Classic AMCAR's Perfect Ten

Over a decade ago in November 1997, when an opportunity arose to engage directly in the American vehicle business arena, Classic AMCAR™ was officially formed as a sales arm of the well established engineering design consultancy Teslayn Engineering™. Over the three decades since Teslayn Engineering™ was founded, we've always had a passion for and owned many American vehicles of one type or another. As engineers, we took the responsibility for maintenance in house and through the 1980's and 90's grew in knowledge of the emerging new electronic and mechanical technologies employed in these vehicles. The rest - as they say - is history. Well almost.

For a while (in September 1997) it looked as if Classic AMCAR™ would be still-born. Early that month, the VSE division of the Department of Transport announced a radical change to the scope of the proposed draconian Single Vehicle Approval (SVA) program. It would now apply to vehicles up to ten year of age instead of three. Thus began an epic journey that hasn't ended yet. In very short order Teslayn Engineering's Classic AMCAR was invited to assume the mantle of technical advisor to the AIAA as that organisation led the campaign to make SVA workable for any importer of American vehicles.

After success with SVA, our services were called on again to negotiate further exemptions for our industry from the far more onerous 'Enhanced SVA' program which resulted in the Motor Vehicle Approval Regulations 2001 (Amended). Consequently, working from within the AIAA we were instrumental in limiting exposure of North American vehicles to 'Standard SVA', which in essence was the replacement for - and equivalent to - the original SVA scheme. Another victory for common sense and the UK American vehicle enthusiast!

Shortly thereafter, the UK authorities proposed changes to the 'Display of Registration Marks' regulations to bring the UK into line with new European standards and further reduce crime resulting from fraudulent manufacture and use of number plates. Despite tremendous opposition to our proposals from other consultees such as the police and DVLA, the AIAA prevailed again, resulting in changes to the regulations which would not only benefit North American vehicles - but all imported vehicles with a reduced size number plate space. We wouldn't be required to deface our vehicle's appearances to accommodate full size European plates after all. Rather, after negotiations with DVLA officials, we were able to compile technical standards which allowed for a full seven character index number to be displayed legally on six inch by twelve inch (6" x 12") plates - the native size for American and Canadian vehicles. Given the extreme penalties for failure to comply with the new 'Display of Registration Marks' regulations, this was indeed a valuable victory!

Right now, we are getting ready for the introduction of Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA), which will replace SVA from April 29th 2009. Here too, we have been involved in extensive negotiations with the various executive agencies of the Department for Transport, acting as technical advisors at the numerous stake-holder meetings during the consultation period.

After countless meetings with VSE, VCA and VOSA (formerly VI) officials during the intervening years, we're now acknowledged as - by far and away - Britain's leading experts on Singly Approving North American vehicles, with an unparalleled success rate. Because of our extensive knowledge of North American, European and British automotive type-approval standards, you know that your project is safe in our hands!

From the public introduction of SVA, Classic AMCAR™ has grown rapidly. Within the first year, we outgrew our new Technical Center. Relocating to our current premises with twice the amount of space, storage and project bays, we can now confidently handle all manner of North American vehicles, including stretch limousines and heavy duty trucks. Our facilities include super duty work lifts (imported from the USA) and diagnostic tools to assist with technical issues.

In March of 2003 we started negotiations to establish a US office in Cincinnati Ohio - the first car using this facility was shipped two months later. In concert with Stateside AMCAR™, our UK operation is equipped to handle a full "Turn-Key" package for your vehicle, its spares, servicing, diagnostics and restoration supplies etc.

In line with our program of continual research, development and facility upgrades, mid 2008 saw Teslayn Engineering investing in improvements to enhance its Classic AMCAR Technical Centre. This resulted in an extra work bay and vastly improved workstations for more technicians. A more thoroughly equiped machining area was installed for manufacturing special products and reworking vehicle components such as head and tail light assemblies. The equipment rosta now includes fabrication equipment ranging from lathes and a vertical mill to a plastic welding kit. Continued research carried on apace on new, more cost effective, enhanced light system modifications, including the latest 'GEN8 Interceptor' - a revolutionary, fully modular and upgradable lighting system.