Need help with California registration of new Backdraft Cobra

[John248]

Just my 2 cents....

But when I registered my Shell Valley in January, the BAR referee had an issue with me getting the roller chassis and engine/transmission from the same company. He said that doing so made the car “turn key”. I had to explain to him and then prove with photos that I installed the engine myself and that it didn’t come already installed. Apparently that is the catch that is causing grief with buyers such as yourself.

I can see the issue that DMV is talking about, but I believe it is a silly rule. If you can buy a new Ford, Chevy or Dodge off a car lot (and they are turn key) then why can’t you buy a complete ready to drive Cobra the same way. As long as all the safety equipment is in place and smog requirements met, complete with proper certification.....what is the issue. DMV still gets their fees........

If all else fails, purchase the components separately, take the photos, put them together and reg the car.

Like I said, just my 2 cents.

[Doublemyv]

HI Snake-Lights. I bought Backdraft # 1946 in Dec. 2019 through BAM rides in Del Mar, CA. The car was complete & running with a Ford Performance Gen II Coyote, Tremec TKO 5 speed and was a brand new build. Tiffany Bentel is the co-owner of BAM Rides, and she advised that the licensing process is long and complicated in SoCal, and for a reasonable $ 500 she would do the several DMV visits to get the car registered. She was right, and the only step that I had to do myself was drive the car to the DMV Referee in Palm Desert, CA an hour away and have him do the inspection. Once he saw the PCV system on the engine, he approved the inspection, applied the SB-100 Smog Exempt sticker to the firewall, and sent me on my way. I have a Title, Registration, current plates & tags, and the car is exempt from any future smog inspections. Check with www.bamrides.com and check with Tiffany. Good Luck, Mark

[xlr8or]

Originally Posted by John248

Just my 2 cents....

I can see the issue that DMV is talking about, but I believe it is a silly rule. If you can buy a new Ford, Chevy or Dodge off a car lot (and they are turn key) then why can’t you buy a complete ready to drive Cobra the same way. As long as all the safety equipment is in place and smog requirements met, complete with proper certification.....what is the issue. DMV still gets their fees........

If all else fails, purchase the components separately, take the photos, put them together and reg the car.

Like I said, just my 2 cents.

apples and oranges. Any "new" vehicle has to pass current year requirements for lighting, safety, smog, airbags etc. SB100 is specifically to provide an exception for custom/home built vehicles that replicate a vintage car and are only held to that model year standards.