Americans have access to unique and innovative cars called replicas. Canadians do not. These replicas are look-a-like cars that are modeled after famous cars that are no longer in production. These replicas are vehicles that are engineered to a much higher standard than the original cars they copy. These replicas do not meet modern day safety standards, and they are hand assembled mostly by middle aged men who have the time, money, and patience to do this work. Transport Canada bans the importation of these replicas, claiming that they are a danger to the Canadian public. The danger to the public claimed by Transport Canada is completely invented by Transport Canada. The Insurance industry specializes in understanding risk. Insurers in the US and Canada charges very low rates to insure replicas, because these cars are involved far less accidents per capita than any regular passenger vehicle. Insurance rates on replica cars are 3 to 5 times lower than on regular passenger vehicles. Insurance companies see these cars for what they are, innovative vehicles may inspire but pose very little risk to the travelling public. These vehicles are far safer to drivers and passengers than any modern motorcycle on the road today.

As a Canadian moving from the USA back to Canada, Transport Canada’s regulations are forcing me to sell my 1959 Lotus 7 replica (2005) since I cannot import it into Canada. I cannot even disassemble and rebuild the car in Canada. I can only sell it. Even if I were to build one from scratch, in Canada, I could not import the replica components as supplied from the manufacturer. These laws make no sense. Sign this petition, and help change Transport Canada’s position on replica kit vehicles.