george68hemirr
I think you guys are full of shit.
A Very Good Year
SAN ConfrontsChallenges/Opportunities in 2011
Despite a prolonged economic slump in which state governments seeking togenerate new sources of revenue proposed a range of new taxes and restrictions on increasingly disillusioned hobbyist car owners, 2011 again brought aseries of legislative and regulatory accomplishments for the vehicle enthusiast community on a variety of issues. In its 15th year of existence andwith more than 60,000 North American members, the SEMA Action Network (SAN) remains the premier organization defending the rights of vehicleenthusiasts. The results speak for themselves. The SAN’s continued pursuit of a pro-active legislative agenda again persuaded state legislatorsto overhaul existing statutes, create brand-new programs to safeguard and promote the automotive hobby while fending off efforts to saddle car ownerswith additional fees. Our successes this year once again demonstrated the benefits of active involvement and the grassroots potential of hobbyistsacross the country. This year-in-review issue of Driving Force details the battles fought and the victories won by the SAN and its dedicatedfollowing.
State Legislation
Arizona
Emissions Test Exemption: SAN-supported legislation to exempt all vehicles manufactured in the’74 model year and earlier from the state’s mandatory biennial emissions inspection program was signed into law by Arizona Governor JanBrewer. Under previous law, only vehicles manufactured in 1966 and earlier and collectibles (used primarily for hobby activities, insured under acollector car insurance policy and whose owners have registered an additional vehicle for general transportation) were exempt. The governor’ssignature acknowledges the relatively minimal environmental impact of older vehicles, such as the historic cars targeted for this exemption. Thesevehicles constitute a small portion of the vehicle fleet and are well-maintained and in frequently operated.
Arkansas
Inoperable Vehicles: The SAN helped defeat legislation that would have allowed citiesto remove inoperable vehicles from private property if the vehicle was deemed a “nuisance” under a local ordinance. Among other things,the bill provided no reasonable safeguards for legitimate automotive hobbyists to work on inoperable collector vehicles on private property, eventhose located out of public view.
Bonded Titles: SAN-supported legislation to create a less expensivebonded title procedure for titling assembled vehicles was signed into law by Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe. The new procedure calculates the amount ofthe bond as equal to the value of the vehicle. Prior to the enactment of the bill, all vehicle owners applying for a bonded title had to post a bondof 1.5 times the value of the vehicle. The bill also permits assembled vehicles to be bought and sold in inoperable condition. Arkansas defines anassembled vehicle as a vehicle constructed by a collector from parts obtained from a variety of different sources on various occasions.
Colorado
Collector Vehicles: A SAN-supported bill to reorganize and simplify thevarious laws dealing with collector cars was approved by the Colorado legislature and signed into law by Governor John Hickenlooper. The consolidationwas supported by the Collector Car Council of Colorado, a long-time SAN member that works to promote pro-hobby legislation in the state. Reorganizingthe statutes into one location in the code will help the Department of Revenue, law enforcement, county clerks and enthusiasts more easily locate andapply state law governing the titling and registration of collector vehicles.
Connecticut
Antique Vehicles: SAN-opposed legislation that threatened to increase the age requirement for vehicles eligible forregistration as “antique, rare or special-interest motor vehicles” died when the Connecticut Legislature adjourned for the year. The billhad been approved by the Joint Committee on Planning and Development and amended to increase the age requirement for registration as an antique to 30years old and increase the tax assessment amount on vehicles registered as antiques to $2,500. Currently, vehicles 20 years old or older are eligiblefor antique status. Antique, rare or special-interest motor vehicles are currently assessed at a rate of $500, and owners pay personal property taxeson that amount.
Hawaii
Car Audio Equipment: SAN-opposed legislation toban the installation, ownership or use of any car with aftermarket speakers more than 6.5 in. in height or depth, any five-speaker aftermarket system,any aftermarket speaker more than 100 watts and any aftermarket speaker installed external to the passenger compartment or in an open hatch back wasnot considered this year. The measure was discriminatory toward aftermarket products, as it did not seek to limit systems installed by the originalvehicle manufacturer or dealer. If enacted, the bill would have denied hobbyists the opportunity to purchase and install a range of aftermarketalternatives to original-equipment stereos.
Illinois
Antiques:SAN-supported legislation to provide for an expanded-use antique vehicle registration class that would allow antique vehicles and replicas to bedriven without limitation during the warmer part of the year, from April 1 through October 31 was signed into law by Governor Pat Quinn. Under the newlaw, expanded-use antiques are limited to traveling to and from car shows, exhibitions, servicing or demonstration during the colder months, fromNovember 1 through March 31. Regular antique vehicle registration would still be available for a lower fee to hobbyists who would prefer onlyoperating their vehicle on a limited-use basis throughout the year.
Iowa
Ethanol:SAN-opposed legislation in Iowa to change labeling requirements on gas pumps across the state to only require labeling for unblendedgasoline and E85 was successfully defeated for the year. Current law in Iowa requires labeling when gasoline is blended with any amount of ethanol. Ifthe bill had been enacted, it would have removed labeling requirements for ethanol blended gasoline containing 15% or less ethanol, thereby increasingthe risk of misfueling and potential engine damage. Unblended gas is required to be labeled, but no guarantee was made that unblended gas would beavailable.
Maine
Custom Vehicles: A SAN-supported bill to include moremodel year vehicles in the definition of a custom vehicle by changing the definition from 30 to 25 years old and older was signed into law by MaineGovernor Paul LePage. The new law also expands the weight limit for custom vehicles, from 6,000 to 10,000 lbs. and clarifies that custom vehicles areheld to special inspection criteria promulgated by the Chief of the State Police.
Mississippi
Salvage/Scrap Vehicles: Legislation requiring scrap metal processors or car parts dealers to transfer a vehicleplate and title to the state’s Department of Revenue has been signed by Governor Haley Barbour. The new rules allow scrap metal and partsdealers to submit an affidavit for a vehicle 10 years or older in place of the title if necessary. In addition, the bill prohibits the removal of avehicle from private property without the consent of the vehicle owner or property owner. A vehicle may be towed from private property without theowner’s consent only if authorized by local, state or federal law.
Nebraska
Ethanol: Persuaded by the opposition of SAN, legislation to remove labeling requirements on pumps dispensing ethanol-blended gasolinehas been “indefinitely postponed” in Nebraska. Current law in Nebraska requires labeling when gasoline contains 1% or more alcohol,including labels for pumps dispensing E10. The bill would have made it impossible for enthusiasts to know whether the gasoline they put into theirvehicles contained any ethanol, making unintentional misfueling and engine damage more likely. This bill, or similar measures dealing with ethanollabeling, could be revived in the 2012 legislative session. The SAN maintains that you have a right to know what blend of ethanol you are putting inyour older collector cars.
Parts Cars: Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman signed into law a bill toredefine parts cars and make such vehicles easier to transfer. Prior to the bill’s enactment, Nebraska required a certificate of title whentransferring any vehicle. The new law, effective immediately, allows for parts cars to be transferred using a bill of sale issued by the DMV. Partsvehicles eligible to be transferred using only a bill of sale under the new provisions include vehicles for which title has been surrendered due tothe vehicle being destroyed, dismantled or scrapped or for which title has been surrendered to another state or an insurance company to render it fitfor sale for scrap parts.
Nevada
Emissions Exemption: SAN-supportedlegislation to exempt classic vehicles and classic rods from emissions inspections if owners pay a one-time $6 fee and submit a certification thattheir vehicle will not be driven more than 5,000 miles per year was signed into law by Governor Brian Sandoval. Under previous law, classic rods andclassic vehicles were subject to a 2,500-mile-per-year limit to qualify for an emissions exemption and had to pass an initial two-speed idle emissionsinspection to qualify. Also, each year the owners of classic rods and classic vehicles were required to certify that their vehicles had not beendriven more than 2,500 miles during the previous year and the certification had to be verified by a DMV emissions technician. Under the new law, theinitial emissions inspection will no longer be required.
New York
Collector CarAppreciation Day: The New York State Assembly approved a resolution to memorialize July 8, 2011, as Collector Car Appreciation Day inthe state of New York, in conjunction with National Collector Car Appreciation Day. The effort was sponsored by New York Assemblymember Bill Reilich,who has served the automotive hobbyist community for the past four years as national chairman of the State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus.Earlier in the year, at SEMA’s request, U.S. Senators John Tester (D-MT) and Richard Burr (R-NC) introduced and the Senate approved Resolution154 (S. Res. 154), officially designating July 8, 2011, as “National Collector Car Appreciation Day.”
NorthCarolina
Ethanol: SAN-supported legislation requiring ethanol content labels on all pumps that dispenseethanol-blended gasoline has been signed into law by North Carolina Governor Bev Perdue. The new law requires these labels to indicate that thegasoline contains 10% or less ethanol or greater than 10% ethanol. Previously, retailers operating pumps dispensing ethanol-blended gasoline were notrequired to post labels regarding ethanol content. Many products on the market, including older cars, special-interest collector vehicles and historicvehicles, use materials that are incompatible with ethanol.
North Dakota
VehicleModifications: As a result of the opposition mounted by SAN, legislation that threatened to prohibit the modification of any motorvehicle that altered the manufacturer’s original suspension, steering or brake system unless the state highway patrol issued an inspectioncertificate has been amended to remove those restrictions. The amended bill, signed into law, now only provides for a study of the state’stransportation laws to be conducted between the 2011 and 2012 legislative sessions.
Oklahoma
Rebodied Vehicles: SAN-supported legislation to provide for certificates of title to be issued for“rebodied” vehicles has been signed into law by Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin. Under the new law, a rebodied vehicle is defined as avehicle which has been assembled using a new body or new major component part, which must be identical to the body or major component part used on theoriginal vehicle. The law also requires that a new body or major component part that is used to assemble a rebodied vehicle to be licensed by themanufacturer of the original vehicle. Other original, new or reconditioned parts may also be used. Titles issued to rebodied vehicles will identifythe year, make and model of the originally manufactured vehicle and include a notation that states: “This vehicle has been assembled with newmajor components licensed by the original manufacturer.” Upon application, the Oklahoma Tax Commissioner will assign each rebodied vehicle a newvehicle identification number (VIN).
Racing: Legislation to allow municipalities to issue permits forsanctioned motor-vehicle racing events on public streets and highways within its geographical jurisdiction has been signed into law by OklahomaGovernor Mary Fallin. Introduced as the “Municipal Motor Vehicle Racing Act,” the new law promotes legal racing in Oklahoma, boosts thestate’s tourism sector and streamlines the process for race promoters to obtain a racing event permit. An exemption from regulations governing“public or private nuisances,” including noise limits, is also provided for in the new law. To obtain a permit, the racing event must besanctioned by a nationally or internationally recognized racing organization.
Oregon
Exhaust Systems: At the insistence of SAN, the sponsor of legislation that would have banned the sale of certain new motor-vehicleexhaust systems withdrew the measure from further consideration. The bill would have prohibited the sale of exhaust systems and exhaust systemcomponents that cause motor vehicles to produce noise exceeding certain noise limits. Under the bill, noise limits specified in rules adopted by theEnvironmental Quality Commission would have been used to determine which systems would be permitted or banned. However, in 1991, the EnvironmentalQuality Commission terminated its noise-control program and no noise-testing procedure is currently in place. The bill would have led to significantconfusion regarding compliance and enforcement.
Suspension/Tire Alterations: A SAN-opposed bill thatwould have severely limited vehicle suspension, body lift and wheel/tire alterations died without committee consideration. Specifically, the measuresought to ban vehicles whose bumpers were elevated more than 3 in. over the original manufactured bumper clearance. Among other things, the billdiscriminated against hobbyists and aftermarket parts makers by leaving it solely to the vehicle manufacturers to choose bumper heights, would haveforced owners of modified vehicles to spend large sums of money to reinstall original components and would have banned useful alterations that provideadequate clearance for on-/off-road capability and accommodate heavy loads, larger tires, improved suspension and water-fording capability. The billalso would have imposed a fine of up to $360 per offense for vehicles that exceed the 3-in. clearance requirement.
Tennessee
Emissions Tests: SAN-supported legislation to exempt vehicles more than 25 yearsold from the state’s annual emissions inspection and maintenance program was signed into law by Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam. To qualify forthe exemption, these vehicles must be registered as “antique motor vehicles.” Antique vehicles are defined as more than 25 years old witha non-modified engine and body that is used for club activities, exhibits, tours, parades and similar uses as a collector’s item; on thehighways for the purpose of selling, testing the operation of, or obtaining repairs or maintenance; and for general transportation on Saturday andSunday. Previous law in Tennessee only exempted vehicles manufactured before the ’75 model year from emissions inspection. The new law providesfor a rolling emissions inspection exemption that would exempt qualifying antique vehicles upon enactment and would pick up an additional model yearfor each year the law is in effect.
Texas
Street Rods/Customs: After aneffort that stretched into two legislative sessions, SAN-model legislation to create a vehicle registration classification for street rods and customvehicles (including kit cars and replicas) and provide for special license plates was signed into law by Governor Rick Perry. Slated to go into effecton September 1, 2011, the new law defines a street rod as an altered vehicle manufactured before 1949 and a custom as an altered vehicle at least 25years old and manufactured after 1948. The law also allows for the use of non-original materials and creates a titling and registration criterion thatassigns these vehicles the same model-year designation as the production vehicle they most closely resemble. In addition, the law only holds streetrods, customs and replicas to the equipment standards specified by law during the model year listed on the title and exempts them from thestate’s emissions inspection program.
Utah
VintageVehicles: SAN-supported legislation to allow vehicles 30 years old and older to be classified as “vintage vehicles” wassigned into law by Utah Governor Gary Herbert. Under previous law, Utah reserved the “vintage vehicle” class only to vehicles 40 years oldand older. Under the new law, “vintage vehicles” 30–40 years old would be charged a $45 annual registration fee. When the vehiclereaches 40 years old, the registrant would pay a one-time $40 fee. Vintage vehicles are exempted from annual emissions and safety inspections. Utahexempts vehicles manufactured prior to 1968 from emissions inspections. Vehicles manufactured after that date must be registered as “vintagevehicles” or “customs” to qualify for this exemption.
Washington
Street Rods/Customs: SAN-model legislation to create a vehicle titling and registration classification for street rods and customvehicles was signed into law by Washington State Governor Chris Gregoire. The bill defines a street rod as an altered vehicle manufactured before 1949and a custom as an altered vehicle at least 30 years old and manufactured after 1948. Kit cars and replica vehicles will be assigned a certificate oftitle bearing the same model-year designation as the production vehicle they most closely resemble.
CollectorVehicles: Legislation that originally sought to increase the age requirement for vehicles eligible for registration as “collectorvehicles” was signed into law by Washington State Governor Christine Gregoire. Under the new law, which was amended under pressure from the SAN,vehicles seeking registration as collector vehicles and the one-time registration fee would still only be required to be at least 30 yearsold—not 40 years old as the original bill required. The law also deletes provisions that would have created penalties for violating thelimited-use provisions. However, the measure still requires the Department of Licensing to establish a method for law enforcement to readily accesscollector vehicle information using the collector vehicle’s plate number, which will aid in ensuring a plate is being used on its properlyassigned vehicle.
State Registration Fees: SAN-opposed legislation to require annual renewal fees forcollector vehicle and horseless carriage license plates was defeated. Under the bill, the initial $35 license plate fee for these vehicles would haveremained and a new annual $30 renewal fee would have been added. Under Washington law, a collector vehicle is any motor vehicle that is more than 30years old, while a horseless carriage is defined as a vehicle that is more than 40 years old.
West Virginia
Exhaust Noise: A bill to provide that the noise from a motor-vehicle exhaust system that has been deemed“disturbing or unreasonably loud” constitutes the crime of disturbing the peace was defeated. The SAN opposed the bill because it did notsupply law enforcement with an enforcement standard, allowing for subjective judgments on whether an exhaust system was “disturbing orunreasonably loud.” The bill also would have made it difficult for hobbyists to replace factory exhaust systems with more durable,better-performing options. Under the bill, violators could have been fined up to $1,000 per occurrence, jailed for six months or both.
Wyoming
Vehicle Titles: A SAN-supported bill to ease the burden on hobbyists byproviding an exemption from bonded title requirements has been signed into law by Governor Matt Mead. By allowing enthusiasts to title vehicles beingrestored for personal use without posting bond, the exemption reduces costs associated with titling hobby vehicles when an original title was neverissued or can no longer be located. The new law allows restorers to title their completed works by submitting an affidavit of vehicle ownership, anotarized bill of sale, a written statement of the value of the vehicle (based on a national appraisal guide or appraisal performed by a dealer) and aVIN inspection. To prevent abuse of the new procedure, titles issued under this procedure will not be transferable for the first 180 days afterissuance.
State Regulations
Wisconsin
Imported CollectorCars: The Wisconsin Department of Transportation has officially withdrawn its proposal to prohibit the registration of imported vehiclesmanufactured after 1967 that do not meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). SAN opposed the proposal. U.S. law specifically exemptsimported vehicles that are 25 years old and older from these safety standards. The Department of Transportation proposal offered no such reasonableexemption. The regulation would only have permitted the continued registration of subject vehicles that are already legally registered in Wisconsin,but only until they are transferred to a new owner. Among other things, the proposal failed to recognize the fact that collector vehicles areoverwhelmingly well-maintained and infrequently driven, was inconsistent with federal law and would prohibit the registration of vehicles coming infrom other states that have already been proven safe on U.S. roads.
Federal Legislation
2011Collector Car Appreciation Day: The second annual Collector Car Appreciation Day (CCAD) was held on July 8, serving to focus attentionon the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society. Business owners, car clubs and individuals are encouraged toorganize events to help celebrate the day, which totaled more than 200 events this year. A list of CCAD events is posted on the SAN website: www.semasan.com. For the second year in a row, the Senate passed aResolution (S. Res. 154) recognizing CCAD and designating the date. The Resolutions have been introduced by Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) and SenatorRichard Burr (R-NC) at the request of SEMA and its Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) and Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA)Councils.
Wilderness: The SAN joined a number of other organizations representing the off-roadindustry and enthusiasts to support legislation that would release 42 million acres of land from a wilderness designation. The lands have been setaside as “wilderness study areas” or “inventoried roadless areas.” The “wilderness” designation is consequentialsince no mechanized activity is permitted on lands so designated. Following extensive reviews, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. ForestService have identified the 42 million acres as not suitable as wilderness. The agencies would be directed to manage the lands for multipleuses.
Federal Regulations
Bonneville Salt Flats (BSF): The SAN isworking with other “Save the Salt” Coalition members to require the replenishment of salt removed from the BSF by an adjoining potashmining operation. The land is controlled by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The Coalition is seeking a requirement that the current mineoperator pump salt back onto the BSF during the winter months as was done by the previous mine owner during a 1997–2002 prototype replenishmentprogram. The BLM will release an environmental assessment in the near future that will specify the protections to be undertaken. The Coalition isworking to include a “mass balance” requirement (replace salt in the same amount as removed). Toward that goal, the Coalition has launcheda grassroots support effort that includes a website (www.savethesalt.org), a congressional outreach campaign, acollaboration with other organizations in the racing, off-road and historic preservation communities, and media articles in various publications,including Hot Rod and other Source Interlink Media magazines and The Wall Street Journal.
Ethanol: Earlier this year, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved the sale of E15 for vehicles made inmodel year ’01 or later. The EPA also made it illegal to fuel pre-model-year-’01 vehicles with E15 but placed the burden on the motoristnot to misfuel the vehicle. The EPA agreed with the SAN that the corrosive effects associated with E15 posed a risk to these vehicles. Severallawsuits have been filed to overturn the EPA’s decision to allow the sale of E15. It may take months or years to resolve the suits. Gas stationscannot offer E15 until the EPA finalizes a national rule covering E15 gas-pump warning labels. The rule has recently been issued and will likelybecome part of the lawsuits. The SAN has joined a number of other organizations in opposing the EPA decisions along with state actions to repealmandates that gas pumps have labels for ethanol content below 15%, a topic currently subject to state law. The SAN and its coalition members wantconsumers to know what they are putting in their gas tank.
Wilderness: The U.S. Department of theInterior has withdrawn its controversial “wild lands” policy, which directed lands with potential wilderness qualities to be managed aswilderness. The SAN joined with a number of other organizations to oppose the program, implemented last December by the U.S. Bureau of LandManagement, since it usurps the exclusive authority of Congress to designate “wilderness.” The BLM manages more than 250 million acresacross the western United States and Alaska, 22% of which already has the wilderness designation. Under the wild lands program, the BLM was directedto review its inventory in search of more wild lands. Program opponents noted that it did not take into account input from local communities andelected officials on how the lands should be managed, such as permitting multiple uses that provide jobs and economic benefits.
SEMA ActionNetwork Streamlines Website to Help You Protect Your Passion
In 1997, the SAN was created with the goal of protectingevery niche of the automotive hobby against unfair laws and regulations. Since its inception, SAN has seen the coming of a new digital era in whichSAN members rely heavily on e-mail, social networking, and the World Wide Web to access information. To keep pace with these changes, SAN hasstreamlined its website, www.semasan.com, to make it easier thanever for SAN members to find the information they need to help protect their passion.
“No other organizationbrings such a comprehensive set of tools and resources directly to hobbyist’s computers,” said SEMA Vice President of Government AffairsSteve McDonald. “Our intent with the new website design was to make these resources more easily accessible to the thousands of vehicleenthusiasts who rely on the SAN daily for updates on threats and opportunities facing the hobby.”
Resourcesfeatured on the streamlined www.semasan.cominclude:
Up-to-the minute action alerts with bill information, speaking points and legislator contact information.
Archivedbreaking news items for a comprehensive overview of SAN efforts.
Digital copies of the SAN’s award-winning monthly legislativenewsletter—Driving Force.
State-by-state tracked legislation.
Guidance on federal and state issues, including land use,warranty denial, emissions inspections, ethanol, scrappage and much more.
“Tag & Title Toolbox”—a one-stop shop forstate resources listing each state’s specialty vehicle definitions, registration and titling provisions, forms, inspection criteria and otherrequirements and exemptions.
Printable pro-hobby model legislation crafted by the SAN staff.
Information on legislators who supportthe automotive hobby through the Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus and the State Automotive Enthusiast LeadershipCaucus.
An automated tool for identifying and contacting your federal, state and local representatives.
A guide to lobbying yourelected officials.
In its 15-year history, the effect of the SAN on shaping government policy has been enormous.Thanks to you, the SAN has successfully enacted street rod and custom vehicle (including kit cars and replicas) registration and titling laws in 22states; protected classic vehicles waiting to be restored on private property from confiscation; defended enthusiasts’ right to use more durableaftermarket exhaust systems; junked state-level “Cash for Clunkers” legislation; advocated to ensure public lands remain open toresponsible off-road recreation; and enacted legislation to lower taxes and fees for hobbyist vehicles, among many other things.
If you aren’t already a member, enlist now in this fellowship of auto enthusiasts. Join the SAN at www.SEMASAN.com.
HEY, THAT’S MY CAR!
300,000 Miles and Going Strong
1957 Chevrolet 210
Owner: Marty and Geri Bilecki, Morris, Illinois
When we acquired our ’57 Chevrolet 210 four-door sedanin November of 1995, the car had 210,000 miles on the odometer and we were the fifth owners. The Chevy had its original six-cylinder 235ci enginewhich was rated at 140 hp. The vehicle also had the original BBL carburetor, oil bath air cleaner, two-speed PG transmission and rear end. Even theheater and AM radio were originals. Since we purchased the car, we have replaced the chrome and most of the glass, excluding the rear windshield andrear portholes. In addition, the car was repainted from the original Tropical Turquoise and India Ivory to Canyon Coral and India Ivory. In recentyears the car has completed two round trips from Chicago to Los Angeles and averages about 22 miles per gallon on 87-octane fuel. We are proud todrive and exhibit all of our cars that were made in the United States during the dynamic ’50s and are still running strongtoday.
December 2011 SAN Club Events
California
December 4, Pomona
Pomona Swap Meet and Car Show
Sponsor: George Cross and Sons
Info: www.pomonaswapmeet.com/spectator/general_admission.php
December 8-10, Death Valley
1st Annual Winter Car Festival
Sponsor: Muscle Cars of America
Info: www.musclecarsofamerica.com/car_show.php or 702/987-3226
Louisiana
December 30 – January 1, New Orleans
1st Annual Sugar Bowl Classic CarFest
Sponsor: New Orleans Classic Car
Info: www.nocarfest.com/index.html or 504/228-2147
Florida
December 3, Orlando
Great Maitland Muscle Car Show
Sponsor: Orlando BowtieClub
Info: 407/617-4201 or tarasnova@yahoo.com
December 10, Longwood
Downtown Longwood Cruise In
Sponsor: Orlando Bowtie Club
Info: www.orlandobowtieclub.com/ or tarasnova@yahoo.com
December 10, Tampa
Christmas Wish Car Show
Sponsor:High Rollers Car Club
Info: www.hr-carclub.com or813/294-7803
December 17, Lake Park
First Amendment Meet and Compete
Sponsor: First Amendment Car Club
Info: signguymick@live.com or 561-215-1069
Georgia
December 10, Columbus
6th Annual Christmas for Kidz Car Show
Sponsor: Columbus City Stangs
Info: 706/566-5390 or silverone03@yahoo.com
Maryland
December 3-4, Timonium
22nd East Coast Indoor Nationals
Sponsor: Street Cars of Desire
Info: www.eastcoastindoornats.com/info.html
Upcoming January2012 SAN Club Events
Arizona
January 19-21, Phoenix
Century of the Open Road
Sponsor: Lambda Car Club
Info: 602/524-8329 or auctionweekend@azgaycar.com
Florida
January 21, Ft. Lauderdale
Reflections in Glass XXIX
Sponsor: America’sCorvette Club
Info: americascorvetteclub@yahoo.com or 954-610-5158
Louisiana
January 6-7, New Orleans
1st Annual Bowl Championship Series Car Fest
Sponsor: New OrleansClassic Car
Info: www.nocarfest.com/index.html or504/228-2147
January 27-29, New Orleans
World of Wheels
Sponsor: O’Reilly Auto Parts
Info: www.autorama.com/casi/show/neworleans.php
Michigan
January 13-14, Detroit
Detroit Region Invitational
Sponsor: Lambda Car Club
Info: info@LCCDetroit.org or http://lccdetroit.org/invitational/
Ohio
January 13-15, Cincinnati
Cavalcade of Customs
Sponsor: Federated Auto Parts
Info: www.autorama.com/casi/show/spectator/cincinnati.php
Pennsylvania
January 27-29, Pittsburgh
World of Wheels
Sponsor: Summit Racing
Info: www.autorama.com/casi/show/pittsburgh.php
Texas
January 27-29, McAllen
McAllen International Car Fest
Sponsor: South TexasMustang Club
Info: 956/681-3800 or www.mcallencarfest.com/content/contact.html
CLUBSPOTLIGHT
A Friend in Need...
Students FromNortheast Texas Community College Rally for a Good Cause
The student club at Northeast Texas CommunityCollege’s Carroll Shelby Automotive Technology Program hosted a “Friends of Ron Hillman Benefit Cruise-In Movie Night” this pastsummer. More than $5,000 was raised to benefit Ron Hillman, Director of the NTCC Shelby Auto Tech Program, who is awaiting a liver transplant.
The club hosted owners of all makes and models of vehicles for an evening of family fun and entertainment. In addition to thecruise-in and movie, live music was provided by Rock and Roll Revival. The event also featured a silent auction, which included items signed byCarroll Shelby himself. For a fee of $25, Shelby Auto Tech students performed “dyno runs” to provide diagnostics on vehicleperformance.
The Shelby club extends a warm “thank you” to the individuals and businesses that helped makethe evening a success.
SAN ConfrontsChallenges/Opportunities in 2011
Despite a prolonged economic slump in which state governments seeking togenerate new sources of revenue proposed a range of new taxes and restrictions on increasingly disillusioned hobbyist car owners, 2011 again brought aseries of legislative and regulatory accomplishments for the vehicle enthusiast community on a variety of issues. In its 15th year of existence andwith more than 60,000 North American members, the SEMA Action Network (SAN) remains the premier organization defending the rights of vehicleenthusiasts. The results speak for themselves. The SAN’s continued pursuit of a pro-active legislative agenda again persuaded state legislatorsto overhaul existing statutes, create brand-new programs to safeguard and promote the automotive hobby while fending off efforts to saddle car ownerswith additional fees. Our successes this year once again demonstrated the benefits of active involvement and the grassroots potential of hobbyistsacross the country. This year-in-review issue of Driving Force details the battles fought and the victories won by the SAN and its dedicatedfollowing.
State Legislation
Arizona
Emissions Test Exemption: SAN-supported legislation to exempt all vehicles manufactured in the’74 model year and earlier from the state’s mandatory biennial emissions inspection program was signed into law by Arizona Governor JanBrewer. Under previous law, only vehicles manufactured in 1966 and earlier and collectibles (used primarily for hobby activities, insured under acollector car insurance policy and whose owners have registered an additional vehicle for general transportation) were exempt. The governor’ssignature acknowledges the relatively minimal environmental impact of older vehicles, such as the historic cars targeted for this exemption. Thesevehicles constitute a small portion of the vehicle fleet and are well-maintained and in frequently operated.
Arkansas
Inoperable Vehicles: The SAN helped defeat legislation that would have allowed citiesto remove inoperable vehicles from private property if the vehicle was deemed a “nuisance” under a local ordinance. Among other things,the bill provided no reasonable safeguards for legitimate automotive hobbyists to work on inoperable collector vehicles on private property, eventhose located out of public view.
Bonded Titles: SAN-supported legislation to create a less expensivebonded title procedure for titling assembled vehicles was signed into law by Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe. The new procedure calculates the amount ofthe bond as equal to the value of the vehicle. Prior to the enactment of the bill, all vehicle owners applying for a bonded title had to post a bondof 1.5 times the value of the vehicle. The bill also permits assembled vehicles to be bought and sold in inoperable condition. Arkansas defines anassembled vehicle as a vehicle constructed by a collector from parts obtained from a variety of different sources on various occasions.
Colorado
Collector Vehicles: A SAN-supported bill to reorganize and simplify thevarious laws dealing with collector cars was approved by the Colorado legislature and signed into law by Governor John Hickenlooper. The consolidationwas supported by the Collector Car Council of Colorado, a long-time SAN member that works to promote pro-hobby legislation in the state. Reorganizingthe statutes into one location in the code will help the Department of Revenue, law enforcement, county clerks and enthusiasts more easily locate andapply state law governing the titling and registration of collector vehicles.
Connecticut
Antique Vehicles: SAN-opposed legislation that threatened to increase the age requirement for vehicles eligible forregistration as “antique, rare or special-interest motor vehicles” died when the Connecticut Legislature adjourned for the year. The billhad been approved by the Joint Committee on Planning and Development and amended to increase the age requirement for registration as an antique to 30years old and increase the tax assessment amount on vehicles registered as antiques to $2,500. Currently, vehicles 20 years old or older are eligiblefor antique status. Antique, rare or special-interest motor vehicles are currently assessed at a rate of $500, and owners pay personal property taxeson that amount.
Hawaii
Car Audio Equipment: SAN-opposed legislation toban the installation, ownership or use of any car with aftermarket speakers more than 6.5 in. in height or depth, any five-speaker aftermarket system,any aftermarket speaker more than 100 watts and any aftermarket speaker installed external to the passenger compartment or in an open hatch back wasnot considered this year. The measure was discriminatory toward aftermarket products, as it did not seek to limit systems installed by the originalvehicle manufacturer or dealer. If enacted, the bill would have denied hobbyists the opportunity to purchase and install a range of aftermarketalternatives to original-equipment stereos.
Illinois
Antiques:SAN-supported legislation to provide for an expanded-use antique vehicle registration class that would allow antique vehicles and replicas to bedriven without limitation during the warmer part of the year, from April 1 through October 31 was signed into law by Governor Pat Quinn. Under the newlaw, expanded-use antiques are limited to traveling to and from car shows, exhibitions, servicing or demonstration during the colder months, fromNovember 1 through March 31. Regular antique vehicle registration would still be available for a lower fee to hobbyists who would prefer onlyoperating their vehicle on a limited-use basis throughout the year.
Iowa
Ethanol:SAN-opposed legislation in Iowa to change labeling requirements on gas pumps across the state to only require labeling for unblendedgasoline and E85 was successfully defeated for the year. Current law in Iowa requires labeling when gasoline is blended with any amount of ethanol. Ifthe bill had been enacted, it would have removed labeling requirements for ethanol blended gasoline containing 15% or less ethanol, thereby increasingthe risk of misfueling and potential engine damage. Unblended gas is required to be labeled, but no guarantee was made that unblended gas would beavailable.
Maine
Custom Vehicles: A SAN-supported bill to include moremodel year vehicles in the definition of a custom vehicle by changing the definition from 30 to 25 years old and older was signed into law by MaineGovernor Paul LePage. The new law also expands the weight limit for custom vehicles, from 6,000 to 10,000 lbs. and clarifies that custom vehicles areheld to special inspection criteria promulgated by the Chief of the State Police.
Mississippi
Salvage/Scrap Vehicles: Legislation requiring scrap metal processors or car parts dealers to transfer a vehicleplate and title to the state’s Department of Revenue has been signed by Governor Haley Barbour. The new rules allow scrap metal and partsdealers to submit an affidavit for a vehicle 10 years or older in place of the title if necessary. In addition, the bill prohibits the removal of avehicle from private property without the consent of the vehicle owner or property owner. A vehicle may be towed from private property without theowner’s consent only if authorized by local, state or federal law.
Nebraska
Ethanol: Persuaded by the opposition of SAN, legislation to remove labeling requirements on pumps dispensing ethanol-blended gasolinehas been “indefinitely postponed” in Nebraska. Current law in Nebraska requires labeling when gasoline contains 1% or more alcohol,including labels for pumps dispensing E10. The bill would have made it impossible for enthusiasts to know whether the gasoline they put into theirvehicles contained any ethanol, making unintentional misfueling and engine damage more likely. This bill, or similar measures dealing with ethanollabeling, could be revived in the 2012 legislative session. The SAN maintains that you have a right to know what blend of ethanol you are putting inyour older collector cars.
Parts Cars: Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman signed into law a bill toredefine parts cars and make such vehicles easier to transfer. Prior to the bill’s enactment, Nebraska required a certificate of title whentransferring any vehicle. The new law, effective immediately, allows for parts cars to be transferred using a bill of sale issued by the DMV. Partsvehicles eligible to be transferred using only a bill of sale under the new provisions include vehicles for which title has been surrendered due tothe vehicle being destroyed, dismantled or scrapped or for which title has been surrendered to another state or an insurance company to render it fitfor sale for scrap parts.
Nevada
Emissions Exemption: SAN-supportedlegislation to exempt classic vehicles and classic rods from emissions inspections if owners pay a one-time $6 fee and submit a certification thattheir vehicle will not be driven more than 5,000 miles per year was signed into law by Governor Brian Sandoval. Under previous law, classic rods andclassic vehicles were subject to a 2,500-mile-per-year limit to qualify for an emissions exemption and had to pass an initial two-speed idle emissionsinspection to qualify. Also, each year the owners of classic rods and classic vehicles were required to certify that their vehicles had not beendriven more than 2,500 miles during the previous year and the certification had to be verified by a DMV emissions technician. Under the new law, theinitial emissions inspection will no longer be required.
New York
Collector CarAppreciation Day: The New York State Assembly approved a resolution to memorialize July 8, 2011, as Collector Car Appreciation Day inthe state of New York, in conjunction with National Collector Car Appreciation Day. The effort was sponsored by New York Assemblymember Bill Reilich,who has served the automotive hobbyist community for the past four years as national chairman of the State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus.Earlier in the year, at SEMA’s request, U.S. Senators John Tester (D-MT) and Richard Burr (R-NC) introduced and the Senate approved Resolution154 (S. Res. 154), officially designating July 8, 2011, as “National Collector Car Appreciation Day.”
NorthCarolina
Ethanol: SAN-supported legislation requiring ethanol content labels on all pumps that dispenseethanol-blended gasoline has been signed into law by North Carolina Governor Bev Perdue. The new law requires these labels to indicate that thegasoline contains 10% or less ethanol or greater than 10% ethanol. Previously, retailers operating pumps dispensing ethanol-blended gasoline were notrequired to post labels regarding ethanol content. Many products on the market, including older cars, special-interest collector vehicles and historicvehicles, use materials that are incompatible with ethanol.
North Dakota
VehicleModifications: As a result of the opposition mounted by SAN, legislation that threatened to prohibit the modification of any motorvehicle that altered the manufacturer’s original suspension, steering or brake system unless the state highway patrol issued an inspectioncertificate has been amended to remove those restrictions. The amended bill, signed into law, now only provides for a study of the state’stransportation laws to be conducted between the 2011 and 2012 legislative sessions.
Oklahoma
Rebodied Vehicles: SAN-supported legislation to provide for certificates of title to be issued for“rebodied” vehicles has been signed into law by Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin. Under the new law, a rebodied vehicle is defined as avehicle which has been assembled using a new body or new major component part, which must be identical to the body or major component part used on theoriginal vehicle. The law also requires that a new body or major component part that is used to assemble a rebodied vehicle to be licensed by themanufacturer of the original vehicle. Other original, new or reconditioned parts may also be used. Titles issued to rebodied vehicles will identifythe year, make and model of the originally manufactured vehicle and include a notation that states: “This vehicle has been assembled with newmajor components licensed by the original manufacturer.” Upon application, the Oklahoma Tax Commissioner will assign each rebodied vehicle a newvehicle identification number (VIN).
Racing: Legislation to allow municipalities to issue permits forsanctioned motor-vehicle racing events on public streets and highways within its geographical jurisdiction has been signed into law by OklahomaGovernor Mary Fallin. Introduced as the “Municipal Motor Vehicle Racing Act,” the new law promotes legal racing in Oklahoma, boosts thestate’s tourism sector and streamlines the process for race promoters to obtain a racing event permit. An exemption from regulations governing“public or private nuisances,” including noise limits, is also provided for in the new law. To obtain a permit, the racing event must besanctioned by a nationally or internationally recognized racing organization.
Oregon
Exhaust Systems: At the insistence of SAN, the sponsor of legislation that would have banned the sale of certain new motor-vehicleexhaust systems withdrew the measure from further consideration. The bill would have prohibited the sale of exhaust systems and exhaust systemcomponents that cause motor vehicles to produce noise exceeding certain noise limits. Under the bill, noise limits specified in rules adopted by theEnvironmental Quality Commission would have been used to determine which systems would be permitted or banned. However, in 1991, the EnvironmentalQuality Commission terminated its noise-control program and no noise-testing procedure is currently in place. The bill would have led to significantconfusion regarding compliance and enforcement.
Suspension/Tire Alterations: A SAN-opposed bill thatwould have severely limited vehicle suspension, body lift and wheel/tire alterations died without committee consideration. Specifically, the measuresought to ban vehicles whose bumpers were elevated more than 3 in. over the original manufactured bumper clearance. Among other things, the billdiscriminated against hobbyists and aftermarket parts makers by leaving it solely to the vehicle manufacturers to choose bumper heights, would haveforced owners of modified vehicles to spend large sums of money to reinstall original components and would have banned useful alterations that provideadequate clearance for on-/off-road capability and accommodate heavy loads, larger tires, improved suspension and water-fording capability. The billalso would have imposed a fine of up to $360 per offense for vehicles that exceed the 3-in. clearance requirement.
Tennessee
Emissions Tests: SAN-supported legislation to exempt vehicles more than 25 yearsold from the state’s annual emissions inspection and maintenance program was signed into law by Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam. To qualify forthe exemption, these vehicles must be registered as “antique motor vehicles.” Antique vehicles are defined as more than 25 years old witha non-modified engine and body that is used for club activities, exhibits, tours, parades and similar uses as a collector’s item; on thehighways for the purpose of selling, testing the operation of, or obtaining repairs or maintenance; and for general transportation on Saturday andSunday. Previous law in Tennessee only exempted vehicles manufactured before the ’75 model year from emissions inspection. The new law providesfor a rolling emissions inspection exemption that would exempt qualifying antique vehicles upon enactment and would pick up an additional model yearfor each year the law is in effect.
Texas
Street Rods/Customs: After aneffort that stretched into two legislative sessions, SAN-model legislation to create a vehicle registration classification for street rods and customvehicles (including kit cars and replicas) and provide for special license plates was signed into law by Governor Rick Perry. Slated to go into effecton September 1, 2011, the new law defines a street rod as an altered vehicle manufactured before 1949 and a custom as an altered vehicle at least 25years old and manufactured after 1948. The law also allows for the use of non-original materials and creates a titling and registration criterion thatassigns these vehicles the same model-year designation as the production vehicle they most closely resemble. In addition, the law only holds streetrods, customs and replicas to the equipment standards specified by law during the model year listed on the title and exempts them from thestate’s emissions inspection program.
Utah
VintageVehicles: SAN-supported legislation to allow vehicles 30 years old and older to be classified as “vintage vehicles” wassigned into law by Utah Governor Gary Herbert. Under previous law, Utah reserved the “vintage vehicle” class only to vehicles 40 years oldand older. Under the new law, “vintage vehicles” 30–40 years old would be charged a $45 annual registration fee. When the vehiclereaches 40 years old, the registrant would pay a one-time $40 fee. Vintage vehicles are exempted from annual emissions and safety inspections. Utahexempts vehicles manufactured prior to 1968 from emissions inspections. Vehicles manufactured after that date must be registered as “vintagevehicles” or “customs” to qualify for this exemption.
Washington
Street Rods/Customs: SAN-model legislation to create a vehicle titling and registration classification for street rods and customvehicles was signed into law by Washington State Governor Chris Gregoire. The bill defines a street rod as an altered vehicle manufactured before 1949and a custom as an altered vehicle at least 30 years old and manufactured after 1948. Kit cars and replica vehicles will be assigned a certificate oftitle bearing the same model-year designation as the production vehicle they most closely resemble.
CollectorVehicles: Legislation that originally sought to increase the age requirement for vehicles eligible for registration as “collectorvehicles” was signed into law by Washington State Governor Christine Gregoire. Under the new law, which was amended under pressure from the SAN,vehicles seeking registration as collector vehicles and the one-time registration fee would still only be required to be at least 30 yearsold—not 40 years old as the original bill required. The law also deletes provisions that would have created penalties for violating thelimited-use provisions. However, the measure still requires the Department of Licensing to establish a method for law enforcement to readily accesscollector vehicle information using the collector vehicle’s plate number, which will aid in ensuring a plate is being used on its properlyassigned vehicle.
State Registration Fees: SAN-opposed legislation to require annual renewal fees forcollector vehicle and horseless carriage license plates was defeated. Under the bill, the initial $35 license plate fee for these vehicles would haveremained and a new annual $30 renewal fee would have been added. Under Washington law, a collector vehicle is any motor vehicle that is more than 30years old, while a horseless carriage is defined as a vehicle that is more than 40 years old.
West Virginia
Exhaust Noise: A bill to provide that the noise from a motor-vehicle exhaust system that has been deemed“disturbing or unreasonably loud” constitutes the crime of disturbing the peace was defeated. The SAN opposed the bill because it did notsupply law enforcement with an enforcement standard, allowing for subjective judgments on whether an exhaust system was “disturbing orunreasonably loud.” The bill also would have made it difficult for hobbyists to replace factory exhaust systems with more durable,better-performing options. Under the bill, violators could have been fined up to $1,000 per occurrence, jailed for six months or both.
Wyoming
Vehicle Titles: A SAN-supported bill to ease the burden on hobbyists byproviding an exemption from bonded title requirements has been signed into law by Governor Matt Mead. By allowing enthusiasts to title vehicles beingrestored for personal use without posting bond, the exemption reduces costs associated with titling hobby vehicles when an original title was neverissued or can no longer be located. The new law allows restorers to title their completed works by submitting an affidavit of vehicle ownership, anotarized bill of sale, a written statement of the value of the vehicle (based on a national appraisal guide or appraisal performed by a dealer) and aVIN inspection. To prevent abuse of the new procedure, titles issued under this procedure will not be transferable for the first 180 days afterissuance.
State Regulations
Wisconsin
Imported CollectorCars: The Wisconsin Department of Transportation has officially withdrawn its proposal to prohibit the registration of imported vehiclesmanufactured after 1967 that do not meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). SAN opposed the proposal. U.S. law specifically exemptsimported vehicles that are 25 years old and older from these safety standards. The Department of Transportation proposal offered no such reasonableexemption. The regulation would only have permitted the continued registration of subject vehicles that are already legally registered in Wisconsin,but only until they are transferred to a new owner. Among other things, the proposal failed to recognize the fact that collector vehicles areoverwhelmingly well-maintained and infrequently driven, was inconsistent with federal law and would prohibit the registration of vehicles coming infrom other states that have already been proven safe on U.S. roads.
Federal Legislation
2011Collector Car Appreciation Day: The second annual Collector Car Appreciation Day (CCAD) was held on July 8, serving to focus attentionon the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society. Business owners, car clubs and individuals are encouraged toorganize events to help celebrate the day, which totaled more than 200 events this year. A list of CCAD events is posted on the SAN website: www.semasan.com. For the second year in a row, the Senate passed aResolution (S. Res. 154) recognizing CCAD and designating the date. The Resolutions have been introduced by Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) and SenatorRichard Burr (R-NC) at the request of SEMA and its Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) and Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA)Councils.
Wilderness: The SAN joined a number of other organizations representing the off-roadindustry and enthusiasts to support legislation that would release 42 million acres of land from a wilderness designation. The lands have been setaside as “wilderness study areas” or “inventoried roadless areas.” The “wilderness” designation is consequentialsince no mechanized activity is permitted on lands so designated. Following extensive reviews, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. ForestService have identified the 42 million acres as not suitable as wilderness. The agencies would be directed to manage the lands for multipleuses.
Federal Regulations
Bonneville Salt Flats (BSF): The SAN isworking with other “Save the Salt” Coalition members to require the replenishment of salt removed from the BSF by an adjoining potashmining operation. The land is controlled by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The Coalition is seeking a requirement that the current mineoperator pump salt back onto the BSF during the winter months as was done by the previous mine owner during a 1997–2002 prototype replenishmentprogram. The BLM will release an environmental assessment in the near future that will specify the protections to be undertaken. The Coalition isworking to include a “mass balance” requirement (replace salt in the same amount as removed). Toward that goal, the Coalition has launcheda grassroots support effort that includes a website (www.savethesalt.org), a congressional outreach campaign, acollaboration with other organizations in the racing, off-road and historic preservation communities, and media articles in various publications,including Hot Rod and other Source Interlink Media magazines and The Wall Street Journal.
Ethanol: Earlier this year, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved the sale of E15 for vehicles made inmodel year ’01 or later. The EPA also made it illegal to fuel pre-model-year-’01 vehicles with E15 but placed the burden on the motoristnot to misfuel the vehicle. The EPA agreed with the SAN that the corrosive effects associated with E15 posed a risk to these vehicles. Severallawsuits have been filed to overturn the EPA’s decision to allow the sale of E15. It may take months or years to resolve the suits. Gas stationscannot offer E15 until the EPA finalizes a national rule covering E15 gas-pump warning labels. The rule has recently been issued and will likelybecome part of the lawsuits. The SAN has joined a number of other organizations in opposing the EPA decisions along with state actions to repealmandates that gas pumps have labels for ethanol content below 15%, a topic currently subject to state law. The SAN and its coalition members wantconsumers to know what they are putting in their gas tank.
Wilderness: The U.S. Department of theInterior has withdrawn its controversial “wild lands” policy, which directed lands with potential wilderness qualities to be managed aswilderness. The SAN joined with a number of other organizations to oppose the program, implemented last December by the U.S. Bureau of LandManagement, since it usurps the exclusive authority of Congress to designate “wilderness.” The BLM manages more than 250 million acresacross the western United States and Alaska, 22% of which already has the wilderness designation. Under the wild lands program, the BLM was directedto review its inventory in search of more wild lands. Program opponents noted that it did not take into account input from local communities andelected officials on how the lands should be managed, such as permitting multiple uses that provide jobs and economic benefits.
SEMA ActionNetwork Streamlines Website to Help You Protect Your Passion
In 1997, the SAN was created with the goal of protectingevery niche of the automotive hobby against unfair laws and regulations. Since its inception, SAN has seen the coming of a new digital era in whichSAN members rely heavily on e-mail, social networking, and the World Wide Web to access information. To keep pace with these changes, SAN hasstreamlined its website, www.semasan.com, to make it easier thanever for SAN members to find the information they need to help protect their passion.
“No other organizationbrings such a comprehensive set of tools and resources directly to hobbyist’s computers,” said SEMA Vice President of Government AffairsSteve McDonald. “Our intent with the new website design was to make these resources more easily accessible to the thousands of vehicleenthusiasts who rely on the SAN daily for updates on threats and opportunities facing the hobby.”
Resourcesfeatured on the streamlined www.semasan.cominclude:
Up-to-the minute action alerts with bill information, speaking points and legislator contact information.
Archivedbreaking news items for a comprehensive overview of SAN efforts.
Digital copies of the SAN’s award-winning monthly legislativenewsletter—Driving Force.
State-by-state tracked legislation.
Guidance on federal and state issues, including land use,warranty denial, emissions inspections, ethanol, scrappage and much more.
“Tag & Title Toolbox”—a one-stop shop forstate resources listing each state’s specialty vehicle definitions, registration and titling provisions, forms, inspection criteria and otherrequirements and exemptions.
Printable pro-hobby model legislation crafted by the SAN staff.
Information on legislators who supportthe automotive hobby through the Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus and the State Automotive Enthusiast LeadershipCaucus.
An automated tool for identifying and contacting your federal, state and local representatives.
A guide to lobbying yourelected officials.
In its 15-year history, the effect of the SAN on shaping government policy has been enormous.Thanks to you, the SAN has successfully enacted street rod and custom vehicle (including kit cars and replicas) registration and titling laws in 22states; protected classic vehicles waiting to be restored on private property from confiscation; defended enthusiasts’ right to use more durableaftermarket exhaust systems; junked state-level “Cash for Clunkers” legislation; advocated to ensure public lands remain open toresponsible off-road recreation; and enacted legislation to lower taxes and fees for hobbyist vehicles, among many other things.
If you aren’t already a member, enlist now in this fellowship of auto enthusiasts. Join the SAN at www.SEMASAN.com.
HEY, THAT’S MY CAR!
300,000 Miles and Going Strong
1957 Chevrolet 210
Owner: Marty and Geri Bilecki, Morris, Illinois
When we acquired our ’57 Chevrolet 210 four-door sedanin November of 1995, the car had 210,000 miles on the odometer and we were the fifth owners. The Chevy had its original six-cylinder 235ci enginewhich was rated at 140 hp. The vehicle also had the original BBL carburetor, oil bath air cleaner, two-speed PG transmission and rear end. Even theheater and AM radio were originals. Since we purchased the car, we have replaced the chrome and most of the glass, excluding the rear windshield andrear portholes. In addition, the car was repainted from the original Tropical Turquoise and India Ivory to Canyon Coral and India Ivory. In recentyears the car has completed two round trips from Chicago to Los Angeles and averages about 22 miles per gallon on 87-octane fuel. We are proud todrive and exhibit all of our cars that were made in the United States during the dynamic ’50s and are still running strongtoday.
December 2011 SAN Club Events
California
December 4, Pomona
Pomona Swap Meet and Car Show
Sponsor: George Cross and Sons
Info: www.pomonaswapmeet.com/spectator/general_admission.php
December 8-10, Death Valley
1st Annual Winter Car Festival
Sponsor: Muscle Cars of America
Info: www.musclecarsofamerica.com/car_show.php or 702/987-3226
Louisiana
December 30 – January 1, New Orleans
1st Annual Sugar Bowl Classic CarFest
Sponsor: New Orleans Classic Car
Info: www.nocarfest.com/index.html or 504/228-2147
Florida
December 3, Orlando
Great Maitland Muscle Car Show
Sponsor: Orlando BowtieClub
Info: 407/617-4201 or tarasnova@yahoo.com
December 10, Longwood
Downtown Longwood Cruise In
Sponsor: Orlando Bowtie Club
Info: www.orlandobowtieclub.com/ or tarasnova@yahoo.com
December 10, Tampa
Christmas Wish Car Show
Sponsor:High Rollers Car Club
Info: www.hr-carclub.com or813/294-7803
December 17, Lake Park
First Amendment Meet and Compete
Sponsor: First Amendment Car Club
Info: signguymick@live.com or 561-215-1069
Georgia
December 10, Columbus
6th Annual Christmas for Kidz Car Show
Sponsor: Columbus City Stangs
Info: 706/566-5390 or silverone03@yahoo.com
Maryland
December 3-4, Timonium
22nd East Coast Indoor Nationals
Sponsor: Street Cars of Desire
Info: www.eastcoastindoornats.com/info.html
Upcoming January2012 SAN Club Events
Arizona
January 19-21, Phoenix
Century of the Open Road
Sponsor: Lambda Car Club
Info: 602/524-8329 or auctionweekend@azgaycar.com
Florida
January 21, Ft. Lauderdale
Reflections in Glass XXIX
Sponsor: America’sCorvette Club
Info: americascorvetteclub@yahoo.com or 954-610-5158
Louisiana
January 6-7, New Orleans
1st Annual Bowl Championship Series Car Fest
Sponsor: New OrleansClassic Car
Info: www.nocarfest.com/index.html or504/228-2147
January 27-29, New Orleans
World of Wheels
Sponsor: O’Reilly Auto Parts
Info: www.autorama.com/casi/show/neworleans.php
Michigan
January 13-14, Detroit
Detroit Region Invitational
Sponsor: Lambda Car Club
Info: info@LCCDetroit.org or http://lccdetroit.org/invitational/
Ohio
January 13-15, Cincinnati
Cavalcade of Customs
Sponsor: Federated Auto Parts
Info: www.autorama.com/casi/show/spectator/cincinnati.php
Pennsylvania
January 27-29, Pittsburgh
World of Wheels
Sponsor: Summit Racing
Info: www.autorama.com/casi/show/pittsburgh.php
Texas
January 27-29, McAllen
McAllen International Car Fest
Sponsor: South TexasMustang Club
Info: 956/681-3800 or www.mcallencarfest.com/content/contact.html
CLUBSPOTLIGHT
A Friend in Need...
Students FromNortheast Texas Community College Rally for a Good Cause
The student club at Northeast Texas CommunityCollege’s Carroll Shelby Automotive Technology Program hosted a “Friends of Ron Hillman Benefit Cruise-In Movie Night” this pastsummer. More than $5,000 was raised to benefit Ron Hillman, Director of the NTCC Shelby Auto Tech Program, who is awaiting a liver transplant.
The club hosted owners of all makes and models of vehicles for an evening of family fun and entertainment. In addition to thecruise-in and movie, live music was provided by Rock and Roll Revival. The event also featured a silent auction, which included items signed byCarroll Shelby himself. For a fee of $25, Shelby Auto Tech students performed “dyno runs” to provide diagnostics on vehicleperformance.
The Shelby club extends a warm “thank you” to the individuals and businesses that helped makethe evening a success.
