Snail, this document is almost identical to what the AOMC proposed to VicRoads, so I think we have them to thank, not the Police.

The options for a replica are interesting. If I read it right you could build a replica 1969 Mark III Cooper S (UK spec) with a brand new heritage MkIII shell and have it legally on the road as a "2009 build replica 1969 Mini". The same for a Choke-shelled replica Moke.

Overall, I'm very happy, just slightly concerned about the mods part. My Moke has non-standard wheels, seats, roll bar, and a later 1275 with Auto. Nothing unusual really, many cars currently on Historic plates have similar mods. None of these mods were a problem under the old Victorian system, I hope they will not be under the new one either.

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Brett Nicholson
Greendale (near Ballan) VIC.
1971 Morris Mini Moke
1966 Austin Mini
1965 Morris Mini Traveller
1973 LR Series 3 88
2007 LR Freelander 2

I think modifications will remain a grey area. For instance, a recent query to the VMCI asked about a 1275 in a 1965 car, since VicRoads were asking for proof. Easy enough, since the Cooper S was released locally in late 1965 (i.e. actually available at dealers). But does that mean only a Cooper S, GT or LS1275 can have a 1275? If you are talking registration only VicRoads knows that and I suspect it will depend on which branch you go to as to what answer you get.

In terms of the permit scheme there are two ways of reading it. What was the car like when new or what were cars like in the defining period (i.e. 25+ years ago)? In the first case you are limiting cars to a factory restoration, arguably stricter than registration requirements. The second interpretation would allow period modifications, so mags, cages, sports seats, 1275 engine swaps, webers and even superchargers etc would all be OK, provided of course that the car can get a RWC. A Honda or Toyota engine swap would not be OK.

As for replicas, this is really meant for GT40s and Cobras. A new Mini shell with period parts would be a greyer area than your average BMW dealership.

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66 Deluxe, 07 Cooper

You can't not allow 'modified' classic cars through non 'street rod' clubs, and allow 'street rods' through 'street rods' on the same scheme. If you can get your car on a permit through the current scheme, I doubt you would have any problem getting through on the new.

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