[Jamo]

From what I read, Steve hasn't gone anywhere yet.

Steve

Anything that is 30 years old or older is exempt from smog requirements. From the California Health and Safety Code:

44011. (a) All motor vehicles powered by internal combustion
engines that are registered within an area designated for program
coverage shall be required biennially to obtain a certificate of
compliance or noncompliance, except for all of the following:
(1) Every motorcycle, and every diesel-powered vehicle, until the
department, pursuant to Section 44012, implements test procedures
applicable to motorcycles or to diesel-powered vehicles, or both.
(2) Any motor vehicle that has been issued a certificate of
compliance or noncompliance or a repair cost waiver upon a change of
ownership or initial registration in this state during the preceding
six months.
(3) (A) Prior to January 1, 2003, any motor vehicle manufactured
prior to the 1974 model-year.
(B) Beginning January 1, 2003, any motor vehicle that is 30 or
more model-years old....

The so-called SB100 legislation allows you to take advantage of the exemption by allowing you to register your car as if it was at least 30 years old.

That's why you want your car registered by the appearance of the body (1965). You could run a new engine, like I did with the Shelby motor, and it doesn't matter.

Calm down...you'll be ok.