The golden age is like the zeitgeists because every culture has its own. Replica cars have had more than one golden age. The most popular one existed between 1960 to 1965. We are about to see the rise of a new one.
Replica car enthusiasts can put the year 2015 as the period the new golden age began, but the journey started in 2011 when the replica law was introduced by Republican congressman John Campbell.
Why Replica Cars are Popular
Replica cars have been around for a long time. The word ” replica” cars describe cars built by their owners after purchasing car parts. The replica cars industry began in the 1950s as a result of companies marketing products that helped older model vehicles get a second chance at life.
Besides industry repair and replacement, replica cars brought the desire for customization of automobiles to suit the owner. However, the biggest reason for the popularity of replica cars involves cost.
Classic cars such as the Lamborghini diablo cost over $250,000, which makes it too expensive for the average car enthusiast to purchase. However, people began to look for an alternative to these classic cars. So, automobile enthusiasts began to find ways to convert classic cars and build unique designs similar to popular classic models.
Also, it addressed the demand for originally limited-produced automobiles. Therefore, it expanded the automobile marketplace and enabled companies to put out many replica cars for sale.
Legislation and its Impact on the Golden Age
The Low Volume Motor-Vehicle Manufacturers Act, also called the replica car law, helps small-volume car markers to build as many as 320 replica automobiles annually under the simplified legislative structure.
So, how important is the law? When the US Congress passed the SEMA-led Law in 2015 to enable small businesses to make complicated replica cars, it provided a platform for small automakers to finish replica cars within a streamlined regulatory structure. Also, the law reflects the distinctive different business models of the industry.
Although the law was passed in 2015, The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration( NHTSA) finished the act implementing regulation in January 2021. The regulation gives a business-friendly pathway for companies to start making classic cars in 2021.
The high point of the legislation states that manufacturers can make replicas produced at least 25 years ago. In the past, NHTSA had just a one-size-fits-all regulatory platform established for mass producers of replica cars. However, Congress adopted the kit-car model having recognized that cars made 30 years ago are not the same as the ones made today. The model treats cars as automobile equipment.
Furthermore, parts used to produce replica cars must meet NHTSA’s standards. Additionally, the legislation covers the appearance of the cars, so manufacturers can integrate modern platforms and equipment that offer high performance under the hood.
The law is beneficial to manufacturers and customers. Manufacturers of replica cars will have a chance to diversify their client lists. On the other hand, customers will have a chance to drive replica cars without building one themselves.
Designs and Specifications
Imitation is often described as the best form of flattery. Most popular car manufacturers spend millions of dollars to create distinctive designs for their products. However, the distinctive designs of these automobiles make them expensive for the average car enthusiast. Hence, the existence of replica cars.
Most replica cars come with similar designs as the originals, but with slight variations in engine designs and performance. There are various kit-shops across the country. So, anyone in the know can create an excellent sports car capable of great performance when they purchase the appropriate kit.
One of the most popular replica cars, the Shelby Cobra came ten years after the original reached the market. The replica used a Chevy V8 engine, and Jaguar gearboxes making it share little similarities with the original besides appearance. The Shelby Cobra is still replicated today by various companies with varying degrees of originality.
Although different companies produce replica cars, Factory Five and Superperformace remain the most respected providers. They offer replica cars at affordable prices, and the cars have specifications that are close to the original.
A look at the iconic Lotus Seven replica available in Kit-form shows it has been modified to run faster despite maintaining the same shape. Often, the specifications added by manufacturers in replica cars are better than the original.
Conclusion
Replica cars are automobiles that have similar appearances to other cars made over 25 years ago. The manufacturers produce these cars under a license agreement with the original maker of the car. All replica cars are regulated by NHTSA in the United States. The golden age of replica cars has come around due to the replica law act passed in 2015.
The replica law makes it easy for manufacturers to produce replica cars and for enthusiasts to purchase them.
