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WHEN IS AN OLD CAR JUST AN OLD CAR?

Car Hobby Divided on Vintage Vehicle Bills

When it comes to older vehicles, the adage “one person’s trash is another person’s treasure” certainly applies. The variety of tastes within the automotive hobby ensures that just about any car or truck is desired by someone. In addition, the value attached to each four-wheeled specimen changes over time. However, because a car may be rare doesn’t always mean that it is valuable. Many other factors, including current condition, prior refurbishment, pedigree, special options, limited packages and more must be considered as well.

After more than 100 years of automotive innovation, identifying factors that have earned certain vehicles “classic” status is increasingly relevant. A leading authority in the collector car community, the Antique Automobile Club of America, allows all vehicles 25 years old or older to be officially judged at national meets. In many states, vehicles that are 25 years old and older are eligible to receive a variety of benefits and accommodations. At the federal level, the Cash for Clunkers Program spared cars 25 years old and older from the scrappage heap and expanded parts recycling opportunities. Long-time readers will remember the SEMA Action Network’s (SAN’s) role in securing that amendment to the law.

As explained in the new Summer issue’s cover story (featured at right), the Maryland and Nevada legislatures earlier this year introduced legislation attempting to redefine which rides qualify for specialty registrations.

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Legislative Front Lines

• Federal Legislation Would Prevent Over-Regulation of Recreational Off-Highway Vehicles

• Vermont Bill to Provide Titles for Exempted Vehicles Approved by Legislature; Sent to Governor

• Missouri Bill to Tax Cars for Miles Traveled Dies as Legislature Adjourns

• New Jersey Bill to Provide Window Stickers for Vehicles Exempt From Inspection Approved by Committee

• Hawaii Bill to Ban Most Aftermarket Exhaust Systems Dead for the Year

• New Hampshire Bill to Include Older Trucks as Antiques Signed Into Law

• Vermont Bill to Penalize Some Aftermarket Exhaust Systems Dies as Legislature Adjourns

• Missouri Bills to Provide for Single License Plate Die as Legislature Adjourns

• Collector Car Appreciation Day: July 10, 2015 - Post and share TV personality Courtney Hansen's video PSA:

SEMA SAN Strike Force

Travis Floyd of Gilmer, Texas, poses with his 1993 Ford Mustang LX 2.3 L notchback. Known to many as the “fox body,” the third-generation Mustang was made by Ford from 1979 to 1993 and continues to gain in popularity among car enthusiasts. This particular example is #926 on the Red Mustang Registry.

Like many gearheads, the legendary work of Carroll Shelby has inspired Travis Floyd. Although he enjoys the 1993 Ford Mustang LX pictured above, Travis lists the Shelby GT500 and Shelby 1000 as his ‘dream cars'. He even enrolled in the Shelby Automotive Technology Program at Northeast Texas Community College which is described as the only automotive technical training endorsed by the man himself. One day, Shelby paid a visit to the shop and spoke with the program's students. "It was one of the best days in my life to meet this man," Floyd remembers. "He will be missed." After working in technical positions for multiple automakers and local shops, Travis now runs an independent AMSOIL dealership known as T&K Performance.

The desire to work on his own Ford Ranger first attracted Floyd to the car hobby. Ultimately, the project became his favorite build. He is currently affiliated with the North Texas Muscle Cars/Trucks Club and Stangpede in addition to the SEMA Action Network (SAN). Each year, Travis helps organize a car show to benefit Meals on Wheels: www.facebook.com/mealsonwheelscarshow. In years past, he has connected his July events to the SAN-supported Collector Car Appreciation Day (CCAD). He is planning to hold the East Texas Car Appreciation Day in Longview, Texas, on July 25, 2015. With children of his own, this hobbyist has his eyes on the future. "The work that is done today will influence the next generation of automotive enthusiasts and ensure that each segment of the hobby will thrive for decades," explains Floyd. "To me, the automotive way is a lifestyle and the SAN is here to protect that lifestyle."

Nicely said, Travis. Thank you for spreading the word in the Lone Star State!

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