Manufacturers in California titling Spyders as VW Beetle | 356 Speedster, 550 Spyder, Replica, Automotive Community

Former Member

I am considering a 550 Spyder. I know the SB100 process really well.

I heard that some manufacturers/builders and owner get their car registered as a 19xx Beetle. I can see how this would be very attractive...using a beetle's frame for its VIN, chop and make it stronger, etc. and drop a Spyder body on it and go through the registration process as if the car is still a VW Beetle. The problem I see with this is...if u ever get pulled over and the cop happens to know a bit about cars, upon looking at the registration, he/she is going to know there is something fishy about it....registration says the car is supposed to be a Bug, look like a Bug but it is not!

So, the only way is SB100? I know, sometimes, if you get lucky depending on the DMV u go to, u can bring in an out of state replica that is titled as a 1955, 1965 whatever and California will honor that because mostly, they do not know it is a replica..they can only go how the car is registered in the original title.

Any CALI guys had their spyder built for you? How did u get ti registered? SB100 or?

Thanks guys!

9/16/0810:55 AM

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Former Member

I am considering a 550 Spyder. I know the SB100 process really well.

I heard that some manufacturers/builders and owner get their car registered as a 19xx Beetle. I can see how this would be very attractive...using a beetle's frame for its VIN, chop and make it stronger, etc. and drop a Spyder body on it and go through the registration process as if the car is still a VW Beetle. The problem I see with this is...if u ever get pulled over and the cop happens to know a bit about cars, upon looking at the registration, he/she is going to know there is something fishy about it....registration says the car is supposed to be a Bug, look like a Bug but it is not!

So, the only way is SB100? I know, sometimes, if you get lucky depending on the DMV u go to, u can bring in an out of state replica that is titled as a 1955, 1965 whatever and California will honor that because mostly, they do not know it is a replica..they can only go how the car is registered in the original title.

Any CALI guys had their spyder built for you? How did u get ti registered? SB100 or?

Thanks guys!

9/16/0810:55 AM

Former Member

SB 100 back in 2002. Pretty easy at that time besides the DMV not knowing what to do.

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