EMP occurs through the creation of a massive magnetic field. When a magnetic field crosses a wire, it can force electrons to move through the wire (that is, create an electrical current).

This is essentially the same as when a static charge builds up and is discharged into the circuit.

If the force is strong enough and the electrons cannot dissipate fast enough, it can cause damage to small components of electrical circuitry. If the power was enough to, say, roast the coil in a relay or burn up the window defrost grid, you would probably not be in a condition to complain about it after.

So you need to look at protection for the smallest circuits--the ECM/computer and any similar devices.

I would suggest 4 approaches:

1. Buy a spare ECM and any associated electronics needed for operation. Make sure they are programmed for your car (if that is needed) and that they work. Then wrap them in an anti-static bag (like you get small electronics in), put that in a metal box, and put it in the basement. Put a set of jumper cables from the metal box, to the pipe that brings in water to the house. If an EMP gets that, your house and car will be part of the crater.

2. Make sure that all the electrical grounds in the car are in good condition. Buy an aftermarket, heavy-gauge grounding kit of the type they sell for those folks with 15,000 watt car stereo systems and make sure all the electronics are grounded to that. Then hammer a 6' piece of 1" copper pipe into the ground where you park and braze on a long piece of welding lead to it. Clamp the welding lead to that ground kit on the car. This will probably be enough to stop all but the worst EMP from getting you.

3. Move someplace you won't have to flee from if the EMP hits?

4. Put a bicycle next to your zombie shootin' shotgun and emergency ration pack.

I agree with the older vehicle comment, though. If the EMP is enough to roast the light bulb filaments or points, it will be on the edge of the crater. You don't have to register it or keep it legal: even if the cop cars survive, they will have way worse problems on their hands than giving you a ticket for an unregistered vehicle. I've got an old motorcycle tht would survive (although it's not for EMP survival, it's just an old Suzuki).

Ben