I'm having lots of fun with this one!

If the car is registered as a standard specialty construction vehicle with a 2013 model year, it will require emissions in 2018+. However, as you stated above, if you get "collectible car" insurance, it will be forever exempt. However, nearly every insurance company that I've talked to that offers collectible car insurance will not insure it as such, since it is not a 1979 or older model OR a replica of a 1972 or older car...

I've only found one that will insure it as a collectible car, American Collectors Insurance (through USAA). They quoted $1025/year for an agreed value of $30,000. They also stated that the car can never be raced... Oh, they also need the VIN number before they'll issue an insurance policy...

Ugghhh