Antique Auto Plates

I don't know what the standard is where you live, but here in Connecticut, when we register our classic car we have the option of getting it tagged with an "antique" plate. We get a break on our taxes with this tag because it's assumed that the car won't be driven as often as our other cars.

I'm OK with that, but I have two issues with the plate in Connecticut. First, it hasn't changed in twenty years and second, it says "Early American" on the plate, not "Antique".

The normal plates are a medium blue that fades to light blue at the bottom. The "Antique" plate is white with black lettering with a picture of Henry Fords first automobile on the left side of the plate. See the picture below.

There are 61 different styles in the blue gradient "everyday" plate you can have, but us classic car owners have just the one. Even the motorcycle enthusiasts have a cool plate. I know, this is being picky, but I would like to have the blue gradient for the "Antique" plate too. See the regular plate below.

Click here to see the different ways you can get your plate customized in Connecticut. http://www.ct.gov/dmv/cwp/view.asp?a=811&q=276580

The "antique" plate is issued to any car that is 20 years old or older with the emphasis on "any". You can have an old Volvo, Saab, BMW, Datsun, etc, with our "Early American" vanity plate
Also, what is the cutoff date for "Early American"? 1955? 1935? 1979? Yes, here your Pinto is considered an "Early American" as is your Renault LeCar.
If the state does not want to change the color of the plate, at least they could change the text from "Early American" to "Antique". I'm sure the people with the classic imports would be happier and so would the classic domestic owners. Plus, that's 6 less letters they have to pay to have printed and the plates would be cheaper to make at least in theory.
This is not a huge issue, just one of those minor things that could be easily fixed by our DMV. Let me know your thoughts on this or share info about classic car plates in your state. Post your stories in the comments for this post.

First Cruise Night of the Season

The Good Times Motoring Club of Colchester, CT sponsors the summer cruise nights every year on the town green. There is food and a DJ and a real family atmosphere here. You park, walk around, talk to people and its a real good time. Its still a little cold when the sun sets, but that's OK. Everyone starts to leave then anyway as most of us have to work the next day.


There are many makes, models and year that show up. From Rat Rods, to muscle cars, flame throwing low riders to pick up trucks, Some old race cars to primered "Works in Progress". They have it all here. Below are the Mopars and one AMC that showed up and even a cool chopper with a VW engine.

Going in Style!

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to give Bob that big hot rod send off to the great drag strip in the sky."

Yes folks, the owner of this Dodge A100 pickup will drive you to your final resting place in your very own custom pinstriped coffin in the back of his hot rod. I'd rather go in a Ute myself, but hey! Thats just me.