Earlier this year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) finalized a regulation to implement the SEMA-led Low Volume Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Act, enabling replica-car businesses to produce and sell turnkey vehicles. SEMA worked with Congress to pass this federal policy change, which became law in 2015 as part of the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act.

NHTSA finalized a regulation to implement the SEMA-led Low Volume Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Act. SEMA worked with Congress to amend federal law to enable small auto manufacturers to produce completed replica vehicles under a streamlined regulatory structure that reflects the distinctly different business model of this niche industry. NHTSA’s regulations offer a business-friendly pathway for companies to begin producing up to 325 such replica cars a year. Replicas must resemble production vehicles manufactured at least 25 years ago to qualify—from ’30s roadsters to ’70s musclecars and more.

Hot Rod magazine Publisher Ray Brock picked up the phone. Mickey Thompson was on the line, calling from Detroit.