Collector Plates

[wedgewa]

Somehow or other, my "new" 1980 TR7 (yes I bought it new) has become "old". Odd because it still looks pretty contemporary and every now and again someone asks me when "they started making Triumphs again and where is the dealer?"!!
But it turned 30 this year. Which makes it eligible for "Collector" registration in Washington State. For this year's renewal plus $35 plus a new title, I can have either a new "Collector Vehicle" plate or use an original 1980 plate and never have to renew again.
But that places some limits on use of the car though they're pretty non-specific. A bunch of things (including circus shows - can you say clown car?) are specifically allowed. The only restriction seems vague: "may not be used in the manner of a regularly registered vehicle."

I don't drive the 7 to work. In fact, very soon I won't be driving to work at all. But I do like to be able to go anywhere, any time. If you have this kind of registration on your car, how's it working out for you?

[jtmco]

In Virginia, I have antique plates on two cars (though I must confess that my TR8 is not really roadworthy yet). The restrictions don't bother me and I insure them as antiques.

With our restrictions, you are not supposed to: a.) Drive to work b.) Drive more than 250 miles from home. You may a.) Drive to car shows b.) Drive to the repair shop and c.) Drive it for "exercise".

Car shows and "exercise" cover all the times that I typically drive my older cars: good weather, weekends or evenings, not too far from home. If I get the cars to where I want to drive farther from home or more often, I might consider "standard" plates. I would have to revisit my insurance.

Jim

[windy one]

Here in PA, we can apply for either Antique or Classic registration. Vehicle needs to be at least 15yrs. old for classic, 25 yrs. old for antique. Only stips are must belong to a car club, cannot use for daily transportation, cannot use for shopping (mall, food etc) But the police dont really enforce those around here, as I drove every one of my wedges alot.

All but one of my past wedges (owned like 9 or 10 of 'em) had classic registration. Liability insurance for the car registered classic; $65.00 a year. Insurance companies like Grundy do not limit amount of miles car can be driven.

Johnny

[Underdog]

I currently have Classic PA plates on both cars. I want to switch to Antique since they are both old enogh now to qualify. Antique doesn't require an anuall safety inspection which is what I want to get away from. Right now both Antique & Classic are emmission exempt but I don't trust the gov.

I've never heard of anyone having a problem with the law here because of the driving restrictions. Me and many of my friends take some pretty long vacation/road trips. They are always car related so meets the collector insurance requirements. I don't know how things are in WA but here the cops are too busy doing speeding tickets and DUIs to bother with someone in an old car. They probably wouldn't even have a violation code to write up. I'd be more concerned with the classic insurance company restrictions in the event of a claim. I do know that my company (Hagerty) is pretty specific that mine isn't covered when it's at the track.

Jim Underwood
72 MGB BRG
80 TR8 Persian Aqua
If women don't find you handsome, they should at least find you handy.

[Spectatohead]

I was told at the Washington DOL that the car had to be "Pristine" as well as 30 years old to get the collector plates. I just have the regular Mt Ranier plates for now. Once the car is actually "pristine" I'll go for the collector plates. Unless I was told wrong. In that case since I only drive the car during the summer it would make great sense to not have to pay the full registration every year.

Jim Clark
'80 TR8
'97 Maxima 5spd

[FI Spyder]

Here in BC if the car is 25 or older, in good shape (no visible rust or split seats), original equipment or equipment available at the time (example radio), some safety exceptions, example, electric fans permitted, mags of the type available at the time and up to 1" larger permitted it can be Collector Plated. Driving limitations: not to work or school and one other regular dailey driver required for that plus up to three cars may be covered under the one plate and insurance (with the reasoning that you can only drive one at a time.) No milage limitations or use restrictions other than two mentioned. Go to the pub, doctor, get groceries, car show, take a vacation around North America no problem.

Around $200 per year. Preapproved replacement (if totaled) insurance at $5/$1,000 value. I have mine insured under this at $10,000 for $50 but it must be garaged for this rider.

The person responsible for this program (provincial govermnment insurance) has moved on to Haggarty Insurance but his replacement is said to be a "car guy" and not a number cruncher so we may continue to be OK.
h

TR7 Spider - 1978 Spifire - 1976 Spitfire - 1988 Tercel 4X4 - Kali on Integra - 1991 Integra