Florida Registration attempt - Round 1

[MB750]

Even though my car is still in go-kart, I've got a few extra bucks lying around and wanted to get the registration out of the way. Since the Replica process according to the DMV form TL-48 doesn't require a physical inspection, I decided to try to register it today. Since the hurricane just ripped thru I figured the DMV would be pretty light today.

I was right, I didn't even sit down before they called my number. I came prepared. I brought a printout of TL-48 with a few select locations highlighted, printouts of the NHTSA and Sunbiz registrations for Factory Five, my insurance, DMV form 82040-MV (with notarization), the MSO, and a blank check for payment. The lady I got was having trouble so she corresponded a LOT with someone in a cubicle behind her.

After a few questions back and forth, she said she'd need a weight slip. I didn't argue, so I'll figure that out somehow. They also had an issue finding Factory Five in their list of manufacturers. That's where the printouts from NHTSA and Sunbiz came in handy. The cubicle lady scanned all the documents I brought with me and said they'd have to talk to Tallahassee to see how to handle this. She then took down my name and number and said I'd get a call next week. Tallahassee got smoked last night so they're closed today. I need the weight slip anyway so I'm stalled for now.

I kinda dug my heels in about the "Replica Manufacturer" thing and NEVER said the words "Kit Car". One time she asked me if it was a complete car, so I said I had to source an engine, transmission, and axle. She was going over the invoice from FFR so I thought being honest was the best policy there. And I clarified I already owned those items (taxes paid on those items).

Depending on how this goes, FFR might officially be put in the DMV system as a replica car manufacturer. I'll keep this updated as things develop.

Also, anybody have any ideas how to get a weight slip for a car that runs but doesn't have the body installed? I know I could trailer it to a scale, but I could also use my wife's car, or my neighbors red BRZ, or 5 motorcycles, etc... Nothing on the weight slip shows proof of what's being weighed.

[cv2065]

When I did mine I had to have an official weight slip from a scale. I also had to bring the car to the DMV for them just to verify that I actually had the car. Not much, if any, of an inspection at all. Took 20 minutes. Mine was finished and driving so not a big deal.

I think the key is to say that the car was already professionally assembled when purchased and that you are simply adding the engine and trans. That's how BD gets around it. The 'inspector' at the DMV kept asking me multiple times if I had assembled the car. I think she was trying to help me but I was too honest (and proud) to say that I did it. Mine was ultimately registered as Assembled from Parts. LOL

[MB750]

That's the angle I'm trying to play. My "excuse" for not bringing it if they asked would be that it's at the painters, and I didn't see anything in TL-48 that required an inspection, so I didn't think I'd need to.

If I'm required to bring it in for inspection, I could trailer it in go-kart. But more than likely I'd just stop trying and just register it when it's done.

I'm a little more worried why FFR isn't in the FL DMV system. That should happen regardless.

[Chris30559]

That's the angle I'm trying to play. My "excuse" for not bringing it if they asked would be that it's at the painters, and I didn't see anything in TL-48 that required an inspection, so I didn't think I'd need to.

If I'm required to bring it in for inspection, I could trailer it in go-kart. But more than likely I'd just stop trying and just register it when it's done.

I'm a little more worried why FFR isn't in the FL DMV system. That should happen regardless.

Have you made any progress with this. I am just about to start the registration process. However I was planning on using the TL-41 procedure which is "assembled from a kit". Is there a reason why you didn't start with that one? It's my understanding that the TL-48 would be impossible since FFR is not in the proper database on the DMV system. From what I've gathered on the forums anyway ..

[Pizzman76]

I wouldn't expect to see FFR in any DMV database since they are not a "Vehicle Manufacturer" but rather an engineering company that procures or produces all the components necessary to build a car. Vehicle manufacturers are forced to meet current federal and state regulations as well as emission standards.

[maclonchas]

Matt,
Any update from DMV yet? Just curious.

Thanks

Bill

[MB750]

Have you made any progress with this. I am just about to start the registration process. However I was planning on using the TL-41 procedure which is "assembled from a kit". Is there a reason why you didn't start with that one? It's my understanding that the TL-48 would be impossible since FFR is not in the proper database on the DMV system. From what I've gathered on the forums anyway ..

Thanks for keeping me accountable. I forgot about this thread, mostly due to the outcome of my DMV visit.

I got a call back from them the following Tuesday. Even though FFR is listed in NHTSA as a "Replica Vehicle Manufacturer, and SunBiz, they still told me I'd need to go to the central DMV location for an inspection. Since the car isn't roadworthy yet I just put all the paperwork back in my fire safe and focused my energy back on the build.

As of right now I've got the body on and I'm maybe a couple long weekends away from having it on the road if I hurry. But I'm not in a hurry, so my goal is roadworthy by spring, then I can go get a weight slip and do the inspection.

[MB750]

I wouldn't expect to see FFR in any DMV database since they are not a "Vehicle Manufacturer" but rather an engineering company that procures or produces all the components necessary to build a car. Vehicle manufacturers are forced to meet current federal and state regulations as well as emission standards.

But they are, see my link above. For some reason FL doesn't recognize them as a manufacturer in their database, so that's why everyone seems to be forced to go the "Assembled from Parts" route on the title.

I wanted Replica status for the antique plate registration mostly, but it's not necessary. And if I ever moved to another state vehicles that old tend to evade many of the modern requirements (like emissions testing in CA, or bumpers in NY, etc...).

[Kbl7td]

Not sure if I ever updated my thread or another one. But my mouth got the best of me. I ended up registering in Montana. 1965 Replica.

No way in hell I was doing aspt with Florida. They refused anything but 2024 for year.

Saved in taxes as well. The whole process was maybe 1 month, plates to title.

[Chris30559]

Not sure if I ever updated my thread or another one. But my mouth got the best of me. I ended up registering in Montana. 1965 Replica.

No way in hell I was doing aspt with Florida. They refused anything but 2024 for year.

Saved in taxes as well. The whole process was maybe 1 month, plates to title.

How did you go about registering it there? Do you have a residence there also? Or is there a sneaky procedure us Floridians can do to accomplish that.

[Chris30559]

But they are, see my link above. For some reason FL doesn't recognize them as a manufacturer in their database, so that's why everyone seems to be forced to go the "Assembled from Parts" route on the title.

I wanted Replica status for the antique plate registration mostly, but it's not necessary. And if I ever moved to another state vehicles that old tend to evade many of the modern requirements (like emissions testing in CA, or bumpers in NY, etc...).

I also want the antique plate, which is why I was looking at the TL-41 procedure. According to the special instructions section they will title it as the year the kit car resembles if older than 25yrs which these are obviously, and it says they will put the actual year it was assembled in the comments section of the title wherever that is...of course I haven't done this yet and am just trying to get my ducks in a row before I go down to see them. If I am missing something let me know.

[Kbl7td]

The company will create a Montana LLC in which owns the car. Perfectly legal. And especially less noticeable in Florida, the transient capital.

[Blitzboy54]

How did you go about registering it there? Do you have a residence there also? Or is there a sneaky procedure us Floridians can do to accomplish that.

You don’t need one. That why you often see super cars with MT plates. There are company’s that will set you up with an LLC. The car gets registered against that. I considered it at one point. Where I see value is if you were worried about some sort of inspection. You could register it in MT for a year then transfer your plates perhaps.

It’s a popular move because there isn’t any sales tax in MT.

[MB750]

Not sure if I ever updated my thread or another one. But my mouth got the best of me. I ended up registering in Montana. 1965 Replica.

No way in hell I was doing aspt with Florida. They refused anything but 2024 for year.

Saved in taxes as well. The whole process was maybe 1 month, plates to title.

I looked into that route but they said the title would reflect the year it's registered (2024), not the replica year. What outfit did you go with to create the LLC? There's a few of them out there.

[Kbl7td]

I used 1 dollar Montana. Easy process maybe 1 month. 1965 year. American collectors insurance. I didn’t care about the tax but yes that’s an obvious benefit. The biggest thing was the year for me. After 1 year or so I’ll “gift” the car to my wife. Yes, all of this is legal.

[MB750]

I used 1 dollar Montana. Easy process maybe 1 month. 1965 year. American collectors insurance. I didn’t care about the tax but yes that’s an obvious benefit. The biggest thing was the year for me. After 1 year or so I’ll “gift” the car to my wife. Yes, all of this is legal.

Thanks for confirming.

Title transfer was another thing I was concerned about. The title comes branded with the name of the LLC, which technically you do own, but I'd rather the title be in my name. If I were to ever transfer the title to FL just like any other vehicle when moving to the state, I'd be curious how that works.

You seem to have a loophole (gift to wife = no tax), but what if there's no wife to transfer to and I just want a FL title in my name?

I also have to wonder how the FLDMV would handle having Factory Five Racing in the manufacturer/brand section of the title when they don't officially recognize them as an auto manufacturer, per my experience anyway. You'd clearly be bringing a valid title in from MO, and a title transfer is easy business, but it makes me wonder how those mirror-foggers at the DMV would handle it.

[FLPBFoot]

I also have to wonder how the FLDMV would handle having Factory Five Racing in the manufacturer/brand section of the title when they don't officially recognize them as an auto manufacturer, per my experience anyway. You'd clearly be bringing a valid title in from MO, and a title transfer is easy business, but it makes me wonder how those mirror-foggers at the DMV would handle it.

4 years ago I transferred my title from IL to FL. Title in IL was listed as 1965 Factory Five Roadster. FL would not recognize FFR so I ended up with a 1965 Assembled From Parts which was fine with me as the main thing I wanted was Antique Plates, which they gave me.

[MB750]

I used 1 dollar Montana. Easy process maybe 1 month. 1965 year. American collectors insurance. I didn’t care about the tax but yes that’s an obvious benefit. The biggest thing was the year for me. After 1 year or so I’ll “gift” the car to my wife. Yes, all of this is legal.

Just processed my request to register with 1 dollar Montana. The more I think about this, the more irritated with Florida and how they won't officially recognize Factory Five Racing as a valid manufacturing entity. The 1965 branding on the title is just icing on the cake, but calling my FFR an "Assembled from Parts" car is misleading. It would make me think someone just threw it together in their garage with scrap parts from multiple cars and bare steel tubing. FFR designs and manufactures excellent replica vehicles and I want my title to reflect it.

That, and I don't think I'm gonna be living in Florida too much longer. Maybe a couple years, tops.

[Dgc333]

Just processed my request to register with 1 dollar Montana. The more I think about this, the more irritated with Florida and how they won't officially recognize Factory Five Racing as a valid manufacturing entity. The 1965 branding on the title is just icing on the cake, but calling my FFR an "Assembled from Parts" car is misleading. It would make me think someone just threw it together in their garage with scrap parts from multiple cars and bare steel tubing. FFR designs and manufactures excellent replica vehicles and I want my title to reflect it.

That, and I don't think I'm gonna be living in Florida too much longer. Maybe a couple years, tops.

FWIW, FFR does not manufacture replica vehicles. They design and manufacturer parts that can be used for you to assemble a replica vehicle. They are not allowed to manufacture and sell complete vehicles.

[ggunter]

The assembled from parts thing is misleading. Aren't all cars assembled from parts? And I get why no one wants that label on their car. It makes it sound like they were built from a 47' Desoto and a 68' Corvair cobbled together to look somewhat like a car. I don't get these DMV's and their labels. If the "mirror foggers" (I like that), saw a picture of a "real Cobra" and a picture of a "replica", why would they not use the label replica. Looks just like the real one. But alas I understand the bureaucratic buffoonery that goes on in all DMV's with their never ending ways of taking something simple and making it ridiculously difficult. I really feel for the guys in California and your never ending rows of hoops to jump through. A process that should take one day takes months out there. Soldier on MB750!!

[MB750]

FWIW, FFR does not manufacture replica vehicles. They design and manufacturer parts that can be used for you to assemble a replica vehicle. They are not allowed to manufacture and sell complete vehicles.

Now, here I think you're splitting hairs where the DMV needs to see things in black and white. According to my MSO, my Roadster was Manufactured by Factory Five Racing. FFR is also registered with NHTSA as a "Replica Manufacturer". It doesn't say anything about your manufactured vehicle being delivered in parts as opposed to a completely running car aka. Superformance.

If my crystal ball was accurate, someone at the FL DMV headquarters got wind of this play and hit the brakes on all Factory Five registrations going forward that try using TL-48 even though the FFR registration process fits perfectly within that procedure.

ALSO, regardless of all this business, why isn't FFR acknowledged at all in the FL DMV database when they've officially checked off all the necessary boxes? As mentioned above, bringing to Florida a fully titled "1965 Factory Five Racing" vehicle is then rebranded as "Assembled from Parts" even though it's clearly already titled as an FFR vehicle? That is total BS.

Basically, as an educated consumer, I'm taking my money elsewhere. The best part is there's nothing illegal about it.


Edit: I also emailed the Consumer Advocate at the FL DMV asking why FFR isn't recognized in their database. I also attached links to SunBiz and NHTSA in the email as well. Maybe I'll hear back.

[Jeff Kleiner]

Devil's advocate here: Your car was not assembled by FFR, it was assembled by you...from parts! Some of which were manufactured by FFR. But in the end it was assembled from parts which came from multiple sources.

Jeff

[michael everson]

In Ma if you bring a cobra in from another state they make you go through the inspection process again and then they add their own VIN and new title to it. Great way for someone less than honest to wash a branded title on one of these.
Mike

[maclonchas]

Geez Jeff, can’t we live a little in fantasy world ��. You are killing our hope and dreams.

Thanks

Bill

[Mike.Bray]

Devil's advocate here: Your car was not assembled by FFR, it was assembled by you...from parts! Some of which were manufactured by FFR. But in the end it was assembled from parts which came from multiple sources.

Jeff

Exactly! In Texas mine was titled as a 2022 Year, ASVE Make, and Replica 1965 Shelby Cobra Model.

I looked at the Montana LLC deal and it's not as easy or safe as it seems. Google Boyd Coddington title issues and you'll see a big case. He was a builder in California that was using Georgia to title his cars and California came down on him hard and nullified all of the titles. I have heard some states are even on the lookout for cars with Montana plates, seems like Florida was one of them.

[MB750]

Exactly! In Texas mine was titled as a 2022 Year, ASVE Make, and Replica 1965 Shelby Cobra Model.

I looked at the Montana LLC deal and it's not as easy or safe as it seems. Google Boyd Coddington title issues and you'll see a big case. He was a builder in California that was using Georgia to title his cars and California came down on him hard and nullified all of the titles. I have heard some states are even on the lookout for cars with Montana plates, seems like Florida was one of them.

I'm not worried. As mentioned, Florida is the transient capital of the US. On a daily basis I see plates from different states everywhere. Just in my neighborhood, on my street are Tennessee, New York, Ohio, and Wisconsin. I'd venture a guess and say 2 in 10 plates are out of state. Much higher over holiday time frames, and between December and May. The cops around here have WAY bigger fish to fry than the chances someone with an out-of-state plate isn't on the level with the FL tax man.

Besides, it's not gonna be my daily driver. Maybe a couple thousand miles per year. Also, that Boyd Coddington thing was him skirting MILLIONS off the CA tax revenue base. I'm in this for maybe a grand, tops. It's like the IRS auditing someone who always takes the standard deductions. Very slim chances of that happening. If I were the IRS, the first place I'd start looking into auditing someone is if they itemized. Fly under the radar and you'll never get shot at.

[MB750]

Devil's advocate here: Your car was not assembled by FFR, it was assembled by you...from parts! Some of which were manufactured by FFR. But in the end it was assembled from parts which came from multiple sources.

Jeff

Counter-point: Why do some states recognize them as a manufacturer then? Most roads around the US are the same, especially interstates. Shouldn't there be some consistency?

[Blitzboy54]

Counter-point: Why do some states recognize them as a manufacturer then? Most roads around the US are the same, especially interstates. Shouldn't there be some consistency?

In NY it becomes a "custom" the year it is registered. My last build was a 2022 Custom and my next one will be 2025 Custom (maybe 2026?). I think custom is just a much better way of saying "assembled from parts". At the end of the day I don't care what they call it as long as it's legal, I would however like to transfer the title if I move. I will cross that bridge if or when it happens but the MT thing has always been in my back pocket.

[Mike.Bray]

I'm not worried. As mentioned, Florida is the transient capital of the US. On a daily basis I see plates from different states everywhere. Just in my neighborhood, on my street are Tennessee, New York, Ohio, and Wisconsin. I'd venture a guess and say 2 in 10 plates are out of state. Much higher over holiday time frames, and between December and May. The cops around here have WAY bigger fish to fry than the chances someone with an out-of-state plate isn't on the level with the FL tax man.

Besides, it's not gonna be my daily driver. Maybe a couple thousand miles per year. Also, that Boyd Coddington thing was him skirting MILLIONS off the CA tax revenue base. I'm in this for maybe a grand, tops. It's like the IRS auditing someone who always takes the standard deductions. Very slim chances of that happening. If I were the IRS, the first place I'd start looking into auditing someone is if they itemized. Fly under the radar and you'll never get shot at.

Can't disagree with anything you said. I'll see if i can find it but what I read was certain states like Florida were specifically looking for Montana tags because of the known loophole. SWAT isn't going to come knock your door down but if a trooper gets behind you there's a good chance you get lit up. Seems like Florida is also one of the states that has a grace period for changing your registration when moving there. I know Texas does this.

Appreciate all states are different and it's frustrating. In Texas the DMV only collects taxes on the sale of a motor vehicle so when registering an assembled car for the first time there isn't any tax collected as no "sale of a motor vehicle" has taken place. But if I did the Montana thing and then transferred it to Texas tax would then be due. Another reason I passed on it.

[Jeff Kleiner]

Still playing Devil's advocate---

... Also, that Boyd Coddington thing was him skirting MILLIONS off the CA tax revenue base. ...

That's exactly what you did by registering in Montana. You skirted around paying sales tax on goods purchased which would have been collected upon registering in Florida. If your house was set up as being owned by a Montana based LLC I'm pretty sure that the state of Florida would still expect that the property tax be paid. Just sayin'

Jeff

[65 Cobra Dude]

One more minor issue for those looking to go the Montana LLC route. I was told by a couple of different deputies that they specifically look for cars registered in Montana and will pull you over for the most minor infraction and when they ask for license and registration, if you have a Montana plate and FL license, they look into it much closer because they know and are looking for this. I too created a Montana LLC and decided not to go that route because of the deputies warnings. There is nothing wrong with the ASPT process because it works. I have been working with Dave and the state of FL and truthfully don’t think FFR will go state wide as replica again. As I’ve said many, many times, go to the tag office with your COO, receipt for motor and tranny and kit receipt and act stupid. About 30% of people get through as a replica.

Henry

[Chris30559]

Now, here I think you're splitting hairs where the DMV needs to see things in black and white. According to my MSO, my Roadster was Manufactured by Factory Five Racing. FFR is also registered with NHTSA as a "Replica Manufacturer". It doesn't say anything about your manufactured vehicle being delivered in parts as opposed to a completely running car aka. Superformance.

If my crystal ball was accurate, someone at the FL DMV headquarters got wind of this play and hit the brakes on all Factory Five registrations going forward that try using TL-48 even though the FFR registration process fits perfectly within that procedure.

ALSO, regardless of all this business, why isn't FFR acknowledged at all in the FL DMV database when they've officially checked off all the necessary boxes? As mentioned above, bringing to Florida a fully titled "1965 Factory Five Racing" vehicle is then rebranded as "Assembled from Parts" even though it's clearly already titled as an FFR vehicle? That is total BS.

Basically, as an educated consumer, I'm taking my money elsewhere. The best part is there's nothing illegal about it.


Edit: I also emailed the Consumer Advocate at the FL DMV asking why FFR isn't recognized in their database. I also attached links to SunBiz and NHTSA in the email as well. Maybe I'll hear back.

So I have my Certificate of Origin right in front of me, it's a 2021, not sure if yours is older/newer and states something different but mine says the following:

"This certificate represents the origin of the above automobile kit components which include the frame, body, and accessories. the purchaser of this kit assumes full responsibility for the assembly of this kit and for compliance with all relevant fed, state and local laws."

seems to me that there is no possible way TL48 would apply, as much as i would like it to. what I still don't understand is why they seem to refuse the TL-41 procedure. which exactly describes our kits/replicas. and instead default to assembled from parts.

I'll be submitting my paperwork to schedule an inspection very soon, and will be fighting/pushing for the TL-41 procedure. I'll try to keep everyone updated on what happens.

[cv2065]

As I’ve said many, many times, go to the tag office with your COO, receipt for motor and tranny and kit receipt and act stupid. About 30% of people get through as a replica.

Although I wasn't able to get my last car registered as a replica, and had to go ASPT, I agree with Henry. On my initial visit to the DMV in Orlando a few years ago, I spent 30 minutes in and out at the DMV just acting like I didn't know what was happening. I even had a bonus as my guy at the window was brand new. Had it all aligned at the DMV office to go 1965 Replica, but then the wheels fell off during the inspection. As I said before, I think the inspector was trying to help me, but she assigned ASPT in the end as there is no VIN on the car and the number plate FFR gives you is not acceptable as a VIN. I had heard of offices, like the ones in Ocala and Lakeland, assigning replica, but you have to go to the office of your mailing address, or they will turn you away.

I will say that when I sold the car, the ASPT did become a topic of discussion with the buyer. Many buyers might not be aware of the ASPT designation and they start to ask a lot of questions around the legitimacy of the car when compared to a Backdraft or Superformance. Realistically, it could cost a seller a sale, but I had no issues after a short discussion.

[MB750]

Still playing Devil's advocate---



That's exactly what you did by registering in Montana. You skirted around paying sales tax on goods purchased which would have been collected upon registering in Florida. If your house was set up as being owned by a Montana based LLC I'm pretty sure that the state of Florida would still expect that the property tax be paid. Just sayin'

Jeff

In full honesty, I'd pay the full tax amount here in FL if they'd honor the manufacturer of record of my car. My main beef is that FFR jumped through all the applicable hoops for recognition with Florida and they are still not recognized.

That, and IF I sell my car or when I leave Florida the last thing I want is a title saying is "Assembled from Parts" when I register at my next state.

More fuel for my fire too, this is straight off TL-41:



I don't know about you guys, but mine says "Factory Five"

[cv2065]

I don't know about you guys, but mine says "Factory Five"

I forgot to mention that after I left the DMV the first time, I actually had the new registration in hand and when I glanced down it said Factory....the rest was under the fold and I didn't give it much thought. I took for granted that it was listed under Factory Five. Looked at it a few months later and it said Factory TRAILER! LOL. The new guy at the DMV selected the wrong make. It's only when I went back to have it fixed is when I got hit with the ASPT.

[Kbl7td]

Still playing Devil's advocate---



That's exactly what you did by registering in Montana. You skirted around paying sales tax on goods purchased which would have been collected upon registering in Florida. If your house was set up as being owned by a Montana based LLC I'm pretty sure that the state of Florida would still expect that the property tax be paid. Just sayin'

Jeff

He didn’t skirt anything, he has a legitimate business in Montana with a legal business address and a car owned by his business.

The same way I have many businesses in Florida owned by Delaware company’s.

Hell my neighbors are Canadian for 5 months out of the year.



No one is going to fck with you, “This is your “client relations” car and you’re using it to garner/prospect business deals”.

[Dgc333]

He didn’t skirt anything, he has a legitimate business in Montana with a legal business address and a car owned by his business.

The same way I have many businesses in Florida owned by Delaware company’s.

Hell my neighbors are Canadian for 5 months out of the year.



No one is going to fck with you, “This is your “client relations” car and you’re using it to garner/prospect business deals”.

You are most certainly skirting requirements of the state where the vehicle is garaged if it is registered in Montana. The legal entity that is created in Montana does not perform any business activity other than being an umbrella for registering vehicles that will spend there life in another state.

I live in Massachusetts and you see a lot of high end motor homes and campers with Montana plates. This is done to avoid paying the 2.5% annual exise tax that Massachusetts imposes on vehicles that use the states roads. Technically if the vehicle is garaged more than x number of consecutive days it is required to be registered in Massachusetts. You get away with it because it is one of those requirements that is almost impossible to police.

It used to be real popular to register your vehicles in Vermont to avoid tax and registration requirements too. You didn't even need a Vermont address but that loop hole has been closed.

[MB750]

Aside from anyone's opinion on skirting things, I'm currently in email talks with the DMV about why Factory Five isn't recognized as a manufacturer.

The first reply I got from them is that it's the "The inspectors at the Motorist Services Regional Offices determine what classifies as ASFP."

That's a BS answer if I've ever heard one, especially since out of state title transfers don't carry Factory Five, as referenced above. No inspectors in the loop on that one, and his Illinois title already said "Factory Five" was the make.

[cv2065]

The first reply I got from them is that it's the "The inspectors at the Motorist Services Regional Offices determine what classifies as ASFP."

I will say that's kind of what happened to me. If it was left up to the DMV office folks, I would have had a 1965 Replica. It's just when I met with the inspector did I get a different classification. The main issue is that if you don't have a legitimate VIN on the chassis that aligns with a manufacturer in their DB, then they automatically place it into the ASPT category.

[Dgc333]

I will say that's kind of what happened to me. If it was left up to the DMV office folks, I would have had a 1965 Replica. It's just when I met with the inspector did I get a different classification. The main issue is that if you don't have a legitimate VIN on the chassis that aligns with a manufacturer in their DB, then they automatically place it into the ASPT category.

FFR vehicles don't have a VIN, some states will use the FFR serial number as an assigned VIN. Since 1980 the federal government has defined the format of a VIN that all manufacturers must comply with and the FFR serial number does not comply which is the reason for the state assigning a VIN.