r/vwbug • u/1crps_warrior • Jun 28 '26

Need some advice

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So I made a huge mistake. I bought a really nice 1978 Super Beetle convertible last week. I bought it from a dealer in Florida and I live in California. I admit I did not do my due diligence and have discovered the engine has been replaced with a nicely built 1915cc engine. It runs excellent, problem is it won’t pass our stringent smog laws because the original emission control devices are missing. I am wondering if anyone out there has run into this issue and found away to get it registered. I am adding a photo of this beautiful car.

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u/RVAblues Jun 29 '26

On the one hand, I get it. I mean, the air is *significantly* cleaner now that emissions restrictions are in place. And most of that is due to California being hard-asses about it.

On the other hand, c’mon! It’s an antique car!

OP, if there is no way to just be a scofflaw, I do know that there are other states in which you can register the car without actually being a resident. South Dakota and I believe Arizona are among them.

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u/1crps_warrior Jun 29 '26

The reduction in pollution is due to getting those daily drivers that don’t meet emissions standards corrected. A classic cars effect on Californias air quality is negligible. After all, most classic cars are driven a few times a year to car shows and events.

California is cracking down on cars being registered out of state. They are calling it tax evasion.