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importing modified Porsches from Europe to US-Help
I realize this isn't the right forum for this question, but hoping someone can help. I'm considering importing a 1988 Porsche 911 from Norway to the US. The car was originally built for the US market and exported to Norway a few years ago. The one issue that might be a hurdle is that it has a modified (no-cat) exhaust system installed. I've made a few calls to some importers who tell me that the car must be in unmodified condition. Does anyone have experience here?
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08-12-2022, 10:32 AM
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Join Date: Dec 2014
Posts: 13,970
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A vehicle must be imported as a nonconforming vehicle unless it bears the manufacturer's label certifying that it meets U.S. standards. If it is a nonconforming vehicle, the importer must contract with a DOT-registered importer (RI) to modify the vehicle and certify that it conforms to all applicable FMVSS.
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08-12-2022, 10:48 AM
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I have not been involved in this issue for a while but it used to be the case that if the vehicle was at least 25 years old then it did not have to comply with current DOT specifications. In certain areas like California it will probably be subject to emissions compliance.
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08-12-2022, 10:59 AM
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Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Denver, CO
Posts: 3,500
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If that's the only mod, why not have a stock exhaust system swapped back on, cat and all, before importation back to the US -- especially if you'd need to get it smogged to register it in WA (I have no idea if this is a requirement in WA, but would be in CO where I live)
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08-12-2022, 11:21 AM
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Join Date: Dec 2021
Posts: 124
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no smog req in WA - fyi
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08-12-2022, 11:26 AM
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https://help.cbp.gov/s/article/Article-278?language=en_US#:~:text=A%20motor%20vehicle%20t hat%20is%20at%20least%2025,given%20to%20Customs%20 at%20the%20time%20of%20importation.
It appears you can still do this as an individual. You do not need to pay an expensive importer or RI compliance guru $$$$ to accomplish this. Git er done! Last edited by Fratog; 08-12-2022 at 11:34 AM.. |
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08-12-2022, 11:32 AM
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Really appreciate all the replies. The car of interest was a 1988 Porsche 911 Targa on the Bring a Trailer (BAT) website with the M491 (Turbo Look) option. I've owned a 79 911SC Targa for over 20 years and this M491 is one of the few cars that I would have sold my 79 for to make space for. As it turns out, I was outbid - it went for $92.5K. I'm more of a driver than a collector and $90K is more than play money for me...
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08-13-2022, 08:12 AM
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