e tend to live on an “island” when it comes to our hobby. While we all know there is plenty of interesting hot rodding going on around the globe it is more a curiosity than something we pay attention to. Well, that may be true most of the time but here is one occurrence where all of us should be paying attention.

I receive my Kustomrama newsletter each month, which keeps me up to date on much of what is going on historically in the hot rod world; very cool old photos and stories. In my recent letter (#189), there is a topic of conversation regarding what the European Union (27 countries but this doesn’t include the United Kingdom) wants to do regarding the definition of a “historic vehicle.” Fundamentally, here is what is proposed for our hot rodding family on the “other side” of the ocean.

I have gleaned the following … to keep an EU car in the historic category three conditions are proposed: 1. Be at least 30 years old; 2. The model type cannot be in production anymore; 3. Must be preserved in its original state without major changes. Points and 1 and 2 shouldn’t be an issue but 3 is a doozy. What makes your custom or hot rod unique, and an expression of your imagination, would be illegal and could compel the car to be removed from the road. This could have dire consequences for a hobby, dare I say an industry.

Now, many hot rod build projects take time, providing additional issues. The new proposal addresses hot rods should they become “de-registered” or taken off the road because of the time it is taking to finish the project. Here in the States, we have this, and it is commonly called “non-registered,” “planned non-operation, or “non-op.” However, we have a way back from this “island,” but the EU wishes to not allow this. Their proposed rule change refers to “End of Life Vehicle” (ELV). What this means is you are presumed to take your vehicle to an approved recycling station “without unreasonable delay.” That’s pretty scary. While we have our problems, we haven’t reached that point … not yet anyway.

However, by the time you read this editorial, the U.S. House of Representatives will have voted on the “Choice in Automobile Retail Sales (CARS) Act (H.R. 4468). So, what does this mean?

If passed, the bill would prohibit the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from enacting and enforcing emissions standards that would limit our choice and move the auto industry toward full-time electric vehicles. (At this point I am a fan of electric vehicles but as a “choice” and not as an “absolute.”) The CARS Act has its hidden agenda that would mandate certain technologies or limit the availability of vehicles based on engine types. You know that is geared to the very vintage engines we enjoy so thoroughly … dare I say any “ground-pounding V-8.”

Now, should the CARS Act be passed it would stop regulatory overreach by the EPA. This gives back some choices to hobbyists and their families as well as allowing OEMs from being forced to meet mandates that they find to be unrealistic.

So, there are problems on both sides of the Atlantic for hot rodders the world over. Maybe we aren’t so isolated after all and all of us share common problems that need to be addressed. Whenever possible keep yourself apprised as to what is going on within the legislative front and when you can make a difference by allowing your voice to be heard. A great way to keep abreast is to follow the workings of SEMA.