Importing INTO the U.S.

[Cornerlot]

What is involved in importing a 1992 model year car from Europe into the U.S.? I know there is a 25 year target, what does that imply? Would any 1992 model year qualify, or does the date of production have to be more than 25 years from the current day?

Online, the US Customs website says:
Under 49 U.S.C. § 30112(a), a person may not permanently import into the United States a motor
vehicle manufactured after the date that an applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standard (FMVSS)
takes effect unless the vehicle complies with the standard and is so certified by its original
manufacturer. This prohibition applies to both new and used motor vehicles, but does not apply to
motor vehicles that are at least 25 years old (based on the date that the vehicle was manufactured).

This would seem to indicate that its actual born-on date has to exceed 25 years. Given that, would ANYTHING have to be modified?

Is there a recommended broker who could smoothly handle the whole process?

I imported a 1935 Ford from Argentina 20 years ago, and that went smoothly after I proved it was originally built in the U.S. as a KD kit.

Steve

[DCAlbarran]

If you have a good logistics guy, then actually getting it here is pretty painless. Having someone you trust on the euro end to help facilitate the actual purchase and oversee it getting loaded on the ship if using a RORO, or into the container. Then you'll get the bill of laden and you're able to track the ship as it comes across. Once the car gets here, it goes through customs at the port, again your logistics company should be handling all this, customs takes up to 3 weeks or so, then you can go pick it up at the port, or if you are getting it trucked to you, then can pick it up. Once it's done with customs, you'll have all the EPA paperwork you'll need too. You take that stuff to your local DMV and sort it out with them.

I bought a 1972 Lancia Fulvia from Italy via the U.K., and it got into Port Hueneme here in So Cal just before Christmas. I am waiting for the customs side to clear, then I'll go pick it up. Bad thing about California is that I must title it in another state before in can be titled in California, so that is a hassle I have coming down the road soon.

As far as the year, I know law says year of manufacture, but I also remember there being something about the date of manufacture being relevant too. If you need help with logistics, I can plug you in with they guy I used, he is based in Virginia. I used USForex to send the money as opposed to a traditional wire to save another few hundred bucks on exchange rates and wire fees.

[Cornerlot]

Definitely need help. Who was you contact? PM me the info...

I'm considering getting a Escort RS Cosworth. Some '92 models will meet the 25-year target, and 'Sun International' received clearance for 1994 and 1995 models which have an exception from FMVSS laws, and the 21-year EPA rule applies too.

Steve

[Cornerlot]

Its' becoming clear that the "NONCONFORMING MOTOR VEHICLES" rule for some cars only means that certain FMVSS changes may still have to be made, and by a Registered Importer. It is not clear if any RI's still exist that can handle the Escort RS Cosworth, Sun Racing Intl. doesn't any more.

This may narrow the selection down to a 1992 built near Job #1.

Steve