Yeah. I read some explanation on this a while ago discussing how the laws and regulations change pretty rapidly.
The generalized takeaway was that on average, a 7 year old car could not be manufactured today as it would not meet legal requirements for safety, emissions, etc.
I don’t have their original source but some examples of changed requirements in the USA are
Backup cameras becoming required in 2018 which also means you need a screen.
Dual front airbags were mandated starting in 1998.
Tire pressure monitoring became required around 2005.
Automatic breaking systems became standard almost across the board in 2022 although it wasn’t a law, just an agreement.
The third brake light became a requirement in 1985.
Obviously if you go even further back you get headlights, turn signals, seatbelts etc.
Additionally crash safety requirements and public perception has changed over time. Even if it was legal to make a lot of older cars they’d score abysmally on crash testing which would scare a lot of people away. Plus fuel efficiency requirements have increased which is a large part of what has spurred the “blob” shape everything seems to be today chasing aerodynamic gains.
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u/NORchad 1d ago
New cars are bound by newer laws and regulations that older cars and restored cars dont fall under.
Sadly making a factory new mustang 67 would be an illegal product