Interpretation ID: nht68-4.20

DATE: 08/21/68

FROM: AUTHOR UNAVAILABLE; Robert M. O'Mahoney; NHTSA

TO: Bugetta Inc.

TITLE: FMVSR INTERPRETATION

TEXT: With reference to your letter of August 14 and its enclosed specification sheet covering the Bugetta, this vehicle appears to be a "multipurpose passenger vehicle" for purpose of the Federal motor vehicle safety standards since it is constructed with features for ocasional off road use.

Your understanding of the applicability of standards to multi-purpose passenger vehicles is correct. We concur with your view that compliance with Standard No. 103 (Windshield Defrosting and Defogging) is a meaningless requirement for a vehicle with no top or windows.

BUGETTA INC.

August 14, 1968

U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration

Attention: Robert M. O'Mahoney

Responding to letter of July 31st from Mr. David Schmeltzer, we enclose general specifications and line drawing of the vehicle which is constructed with racing components and aircraft quality fittings throughout.

The special features of this motor vehicle that are contained for occasional off-road operations are:

a. Telescopic shocks which can raise chassis approximately 18" off the ground to traverse rough terrain, water, etc.

b. Removable fiberglass body (8 pit pins) for use in mud, etc. Vehicle completely functionable with body removed.

c. Metal protective covering under entire vehicle for deflecting rocks, twigs, etc.

d. Off highway tires as standard item.

e. Roll bar for off highway and racing protection.

Safety Standards complied with: 102, 104, 106, 107, 108, 109, 111, 205, 209, 211. It was felt that the following standards did not apply primarily due to the multipurpose classification or for additional reasons given:

101 - Not applicable.

103 - Impossible requirement without top and side windows to vehicle.

105 - Not applicable.

110 - Not applicable.

112 - Not applicable.

113 - No hood, therefore not applicable.

114 - Not applicable.

201 - Not applicable.

202 - Not applicable.

203 - Not applicable.

204 - Not applicable.

206 - Not applicable. No doors.

207 - Not applicable.

208 - Not applicable.

210 - Not applicable.

301 - Not applicable.

Please review and let us know if further information is desired.

R. J. Hart

Enclosure