I'm am trying to get CA historic Vehicle license plates for my 1987 Subaru wagon 4x4 turbo GL. I've owned it since it was new.  The CA Dept of motor vehicles told me a need a statement  (even from a car club) stating the historic of my car. Can anyone help with this. How many built, etc. any way to prove historic nature. I'm look for facts, figure,etc, and even a club that could make a statement of fact. 

Brian

Wow. 
 

Used to be Mr. Statistics - my buddy Andrew, would soon reply with all the production numbers. And more. 
 

I just can’t think right now of where those figures are online. But they’re out there. Hang in there and I’d bet you have some good info that’s printable and presentable. 
 

Here in CT it’s classic at 20, emissions exempt at 25. No inspection for body, safety, etc. unless it’s from a salvage title. Doesn’t help you much but CA DMV should take a look around and see other States criteria/policies. 
 

Going through a parallel situation in AZ right now. Have a 2003 wagon from the east coast with over 250k on it to my son and they’re calling it a $5800 car etc, needs some letter from our state, etc,, just a load of crap all around. Sorry to rant.

 

Might not hold much weight but I’d be happy to write a letter for you using my real name and related to the board and my existence here since it’s inception and the fact that I’ve owned and dealt with vintage Subarus for decades etc etc. 

 

Send me a message if you think that would help. I’ve got to rest now but good luck. 

19 hours ago, Skeebaru said:

I'm am trying to get CA historic Vehicle license plates for my 1987 Subaru wagon 4x4 turbo GL. I've owned it since it was new.  The CA Dept of motor vehicles told me a need a statement  (even from a car club) stating the historic of my car. Can anyone help with this. How many built, etc. any way to prove historic nature. I'm look for facts, figure,etc, and even a club that could make a statement of fact. 

Brian

This website says what I assume is 82,408 wagons sold in the US in '87. It says a total of 177,138 total Subarus sold in the US in '87.

https://www.cars101.com/subaru_archives.html

You seriously have to write what amounts to a report on your car to get it licensed as a historic vehicle?! And I assume this is basically for an emissions free existence from this point forward? How ridiculous, but it's CA, I guess. I'm sure if someone can justify this for a Ford Pinto, one of the earlier compact 4X4 utility wagons can be justified as a classic. Wasn't Subaru one of the earliest and best at 4X4 CARS back then? That would be a start, IMHO.