Antique Plates = Good Times - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Johtotahti · #1 03-22-2006, 07:37 PM

My -81 300SD has reached the ripe age for antique plates in VA, so today while visiting the DMV I couldn't resist the temptation to get me a pair. This particular car happens to about the ugliest faded green Benz out there so if nothing else, me and pals will get lots of chuckles over the 'antiqueness' factor. ('Surely' I won't be driving it on daily basis...

)

On the way home, it kind of hit me that the Benz with its new plates is kind of unique, as in; what might be the percentage of diesel powered vehicles of total number of registered antigue cars? Furthermore, how many antique cars have turbos on them?

Be it as it may, after I installed my new plates, some fellow with a 380SE decided at a stop light that I was going to be easy pray for him... (Might it have been the new plates??). It turned out to go kinda of ugly for him as much to my surprise this antique ride caught up and passed him by the next stop sign!

Good Times

Matt L · #2 03-22-2006, 11:57 PM

I wouldn't get collector car plates for a diesel, but then again, here I don't have to get any inspections and collector plates have restrictions.

That guy in the 380 probably didn't have it floored. Your car isn't fast.

PatricdeBoer · #3 03-23-2006, 12:46 AM

What are you talkin about? My 81 sd is Hella fast!

barry123400 · #4 03-23-2006, 01:40 AM

I also think that green is not the nicest even unfaded. My finalised purchase today has it. The only compensation I find is the interior is at least my favorite color. Palamino I think it's called. Never though I would hear of another as that color should be a little scarce. I think it's puke green? Man it's an ugly green but some may love it.

What is really worse of all the car does not need a paint job and the original clear has not even started to lift anywhere. I imagine that color even looked a little faded when new.

bgkast · #5 03-23-2006, 01:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by barry123400

I also think that green is not the nicest even unfaded. My finalised purchase today has it. The only compensation I find is the interior is at least my favorite color. Palamino I think it's called. Never though I would hear of another as that color should be a little scarce. I think it's puke green? Man it's an ugly green but some may love it.

What is really worse of all the car does not need a paint job and the original clear has not even started to lift anywhere. I imagine that color even looked a little faded when new.

barry123400 · #6 03-23-2006, 03:04 AM

You might already own a car with this color. I doubt it as it is pretty bad. I know the post is about antique plates though and agree that I should have stayed more on subject. That green is pretty ludicrous with them and is with normal plates as well. I may have seen perhaps one other mercedes with this color in the last 10 years and see a lot of them. It's so bad that I have even had it mentioned to me how bad it looks by people that normaly make no comments. It's on a 84 300d. I would even go as far to speculate in any other color it would probably have been sold before I originally found it.

krs · #7 03-23-2006, 10:43 AM

A lovely avocado green?

Yummy.

TX76513 · #8 03-23-2006, 10:54 AM

I considered antique plates here in MS but the $ savings is negligible also MS antique plates puts some restrictions on how many miles and when/how often the car is driven. I doubt it's enforced actively but if there was an accident it could cause some liability problems

Maroon 300D · #9 03-23-2006, 11:33 AM

I think in many states there are fewer fees associated with antique plates, but the miles you are allowed to drive are usually limited. The state would probably never figure out how much you're driving but if you have an insurance agent, they might, as I would assume you would get better rates for an 'antique' car, especially if the miles are technically limited.

Something like this must be the case here in Oregon, because I see lots of old cars such as '60's Mustangs and I don't think they ever have antique plates.

Hmm...maybe if our cars are now antiques, they will be worth more in the near future...

I love the title of this thread, by the way.

TX76513 · #10 03-23-2006, 11:35 AM

In Jackson you will see antique plates on an old beater 82 Ford Fairmont or the like

paulem · #11 03-23-2006, 11:45 AM

I'm gonna get my Collector plates today . . .

With regular plates, the reg would be $70/year and the emissions testing is $45/year. With the collector plates, I pay $200 for reg and $45 for emissions, but only have to pay that once every 5 years! I like that math.

Eric

Matt L · #12 03-23-2006, 12:47 PM

I don't know the case for collector plates in my current state of IL, but in MO they're very nice for those who really don't use the car for a daily driver.

In MO, they cost something like $75. No inspection needed to get them, and none thereafter. These plates don't ever expire. They do have a 1000 mile/year limit, but that doesn't include miles driving to exhibitions (such as shows, organized street cruises and the race track).

H-townbenzoboy · #13 03-23-2006, 07:07 PM

In Texas, we have two options, a Classic Auto plate, and an Antique Vehicle plate.

According to TxDOT, an Antique Vehicle Plate can be put on cars under these regulations.
"Antique plates are issued for passenger cars, trucks, or motorcycles that are at least 25 years old and are a collector’s item. The vehicle must be used exclusively for exhibitions, club activities, parades, or other functions of public interest. Vehicles displaying Antique license plates may not be used for regular transportation; however, the vehicle may be driven to and from a location for routine maintenance. The vehicle may not carry advertising."

Antique plates are very restrictive, expire every 2 years or so and are not for daily drivers. Classic Auto plates are a little different and can be put on daily drivers, and expire at the same intervals that regular plates would.
"Classic license plates are issued to passenger cars that are 25 or more years old. The fee is $15 in addition to the regular registration and other applicable fees. The application and specialty plate license fee is submitted to the Vehicle Titles and Registration Division."

Kestas · #14 03-23-2006, 07:40 PM

Michigan is very friendly to antique cars. I don't know how much antique plates are, because I opted for 'same-year' plates on my 71 Cutlass. It cost $25 and is good for as long as I own the vehicle.

CompIgnition · #15 03-23-2006, 07:49 PM

Paulem.....I believe CO is doing away with emission testing in 2007....so the math will no longer make it the savings it once was. I considered Collector plated for my 79 300D but when I found out about emissions going away, it wasn't worth it. I think my annual registration was $45 or $50, and the Collector was $200....if I end up selling before the 5 year registration is up, it costs me more.