The RTA did not get the assessors report, nor will they entertain any notion of reviewing the assessors decision. Under the law, once vehicle is deemed economically unrepairable, the assessor is obliged by law to report the vehicle as a statutory write off. Seems that once the assessor decided it needed a full respray, a $4000 car became instantly uneconomic. I have approched RTA for "special circumstances review" and told to sod off as there is no discretionary powers in the legislation ..Comment by RTA " we are looking into this with a view to changing the law sometime in the future" [read - don't hold your breathe]. Already escalated to local member [read the same !] Have asked RTA if this wonderful club of "enthusiasts" is acceptable under the Act. Strangely, on reading the law as it now stands, if ANYONE (including the owner, whether insured or not) makes the same assessment, they are obliged to report the vehicle as a write-off. Be very careful when you consider getting that 1976 Corolla with severe rust damage restored so it can be guest of honour on Classic Restos coz you just may be breaking the law!