I guess I am not really a hot rodder because the cars I prefer to customize are not old enough. I have done 5 significant conversions and am now contemplating the 6th. I want to build a 4x4 wagon to replace my MB turbo diesel 4x4 hybrid. I live in the snow and consider 4 wheel drive a must. Another criteria is that the vehicle be smog exempt in California which means diesel powered or pre 1976. I was going to put a newer subaru engine in a 1974 or 1975 Subaru but finding a chassis was near impossible and that adding the newer components would be no easier just because its a subaru. My next idea was to add subaru AWD to a Volvo wagon. Putting the Subaru engine and FWD stuff into a 1975 245 wagon and using the Volvo rear end. On Friday, Feb 6, I bought a totaled 1997 Subaru Outback wagon for $1200. Fairly light front damage. Drove it home. On the way home I got to thinking, "I'd hate to have to give up this nice HVAC system, heated seats, factory CD player, PW/PL, etc. " So I considered doing a complete platform swap. Cut the body off the Subaru then replace it with a Volvo body. However, in order to make that work the measurement from the base of the windshield to the front axle need to be pretty close on both cars. They are about 10" different. Then I started looking at Volvo 122's on line. I began to notice the similarities between the overall shape of the Outback and the 122 wagon. I made some templates and did some careful measuring and found that putting the fron sheet metal from the 122 on the Outback would be quite doable. I would then add the 122 quarter panels which also look like a pretty good fit. 22 bumpers, chrome 122 door handles and 122 chrome waistline trim and I think I would have a car that would pass for a 122 wagon from a distance. Finally, my question: I would like to register this car in California as a 1966 Volvo 122. Would I be directly violating the law by doing so? I found the following on the CA.gov website:A "home-made, specially constructed, or kit vehicle" is a vehicle which is built for private use, not for resale, and is not constructed by a licensed manufacturer or remanufacturer. These vehicles may be built from a kit, new or used parts, a combination of new and used parts, or a vehicle reported for dismantling, which, when reconstructed, does not resemble the original make of the vehicle which was dismantled (Vehicle Code §§5500 or 11520).

A specially constructed (SPCNS) vehicle does not include a vehicle which has been repaired or restored to its original design by replacing parts or a vehicle modified from its original design.

Example: A Volkswagen "Beetle" modified with fenders, engine compartment lid, and the front end, which leaves the vehicle still recognizable as a Volkswagen is not considered a specially constructed vehicle.

NOTE: The registration requirements for kit commercial vehicles are the same as for specially constructed vehicles.

Could I consider my conversion to be similar enough the the Beetle example? I've found a 122 I want to buy but I need to get this question answered.