Roger King wrote:Don't forget - classic cars and kit cars are two completely different things. I don't imagine there would be any point at all in Gerry being a member of the FBHVC - he isn't a car club, he's a manufacturer, and by definition not of historic cars. 'Cos they don't make them any more. Gerry is affiliated to the relevant car manufacturer's body, I remember seeing the logo somewhere on his paperwork.
I have to say that this news fills me with horror, whether I have a Cobra or any other classic.
As most of you know I've had a one or two mustangs (4 to be precise in last 3yrs) and I really fancy a cobra at some point.
3 out of my 4 mustangs had been modified in some way or other, even my stroked 289 K code. I bet most classics are no way near standard e.g. Parts no longer available, have to fit something else, modernised to make it safer to drive etc, etc.
I can see a problem for MOT testers as mustangs came with multiple options and I bet no tester could work out what was standard on a mustang, save for perhaps a modular 5.0V8 engine, of which i was seriously considering putting in my new 67 fastback project, but now reconsidering due to this horrific news.
We really must fight this, it's the thin end of the wedge for me, like to bet on its affects cobra's down the road? I certainly wouldn't put money on it.
This is really interesting. Of particular note is something we actually knew already - FIVA has nothing to do with the EU: it is a worldwide organisation with a voice in the US as well. I particularly like the suggestion of FIVA's VP of external relations - that historic cars are 'used because of the pleasure gained from driving them'. That stands up as a definition a whole lot better than trying to define daily use, limited mileages etc.
You may recall that in addition to the "historic" issue, there is also a tentative proposal floating around that would essentially ban any form of modification to the manufacturers spec of new vehicles. This is not just a Euro issue but one also applicable to the USA via separate legislation. The backlash is in the USA was such that key elements of that proposal have now been changed.