So here's all the info I got on the MVC side and insurance side.
First the MVC side of things.
The car needs to be less than 25 years old and you must provide proof that the car was produced in limited numbers or that there are limited numbers remaining. Proving limited production is tough unless you have an SLP car that is numbered or something like that. I was able to source information on various websites which provided me with the numbers I needed. My car, while not rare in a collectible sense, is rare from the production numbers standpoint if you look at RPO codes. Not many hardtop, formula, 6 speed cars are out there. Ironically, there are far more T-top, WS6, 6-speed Trans-AMs, which I thought was interesting. Low option stripper cars aren't the hot ticket, I guess. I didn't know if the MVC would accept website references for production numbers (pretty easy to fake that kinda stuff) so I then email Pontiac Motor Division and after several emails and phone calls got them to give me production numbers based on my VIN and further substantiate that with a written letter. (I might have that letter dipped in gold, cause it was PITA to get.) I think this was key in obtaining the status.
You must secure collector insurance BEFORE you apply with the MVC. The MVC wants a copy of the declaration page/insurance cards included with their application.
The car must meet all safety/emission standards for the model year it was produced. If you currently pass a NJ state inspection, you are good. You are required to maintain the vehicle to these standards (self inspection).
The application is online
http://www.state.nj.us/mvc/pdf/Vehic...cle_Status.pdf Print it out and fill out everything. Be sure to include recent color photos, 1 of each side of the car. Interior and Engine shots are not required. You will be limited to 3000 miles per year, or 6000 bi-annually. The speedo will be checked to ensure it is functioning properly.
I STRONGLY recommend you drop the application off in person at the MVC building in Trenton, located on East State Street. By doing so you afford yourself the opportunity to meet with the man in charge of the department and he may give you a quick review of the application to see if all the paperwork is filled out correctly and supporting documents are correct. I dropped off my application last Friday (1/29) and got my confirmation letter in the mail today (2/5), this is not typical I am sure and I think by dropping it off in person and having a 5 minute conversation helped my cause tremendously. He pointed out that the insurance must be in place prior to applying, which is not entirely clear when reading the MVC application or website. Once the application is reviewed and the determination is made all the materials will be returned to you. This includes pictures, letters from clubs etc. I also included with my application a cover letter stating my position and why I felt the car was deserving of the collector status. This is not required. My reason for doing this was if I mailed it in I wouldn't get to argue my point, so this letter was my argument to help my case. I provided contact information so if there was something that needed clarification I could be contacted immediately, versus snail mail back and forth.
Now onto the insurance side of things.
I first checked with my current insurance company NJM (which is the best IMO in the state), and they offered a policy, but wanted pics, comps, and I'm sure the autox/racing and the rollbar would have been deal killers. So I started going online to all the big name players Haggerty, Grundy, Barrett-Jackson......Keep in mind I am 37 with a clean record and a home owner with a locked garage so from that perspective I am good to go.
Here is what I discovered in talking to a few of the big name players in the Collector/Classic Insurance industry:
Grundy asks is the car used for racing or rally events. I answered YES (not wanting lie).....and was promptly denied an application. They say they do not offer insurance for any car that is used in a timed or on track event. They also don't like to see roll bars, which the car has. I didn't like the tone this company was putting forth.
Haggerty wanted the car to be at least 10 years old to qualify as what they call a "modern" classic. They did not have a problem with the car being raced (which was promising), but they require that the daily driver vehicle be less than 5 years old when insuring a "modern" classic. Unfortunately my 1997 Dodge Ram (Cummins Powered) doesn't meet that requirement. I tried to talk my way around it, but to no avail. Very nice people to talk to, I just didn't meet the criteria.
Barrett-Jackson didn't ask about racing at all (so I didn't volunteer) and told me they would get back to me in a couple days with a quote. Well a couple days later they got back and said "through various internet sources" it has been determined that the car is currently or has in the past been raced and therefore we cannot offer you a policy at this time. This kind of caught me off guard a little bit. I am sure my name is posted on lots of autox results lists and that is where they sourced it from. Still kinda shocked me. I am an SCCA member, and autox is not W2W and generally below 60-65mph....oh well.
Heacock Classic didn't ask about racing, but I brought it up on purpose. They said no problem. I said the car has a roll bar. They said no problem. I asked both questions a second time just to be sure and no problem. They claim to understand that performance cars are meant to be occassionally driven hard in a controlled atmosphere. They also said that there is no coverage in effect while I am at a racing event as a registered participant and the vehicle is moving under its own power. So if I am motoring through the pits and get T-boned, too bad. If I am pushing the car or towing the car through the pits and get T-boned, they cut the check. So that sounded good enough for me, as I never expected coverage while participating in an autox or at the track. Of course while on public roads I have full coverage. So for $250 a year with full coverage and a mileage limit of 3000 per year (to agree with the MVC) and a $10k agreed upon value I am good to go. No blue blook, no depreciation every year. Some goes horrifically bad, they cut a check for $10K. I could have gone higher, but then they wanted comps, appraisals etc. and truthfully I didn't feel it was worth the effort. I did include on my application for insurance a separate sheet with every modification to the car so there can be no surprises if I had to put in a claim. They are fully aware of all the mods and how the car is used. I sleep much easier at night knowing this.
Nothing earth shattering, but just tidbits of info for those that might be in a similar situation. Also, remember that the internet and google can be a double edged sword. Careful what you post on youtube, what shows up on results lists if you are campaigning a street driven car in a race series or event. Lots of information is out there and apparently everyone is watching.
So now the Firechicken will live a pampered life (well sort of) and have the funky triangle sticker. I'll never have to worry about NJ state inspection again. I feel I have an insurance policy and registration status that match how I use my vehicle. Life is goooooood.
