Okay, so following up on the FFR poster story I found this document after searching for RTB (RTB 2012 004 Attachment1);
http://www.txdmv.gov/publications-tac/doc_download/1362-rtb-2012-004-attachment1Reading through the FAQ, you get this;
"1. What is the statutory definition of a custom vehicle or street rod?
In Texas Transportation Code, Sec. 504.501:
Custom Vehicle is defined as a vehicle at least 25 years old and of a model year after 1948; or manufactured to resemble a vehicle that is at least 25 years old and of a model year after 1948; and that has been altered from the manufacturer’s original design or has a body constructed from materials not original to the vehicle.Street Rod is defined as a vehicle that was manufactured before 1949; or after 1948 to resemble a vehicle manufactured before 1949; and that has been altered from the manufacturer’s original design, or has a body constructed from materials not original to the vehicle."
and this;
"4. What is an acceptable ownership document for the major component part that contains the VIN or serial number the vehicle will be titled by (body for passenger vehicle and frame for truck)?
• Original or duplicate Certificate of Title
• Manufacturers Certificate of Origin
• Vehicle Verification or Registration Receipt and Bill of Sale if from a non-title state
• Court Order
• Tax Assessor-Collector Hearing
Note: If there is not a VIN or serial number on the component part the vehicle will be titled by, a Court Order or Tax Assessor-Collector Hearing must be obtained to establish ownership.
5. What is an acceptable ownership document for the major component parts that the vehicle will not be titled by?
• Any of the documents acceptable for the major component part that contains the VIN or serial number the vehicle will be titled by
• Bill of Sale
• Invoice
•
If the frame or body were homemade by the applicant, form VTR-61, Rebuilt Vehicle Statement, that includes a detailed description of how the body or frame was constructed and includes receipts and/or invoices of the materials and various parts obtained."
So, a Locost pretty clearly meets the statutory definition of a Custom Vehicle (Lotus 7's were last made in 1972, right?) and the the Texas DMV's own FAQ anticipates homemade chassis, this looks like a clear path to getting on the road. What am I missing??