Classic Recreations spurs creation of new law to help restorers of vintage cars

Last summer, Classic Recreations, the builder of the Shelby-licensed GT500CR, was accused of VIN fraud and was under investigation by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation. Fortunately, unlike a previous company associated with continuation Shelby Mustangs, Classic Recreations was absolved of all wrongdoing, although at the time, the methods of restoring classic cars with new parts were still a gray area.

While Classic Recreations may have had to deal with bad PR and worried customers, the whole fiasco has actually led to something that will benefit many of the restoration shops throughout Oklahoma. A bill unanimously passed in the state legislature earlier this month, SB 38, now clearly sets guidelines for the restoration of classic cars with new or aftermarket parts. A company can now use new body panels if:

• Starter car must have a clean title, not a salvage
• Replacement panels and/or body must be licensed by the OEM manufacturer
• Replacement body must be the same as the original body (year/make/model)
• Builder will have to pay "rebody" fee
• They will be issued a new title with an asterisk and the word "rebody" on it

The new law seems to be a good compromise that allows for the clearly defined use of new parts while maintaining the spirit (and legality) of the original car.

[Source: Classic Recreations, Oklahoma State Legislature]