Imports

[toastet]

I'm only posting these because I'm excited that I get to look at cars in public again. That and I'm excited to share seeing an Alfa Romeo 147 GTA in the USA! I honestly never thought I would see one, I've only seen this in racing games I played on the PS2 like GT4 and Enthusia.

Purple!

Regarding 147 GTA: How? Think it was never sold and not 25y old?

Oh and I didn't saw way more here on the streets in Europe, maybe 5, but at least 3 in Rome ☺️

 

[Joey D]

Regarding 147 GTA: How? Think it was never sold and not 25y old?

I think you can do it through Canada or through less-than-legal means. There's a few R34 Skylines running around in the states that were imported as some other Nissan.

 

[TexRex]

Regarding 147 GTA: How? Think it was never sold and not 25y old?

There's absolutely no context apart from the car being on display at a show, but I'm compelled to note that limitations on possessing and displaying a vehicle are much more relaxed than registering and legally operating on public roads.

 

[RandomCarGuy17]

Regarding 147 GTA: How? Think it was never sold and not 25y old?

I recall the owner explaining a certain trick he did or something, but unfortunately, I forgot what he absolutely said.

but yeah, you technically can import a car under 25 years old under the "show and display" rule. Basically, you can drive it on public roads for only 2,500 miles per year. In which is something I probably could deal with on the count I haven't driven a car no more than 100-200 miles per week. but that's just my daily driving. Whatever car I want to import, it would be basically a weekend car.

 

[toastet]

I recall the owner explaining a certain trick he did or something, but unfortunately, I forgot what he absolutely said.

but yeah, you technically can import a car under 25 years old under the "show and display" rule. Basically, you can drive it on public roads for only 2,500 miles per year. In which is something I probably could deal with on the count I haven't driven a car no more than 100-200 miles per week. but that's just my daily driving. Whatever car I want to import, it would be basically a weekend car.

there is a list, you can't just import anything. the car has to be very rare to get on this list which this Alfa isn't

• Ford Sierra Cosworth RS 500 1986
  Gruter & Gut (GG) Duetto Sidecar M/C 1997
  Holden GTS-R 2000
  Honda NR750 1992
  Italdesign Aztec 1988
  Jaguar XJ220 1992–1994
  Koenigsegg One:1 2015
  Lamborghini Diablo GT 1999
  Land Rover Range Rover Vogue 25th Anniversary Final Edition 1995
  Lotus Evora GTE F1 Limited Edition 2011
  Lotus Omega (LHD) 1990–1992
  Maserati Ghibli Open Cup 1996–1997
  Maserati MC12 2004–2005
  Maserati Shamal 1991
  Mazda Eunos JCES Cosmo Series II 1994–1995
  McLaren F1 1993–1998
  McLaren Speedtail[7] 2020-Present
  Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evolution II 1990
  Mercedes-Benz 560 SEL ex-Gorbachev Armored 1991
  Mercedes-Benz AMG CLK-DTM Coupe 2005
  Mercedes-Benz CLK DTM AMG Cabriolet 2006
  Mercedes-Benz CLK-GTR Coupe 1998–1999
  Mercedes-Benz CLK-GTR Roadster 2002
  Mercedes-Benz G-500 Cabriolet Final Edition 200 2011, 2013
  Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG 6x6 2013
  Mercedes-Benz McLaren SLR 722S 2009
  Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Stirling Moss 2009
  MG TF 80th Anniversary Limited Edition (RHD/UK) 2004
  Morgan Aeromax 2010
  Nissan Nismo R32 Skyline GT-R (VINs BNR32-100000 through BNR32-100562) 1990
  Nissan R34 Skyline GT-R M-Spec Nür 2002
  Nissan Skyline GTR R34 V-SPEC Early Model Limited Edition 1999
  Oullim Spirra S 2011
  Peugeot 205 Turbo 16 1984–1985
  Porsche 911 Carrera 4S (Last Made) 1998
  Porsche 911 GT3 RS 2004
  Porsche 911 Sport Classic 2010
  Porsche 959 1987-1988
  Porsche 964 Turbo Flat-Nose X83 1994
  Porsche 964 Turbo S Leichtbau 1993
  Porsche 968 Turbo S 1993
  Porsche 993 Carrera RS GT2 1995–1996
  Porsche GT1 1998
  Porsche GT1 Strasseversion 1997
  Rimac Automobili Concept One 2016
  RMA Amphi-Ranger 2800 SR 1985–1995
  Rover Mini Cooper S (Last 50 made) 2000
  Subaru Impreza 22B STi 1998
  Subaru Version-L Alcyone SVX 4WS 1992

 

[RandomCarGuy17]

there is a list, you can't just import anything. the car has to be very rare to get on this list which this Alfa isn't

and we're back to the stupid laws. Adding that to my personal stupid rule list.

With that said, I don't think that's the full list of cars. There are a lot more "very rare" cars than that and some of those cars are already 25+ years old, rendering them pointless to be listed.

 

[toastet]

Thats the June list of NHTSA for approved cars

Vehicles Determined Eligible for Importation for Show or Display | NHTSA

www.nhtsa.gov

2003	Aston Martin	DB7 Zagato Coupe
2014-2018	Aston Martin	Lagonda Taraf
2011	Aston Martin	One-77
2012-2013	Aston Martin	V12 Zagato
2004	Aston Martin	Vanquish Zagato Roadster
1999-2000	Aston Martin	Vantage Le Mans
2012	BMW	M3 CRT
2020-2021	Bugatti	Divo
2005	Ferrari	Enzo #400 (Pope John Paul II)
2019-2020	Ferrari	Monza SP1 and SP2
2013	Ferrari	SP30
2022	Gordon Murray Automotive	T.50
1997	Gruter & Gut (GG)	Duetto Sidecar Motorcycle
2000	Holden	GTS-R
2015	Koenigsegg	One:1 Sports Car
1999-2000	Lamborghini	Diablo GT
2016	Land Rover	Defender Celebration Autobiography
2016	Land Rover	Defender Celebration Heritage
2021-2023	Lotus	Evija
2011	Lotus	Evora GTE F1 Limited Edition
1996-1997	Maserati	Ghibli Cup 2-Dr Coupe
2004-2005	Maserati	MC 12
1996-1998	McLaren	F-1
2020	McLaren	Speedtail
2004-2007	Mercedes-Benz	CLK DTM AMG
1998-1999	Mercedes-Benz	CLK-GTR Coupe
2002	Mercedes-Benz	CLK-GTR Roadster
2011, 2013	Mercedes-Benz	G 500 Cabriolet Final Edition 200
2013-2015	Mercedes-Benz	G63 AMG 6x6
2017-2018	Mercedes-Benz	Maybach G650 Landaulet
2009	Mercedes-Benz	McLaren SLR 722S
2009	Mercedes-Benz	SLR McLaren Stirling Moss
2004	MG	TF 80th Anniversary Limited Edition (RHD/UK)
2010	Morgan	Aeromax
2018	Morgan	Plus 8 Speedster
2002	Nissan	Skyline R34 GT-R M-Spec Nur
1999	Nissan	Skyline R34 GT-R V-Spec Early Model Limited Edition (Midnight Purple II)
2010-2018	Noble	M600 Carbon Sport
2011	Oullim	Spirra S
1999-2018	Pagani	Zonda
1998	Porsche	911 Carrera 4S (993) (Last Made)
1996	Porsche	911 Carrera RS (993)
2004	Porsche	911 GT3 RS (996)
2010	Porsche	911 Sport Classic (997)
1996, 1998	Porsche	911 Carrera GT2 (993)
1997-1998	Porsche	911 GT1 Strassenversion (993)
2016-2021	Rimac Automobili	Concept One
1985-1995	RMA	Amphi-Ranger 2800 SR
2000	Rover	Mini Cooper S (Last 50 Made)
1998	Subaru	Impreza 22B STi
1997	Toyota	RAV4-EV (SWB Prototype)

There is also the list you don't have to ask for (again)

https://www.nhtsa.gov/document/vehicles-determined-not-eligible-importation-show-or-display

2010	Alfa Romeo	8C Spider Roadster
2004	Audi	RS6 Plus
2005	Beijing Auto. Ind. Holding	Rodedawg
2004	BMW	Mini Cooper S 2nd Anniversary Limited Edition
2003	BMW	M3 CSL (E46)
1998-2009	Chevrolet	Jimmy
2005	Crosslander	244X
2000	Daimler-Chrysler	Smart Car
2000	Fiat	126 P
2008	Fiat	500 Abarth
2002	Ford	Mustang SVT Cobra
1996	Honda	Beat
1997-2000	Honda	Civic Type-R
2016	Land Rover	Defender 110 Adventure
2013	Land Rover	Defender 110 Hunter
2000-2001	Land Rover	Defender 130
2000	Lotus	340 R
1996-2001	Lotus	Elise S1
1996	Mazda	RX-7
2018	Mercedes-Benz	Maybach S600 Pullman
1998	Mitsubishi	Lancer Evolution V
2000	Mitsubishi	Lancer Evolution Tommi Makinen Edition RD-RHD
2002	Morgan	LeMans 62 Prototype
1998	Nissan	Primera
1998	Nissan	Skyline GT-R Autech Version 40th Anniversary Edition
1996	Nissan	Skyline R33 GT-R V-Spec
1999	Nissan	Skyline R34
1999	Nissan	Skyline R34 GT-R V-Spec
1999	Nissan	Skyline R34 GT-T
2001	Nissan	Skyline R34 25GT-T
2011	Peugeot	RCZ
2015	FAB	Panamera
2000	Porsche	GT3 Clubsport
2002	Renault	Avantime
2001-2003	Renault	Clio V6
2006	Renault	Sport Clio V6 255
1998-2000	Rover	Mini Cooper
2012	Saab	9-5 SportCombi
2012	Skoda	Fabia Greenline II
2002	Smart	Crossblade
1996-2006	TVR	Sagaris, T350, Tuscan, Cerbera
2000	Volkswagen	Beetle (Old Style)
2003	Volkswagen	Beetle (Ultimate Edition)
2004	Volkswagen	Beetle (Ultima Edition)
2012-2013	Volkswagen	Polo TDI BlueMotion

Here are all rules incl. import from Canada: https://www.nhtsa.gov/importing-vehicle

 

[RandomCarGuy17]

Thats the June list of NHTSA for approved cars

Okay. The way you worded made it sound like it was the complete list.

There is also the list you don't have to ask for (again)

Thank you.

 

[Joey D]

I find it amusing that the Pope John Paul Ferrari Enzo is specifically called out on that list.

 

[RandomCarGuy17]

Right, more random imports I've seen recently.

 

[7up747]

 

[TexRex]

 

[ScottPuss20]

 

[GranTurNismo]

Clever.

 

[TexRex]

 

[Gotbeefboy564]

Rhd Camry today

 

[McLaren]

I find it amusing that the Pope John Paul Ferrari Enzo is specifically called out on that list.

If you have time, I believe John goes into the details of importing & converting an Enzo (#399 surprisingly) to the US.


The Pope's is likely deemed an exemption under the rule of, "historically or technologically significant".

Edit* Rewatching it, basically, the Pope's being listed means it does not have to meet EPA regulations in the US. Non-US spec Enzos however, do have to meet EPA regulations, therefore, they can not fall under Show and Display.

 

[TexRex]

 

[MIE1992]

Can it only be considered an "import" when it's not a domestic-spec vehicle? Or does the term "import" apply to all cars from brands that are based outside a given nation?

So for example, I think we can all agree that in the USA, the Nissan Skyline GT-R (R34) would be considered an import, as it was never sold in the USA. Hence such a model being called an import, as you'd literally need to import it into the country. But what about a Nissan GT-R (R35) Premium, which is a USDM trim? Is that still an import? Or is it all just arbitrary gatekeeping?

 

[Roo]

Can it only be considered an "import" when it's not a domestic-spec vehicle? Or does the term "import" apply to all cars from brands that are based outside a given nation?

So for example, I think we can all agree that in the USA, the Nissan Skyline GT-R (R34) would be considered an import, as it was never sold in the USA. Hence such a model being called an import, as you'd literally need to import it into the country. But what about a Nissan GT-R (R35) Premium, which is a USDM trim? Is that still an import? Or is it all just arbitrary gatekeeping?

This thread dates from the very early days of GTP, back when it was run and predominately populated with folks in their teens and early 20s (and the GT-R R34 was still being sold new). It was a very different place back then; the core rules we know today were in place to maintain a standard of posting, but the forum was still growing and evolving. Not much was pinned down. This thread happened to become popular, and was stickied quite early on, being joined by the hot rod/muscle car thread, and over time the fast Americana went in the hot rod/muscle car thread, with the Imports thread being for everything else. There was no reason, no plan to it, it just happened. Don't overthink it!

 

[TexRex]

Can it only be considered an "import" when it's not a domestic-spec vehicle? Or does the term "import" apply to all cars from brands that are based outside a given nation?

So for example, I think we can all agree that in the USA, the Nissan Skyline GT-R (R34) would be considered an import, as it was never sold in the USA. Hence such a model being called an import, as you'd literally need to import it into the country. But what about a Nissan GT-R (R35) Premium, which is a USDM trim? Is that still an import? Or is it all just arbitrary gatekeeping?

I like posting American platform cars that weren't actually sold in the United States. They mostly end up being Canadian like the Plymouth Caravelle (only sold in the United States as the Dodge Diplomat and Chrysler LeBaron) I posted most recently, but there's some South American stuff as well.

 

[TexRex]

 

[-Fred-]

There's a little used car lot a couple of streets down from where I live that sells the typical stuff you'd see in a used car lot in North America, except they have a section with a bunch of oddball cars in various states of disrepair around the back of the shop, including a poor TR6 that was already there when we got here about 15 years ago. I drive past it every day on my commute to work and somehow hope someone dumber than me will buy it and give it a new life.

 

[Roo]

 

[ScottPuss20]

I think the Esprit Sport 350 was owned by Richard Hammond.

 

[TexRex]

Upright fan conversion and Cosmics. Love it.

 

[TexRex]

 

[CyborgGT]

A recent obsession of mine, the E86 Z4. A 3.0si would be enough for me; they're cheap these days, too...

 

[Roo]

Kalle Rovanperä & Jonne Halttunen's recce car for this weekend's Acropolis Rally, yesterday:

 

[Pulsar-NX]

I like my imports slow and tippy.