Michael,
There were TWO bills which were passed into law here in Wis. in '10. One was, as you say, for very limited use (parades only).
The other, which I worked to pass, allows much less restrictive operations - "vehicle may be used as are other vehicles... ...except that" No passengers for hire, and no operating in January. That's it. We were exempted from the payload restrictions, so we can carry stuff.
You're right, the "parade" guys got what they asked for. I didn't get all I asked for, but darn near.
WolfDose,
Here in Wisconsin, your M715 could be registered for this less-restrictive use.
Whether German regulations are similar to ours or not, I don't know. But I can attest to the fact that Wisconsin has, for decades, allowed ex-mil vehicles to be used for work - logging, farming, whatever. Why ISN'T a classic vehicle able to be used as it was designed? Did it suddenly get arthritis from old age or something?
In Wisconsin, you cannot LEGALLY use your M35 for hauling ANYTHING. Of course, you can do so illegally, so long as you don't get caught!
Vehicles covered by the "parade" law CANNOT be modified. They must maintain their original design and markings. Vehicles covered by the second law CAN be modified, etc.
Look, here's my position. Vehicles which meet state equipment requirements deserve to be able to be registered for whatever use the owner chooses and is willing to pay for, including utility functions. Vehicles which are preserved for history, and are not going to be used for any utility functions deserve to be able to be registered as "historic", and be operated as such, even if they do not fully comply with state equipment requirements. There are two different uses, and there should be two different registrations.
FWIW, I support SEMA's proposal that engine/drive train swaps should be allowed, provided the engine/drive train is newer than the vehicle it's going into.
In any case, these two bills are now law in Wisconsin. Thanks for your comments.
Paul