Replicas/Kit Cars For Sale | AutaBuy.com (2024)

FAQs

Are replica kit cars legal? ›

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a regulation in March permitting replica car manufacturers to begin production. The law allows low-volume manufacturers to sell up to 325 new replicas a year that resemble production vehicles from at least 25 years ago.

A replica car is another type of kit car that has a body that is built to resemble and be a reproduction of a specific year, model, and make. These kits may include original parts, but can also be built with new or reconditioned parts.

Kit vehicles are often replicas of well-known and expensive classics but can also be commercial vehicles and trailers. A kit vehicle is registered by the kit manufacturer's VIN (they are exempt from the federal 17-digit VIN requirement) and does not have a model year.

At the present time, there are no ICIs eligible to import kit cars.

Make Sure the Parts Match

One way to tell the difference between a true vintage car and a replica is to look under the hood. This means you should check to ensure that the car's motor, transmission, and other mechanisms match that of the original model.

Most times, the existing drive gear and interior are retained. These kits require less technical knowledge from the builder. Because the chassis and mechanical systems were designed, built, and tested by a major automotive manufacturer, a re-body can lead to a much higher degree of safety and reliability.

Most race RC's come in kits like team associated, TLR, XRAY, Schumacher. Tamiya makes plenty of kits, the TT-02 is a very popular touring car. Traxxas makes kits for the slash, stampede, and Trx-4.

On Dec. 4, 2015, lawmakers in Washington, DC enacted legislation allowing low volume manufacturers of replica cars to sell turn-key cars to their customers. The historic law expands customer options. Enthusiasts can still build custom cars and construct kit cars on their own.

However, replica goods are usually not considered illegal initially. Another difference between replica goods and counterfeit goods is that counterfeit goods bear the exact trademark of the original product, and also copy its labeling and packaging – a textbook case of trademark infringement.

Whether subtle or drastic, some vehicle modifications are illegal. Certain modifications are less obvious, like a window tint. Other customizations, such as a loud exhaust system or custom lighting, are hard to miss and can be easily heard or seen on public roads.

Is it legal to make a Ferrari replica? ›

The policy change first became law in 2015 and is great news for the industry. Regulations will allow replica car businesses to create and sell replicas to customers across the USA. The law allows low-volume carmakers to construct up to 325 replicas a year, subject to federal regulatory oversight.