474-0103
Utah
April 28, Salt Lake
4th Annual Autism Awareness Car & Motorcycle Show
Sponsor: Beehive Kustoms Car Club
Info:
Beehivekustoms@hotmail.com
Virginia
April 29, Manassas
26th Annual Rod Run
Sponsor: Custom Cruisers of Northern Virginia
Info: 703/830-2129 or
jcchesley@aol.com
Washington
April 22, Issaquah
All Italian Car Show
Sponsor: Fiat Enthusiasts Northwest
Info: 206/6956791 or
fiats@wavecable.com
Wisconsin
HEY, THAT’S MY CAR!
Lethal Venom
Replica 1965 Shelby Cobra 427 SC
Owner: Jon Miller, Pike Road, Alabama
It’s clear that Jon was looking for a bigger bite from his Shelby Cobra replica. One glance at the mixture of parts that make up this machine reveals that it has a potent combination of power, handling and style. The car’s engine is a 1989 Ford 460 c.i. bored .030 over with forged pistons that has been balanced and blueprinted. Features of the powerplant include SCJ aluminum heads, a roller cam, a Holley four-barrel carburetor and MSD ignition. A TCI C-6 transmission with a high stall converter is connected to a Jaguar XJS independent rear-end with 3.54 trac-loc differential. The frontend features custom tubular A-frames with Mustang rack and pinion steering and Wilwood disc brakes. Summit Century racing wheels are found on the corners, 18” up front and 20” out back, wrapped in Riken tires. Buckskin leather seats, door panels and shifter boot add luxury to the vehicle. The interior is complete with Stewart Warner gauges and a chrome roll bar. Best of all, the car’s construction and assembly, including its engine, were performed in the garage of his Gadsden, Alabama home. The accompanying photos provide testimony to this Cobra replica’s home-built nature.
Have your car or truck featured in a future issue of Driving Force.
Submit your high-resolution photos to
san@sema.org.
CLUB SPOTLIGHT
Support Our Troops
Golden Hills Mustang Club Wins Golden Rule Award
The 180 members of the Golden Hills Mustang Club celebrated after winning the grand prize in the 19th annual Eagle One Golden Rule Awards contest. This prize is awarded annually to the car club with the most compassionate achievement. The Fairfield, California club was honored for sending 75-pound packages of food, toiletries, magazines and other necessities to U.S. troops in Afghanistan and Iraq every month of 2011. Car clubs in four regions of the U.S. were recognized and rewarded for conducting the most outstanding community service program in their region during 2011. SAN-member clubs winning the regional awards were Golden Hills Mustang Club (West), Vintage Wheels Car Club (Midwest) and Lost In The ’50s Car Club (East). A donation of $500 was made to favorite charities of the other three winners. In addition to these donations, the clubs received a custom-designed award, Eagle One appearance car products and Valvoline oil for fundraising purposes.
“Eagle One has been proud to honor car clubs for the outstanding work they perform in their communities while actively engaged in the preservation of one of our country’s greatest heritages, the automobile,” said Robert McCarter, Eagle One brand manager.
