Classic Car. Any motor vehicle manufactured between and including the years 1925 and 1948, and designated as a full classic car because of its fine design, high engineering standards, and superior workmanship, and owned and operated solely as a collector's item. No commercial vehicles such as hearses, ambulances, or trucks are considered to be classic cars.

Collector Military Vehicle. A motor vehicle, including a truck, shall be listed and registered under this section if it meets the following conditions:

(1) it is at least 20 years old;

(2) its first owner following its manufacture was a branch of the armed forces of the United States and it presently conforms to the vehicle specifications required during the time of military ownership, or it has been restored and presently conforms to the specifications required by a branch of the armed forces for the model year that the restored vehicle could have been owned by that branch of the armed forces; and

(3) it is owned by a nonprofit organization and operated solely as a collector's vehicle. For purposes of this subdivision, “nonprofit organization” means a corporation, society, association, foundation, or institution organized and operated exclusively for historical or educational purposes, no part of the net earnings of which inures to the benefit of a private individual.

Collector Vehicle. A motor vehicle for which the commissioner of public safety has issued a pioneer license, classic car license, collector license, or street rod license under section 168.10, or a motor vehicle registered as a collector vehicle in another state.

Essential Parts. All integral and body parts of a vehicle of a type for which a certificate of title is required hereunder, the removal, alteration, or substitution of which would tend to conceal the identity of the vehicle or substantially alter its appearance, model, type or mode of operation.

Identifying Number. The numbers, and letters, if any, on a vehicle designated by the department for the purpose of identifying the vehicle.

Late-Model Vehicle. A vehicle with a manufacturer's designated model year equal to or greater than the fifth calendar year immediately preceding the current calendar year.

Older Model Vehicle. A vehicle that is not a late-model vehicle.

Restored Pioneer Vehicle. A vehicle:

(1) for which a certificate of title is required under this chapter;

(2) originally manufactured prior to 1919;

(3) for which one or more essential parts, whether new or used, are replaced; and

(4) for which each essential part under clause (3) is replaced:

     (i) only as necessary in order to restore or retain the character and appearance of the vehicle as originally manufactured;

     (ii) in a manner which reasonably restores or retains the character and appearance of the vehicle as originally manufactured; and

     (iii) in a manner which substantially conforms to the fit, form, and function of the original essential part.

(b) A vehicle meeting both the requirements under paragraph (a) and subdivision 16 for a reconstructed vehicle is a restored pioneer vehicle.

(c) For purposes of this subdivision, replacement of an essential part includes, but is not limited to, removal, addition, modification, or substitution of the essential part.

Previously Registered Vehicle. A vehicle registered in this state on October 1, 1972 or a vehicle whose last registration before October 1, 1972 was in this state.

Reconstructed Vehicle. A vehicle of a type for which a certificate of title is required hereunder materially altered from its original construction by the removal, addition, or substitution of essential parts, new or used.

(b) Reconstructed vehicle does not include a restored pioneer vehicle.

Specially Constructed Vehicle. Every vehicle of a type for which a certificate of title is required hereunder not originally constructed under a distinctive name, make, model, or type by a generally recognized manufacturer of vehicles and not materially altered from its original construction.

Street Rod. Any modernized motor vehicle manufactured prior to the year 1949 or designed and manufactured to resemble such vehicle.