Iam starting to think it really comes down to the local cop that pulls you over if he wants to make it a issue, seams like in this case, the law is not all that clear on how long the vehicle is allowed in the states.
I would be more concerned about insurance than a ticket. A local cop probably isn't going to know the laws. If you are involved in a major accident, the insurance will do their research on you.
This will not drive like a 25 year old classic. Give Stephen Peters a call and arrange for a time to go see his shop and meet his crew. Well worth a $400 RT ticket. That HUE 166 is being cloned and over priced IMO. That diesel in front of an automatic trans will be a big disappointment. With a SHP GM engine and transmission you get 24/7 nationwide warranty. All GM dealerships will service it. Getting a Land Rover Dealership to give you the time of day will be like shooting craps.
Do you genuinely think that a GM dealer will give him the time of day?
Also, a rebuilt truck is probably not going to have functional ABS and traction control like a new Defender. If you haven't driven one, it is pretty awesome.