You want a TVR in North America? Let me know.
Discussion
ok all - here it is from the horses mouth, as someone who has imported many vehicles to the US......there is noway you can import a TVR into the US legally without having the vehicle modified to meet federal requirements by a US bonded vehicle importer. It is most unlikely you will find anyone to do this or it would of been done already. Cost being the reason. The car would have to pass crash test requirements & there is noway a TVR will do this, and lets not forget the emissions. TVR couldn't even get thier engine to pass the new european requirements. (TVR's biggest mistake was to build thier own engine, it was a piece of junk and has killed the company). Now there is nothing stopping anyone from stripping a TVR putting it into a contanier and shipping it state side, but you will be red flagged as soon as you apply for customs clearance. In order to ship car parts you must ship mulitpal numbers of the same item, in the eyes of the feds a single car in stripped down form is still considered a car and is so subject to the rules. If they catch you doing this then they will take everything and crush it and you will loose every penny.
The only way you can get a TVR legally into the US is to buy one that is 25+ years old. Any vehicle that is more than 25+ years at the time of importation is not required to meet federal requirements. So unfortunatley your looking at a Tasmin 280, which you can find already state side on ebay. Don't try swapping out VIN plates from an old 280 onto a 400, 420 or 450. Customs are not fools and know what to look for. NOW THE GOOD NEWS..There is nothing stopping you taking an exsisting federal spec 280 and modifying it into anything you want. So if you have the money you could import the parts for a 420SEAC and build it from a Tasmin 280.
If you want a TVR state side and don't mind waiting a few years, my advise would be fly to the UK find the best model of TVR you want, buy it and throw a cover on it until it reaches the 25 year mark and then have it shipped. Good luck to all.
The only way you can get a TVR legally into the US is to buy one that is 25+ years old. Any vehicle that is more than 25+ years at the time of importation is not required to meet federal requirements. So unfortunatley your looking at a Tasmin 280, which you can find already state side on ebay. Don't try swapping out VIN plates from an old 280 onto a 400, 420 or 450. Customs are not fools and know what to look for. NOW THE GOOD NEWS..There is nothing stopping you taking an exsisting federal spec 280 and modifying it into anything you want. So if you have the money you could import the parts for a 420SEAC and build it from a Tasmin 280.
If you want a TVR state side and don't mind waiting a few years, my advise would be fly to the UK find the best model of TVR you want, buy it and throw a cover on it until it reaches the 25 year mark and then have it shipped. Good luck to all.
Edited by limeyusa on Monday 15th January 18:24
Edited by limeyusa on Monday 15th January 18:29
It's slightly easier for Canadians. We only have to wait 15 years. Once that has passed, you are able to bring any car into the country. Anything newer than that, which isn't on 'the list', no chance. Kitcar? nope.
I believe it would have to sit in quarantine for awhile, and there would be some hefty tax to pay on it, as it's not built in NA. It is doable though, as mentioned above, the RIV (Registar of Imported Vehicles) is the place to start, they are actually quite reasonable to talk to.
I'm waiting for Cerbs to get to 15, then I'd like to bring one over.
Gary
I believe it would have to sit in quarantine for awhile, and there would be some hefty tax to pay on it, as it's not built in NA. It is doable though, as mentioned above, the RIV (Registar of Imported Vehicles) is the place to start, they are actually quite reasonable to talk to.
I'm waiting for Cerbs to get to 15, then I'd like to bring one over.
Gary
About the only way you could import one is if you had a virgin chassis that was set aside for warranty work and which thus wasn't part of a production car.
You'd then have to essentially strip down an existing car, and rebuild it on the new chassis, leaving the engine and tranny out. (Or get one of the partially completed cars sitting in the factory now, as they are incomplete and thus don't have the UK equiv of a VIN either)
You'd then have an actual rolling chassis that could be shipped to the US. In the US you'd need to install an engine that came from an already registered car and you'd take the VIN # from that prior car and apply it to your new kit one.
The problem is a car that has been registered and VINed can't be considered a rolling chassis, even if you strip out the engine. You would need a fresh unregistered chassis according to Customs.
You'd then have to essentially strip down an existing car, and rebuild it on the new chassis, leaving the engine and tranny out. (Or get one of the partially completed cars sitting in the factory now, as they are incomplete and thus don't have the UK equiv of a VIN either)
You'd then have an actual rolling chassis that could be shipped to the US. In the US you'd need to install an engine that came from an already registered car and you'd take the VIN # from that prior car and apply it to your new kit one.
The problem is a car that has been registered and VINed can't be considered a rolling chassis, even if you strip out the engine. You would need a fresh unregistered chassis according to Customs.
limeyusa said:
ok all - here it is from the horses mouth, as someone who has imported many vehicles to the US......there is noway you can import a TVR into the US legally without having the vehicle modified to meet federal requirements by a US bonded vehicle importer. It is most unlikely you will find anyone to do this or it would of been done already. Cost being the reason. The car would have to pass crash test requirements & there is noway a TVR will do this, and lets not forget the emissions. TVR couldn't even get thier engine to pass the new european requirements. (TVR's biggest mistake was to build thier own engine, it was a piece of junk and has killed the company). Now there is nothing stopping anyone from stripping a TVR putting it into a contanier and shipping it state side, but you will be red flagged as soon as you apply for customs clearance. In order to ship car parts you must ship mulitpal numbers of the same item, in the eyes of the feds a single car in stripped down form is still considered a car and is so subject to the rules. If they catch you doing this then they will take everything and crush it and you will loose every penny.
The only way you can get a TVR legally into the US is to buy one that is 25+ years old. Any vehicle that is more than 25+ years at the time of importation is not required to meet federal requirements. So unfortunatley your looking at a Tasmin 280, which you can find already state side on ebay. Don't try swapping out VIN plates from an old 280 onto a 400, 420 or 450. Customs are not fools and know what to look for. NOW THE GOOD NEWS..There is nothing stopping you taking an exsisting federal spec 280 and modifying it into anything you want. So if you have the money you could import the parts for a 420SEAC and build it from a Tasmin 280.
If you want a TVR state side and don't mind waiting a few years, my advise would be fly to the UK find the best model of TVR you want, buy it and throw a cover on it until it reaches the 25 year mark and then have it shipped. Good luck to all.
The only way you can get a TVR legally into the US is to buy one that is 25+ years old. Any vehicle that is more than 25+ years at the time of importation is not required to meet federal requirements. So unfortunatley your looking at a Tasmin 280, which you can find already state side on ebay. Don't try swapping out VIN plates from an old 280 onto a 400, 420 or 450. Customs are not fools and know what to look for. NOW THE GOOD NEWS..There is nothing stopping you taking an exsisting federal spec 280 and modifying it into anything you want. So if you have the money you could import the parts for a 420SEAC and build it from a Tasmin 280.
If you want a TVR state side and don't mind waiting a few years, my advise would be fly to the UK find the best model of TVR you want, buy it and throw a cover on it until it reaches the 25 year mark and then have it shipped. Good luck to all.
Edited by limeyusa on Monday 15th January 18:24
Edited by limeyusa on Monday 15th January 18:29
So then t he kit car method noble uses is out too then??
The Noble chassis doesn't have a VIN. The chassis takes on the VIN of the used engine block you use, or is given one. If TVR supplied a rolling chassis as parts, meaning without a VIN, they could do it too. TVR would just need to plan on using an american sourced engine and tranny for car.
limeyusa said:
NOW THE GOOD NEWS..There is nothing stopping you taking an exsisting federal spec 280 and modifying it into anything you want. So if you have the money you could import the parts for a 420SEAC and build it from a Tasmin 280.
True as long as you don't live in an state or region with emission regulations which may take a dim view of engine swaps... In Texas you still have to meet the emission requirements until the car is 25-26 years old (unless you fit the low mileage exeption)... it gets complicated and puts you at the annual mercy of the system.
limeyusa said:
ok all - here it is from the horses mouth, as someone who has imported many vehicles to the US......there is noway you can import a TVR into the US legally without having the vehicle modified to meet federal requirements by a US bonded vehicle importer. It is most unlikely you will find anyone to do this or it would of been done already. Cost being the reason. The car would have to pass crash test requirements & there is noway a TVR will do this, and lets not forget the emissions. TVR couldn't even get thier engine to pass the new european requirements. (TVR's biggest mistake was to build thier own engine, it was a piece of junk and has killed the company). Now there is nothing stopping anyone from stripping a TVR putting it into a contanier and shipping it state side, but you will be red flagged as soon as you apply for customs clearance. In order to ship car parts you must ship mulitpal numbers of the same item, in the eyes of the feds a single car in stripped down form is still considered a car and is so subject to the rules. If they catch you doing this then they will take everything and crush it and you will loose every penny.
The only way you can get a TVR legally into the US is to buy one that is 25+ years old. Any vehicle that is more than 25+ years at the time of importation is not required to meet federal requirements. So unfortunatley your looking at a Tasmin 280, which you can find already state side on ebay. Don't try swapping out VIN plates from an old 280 onto a 400, 420 or 450. Customs are not fools and know what to look for. NOW THE GOOD NEWS..There is nothing stopping you taking an exsisting federal spec 280 and modifying it into anything you want. So if you have the money you could import the parts for a 420SEAC and build it from a Tasmin 280.
If you want a TVR state side and don't mind waiting a few years, my advise would be fly to the UK find the best model of TVR you want, buy it and throw a cover on it until it reaches the 25 year mark and then have it shipped. Good luck to all.
The only way you can get a TVR legally into the US is to buy one that is 25+ years old. Any vehicle that is more than 25+ years at the time of importation is not required to meet federal requirements. So unfortunatley your looking at a Tasmin 280, which you can find already state side on ebay. Don't try swapping out VIN plates from an old 280 onto a 400, 420 or 450. Customs are not fools and know what to look for. NOW THE GOOD NEWS..There is nothing stopping you taking an exsisting federal spec 280 and modifying it into anything you want. So if you have the money you could import the parts for a 420SEAC and build it from a Tasmin 280.
If you want a TVR state side and don't mind waiting a few years, my advise would be fly to the UK find the best model of TVR you want, buy it and throw a cover on it until it reaches the 25 year mark and then have it shipped. Good luck to all.
Edited by limeyusa on Monday 15th January 18:24
Edited by limeyusa on Monday 15th January 18:29
All valid points but how did I buy a brand new, to my own spec, Caterham 7 Superlight while living in the US and how did I nearly buy a Noble M400 (as many have done since)?
Jappo said:
limeyusa said:
ok all - here it is from the horses mouth, as someone who has imported many vehicles to the US......there is noway you can import a TVR into the US legally without having the vehicle modified to meet federal requirements by a US bonded vehicle importer. It is most unlikely you will find anyone to do this or it would of been done already. Cost being the reason. The car would have to pass crash test requirements & there is noway a TVR will do this, and lets not forget the emissions. TVR couldn't even get thier engine to pass the new european requirements. (TVR's biggest mistake was to build thier own engine, it was a piece of junk and has killed the company). Now there is nothing stopping anyone from stripping a TVR putting it into a contanier and shipping it state side, but you will be red flagged as soon as you apply for customs clearance. In order to ship car parts you must ship mulitpal numbers of the same item, in the eyes of the feds a single car in stripped down form is still considered a car and is so subject to the rules. If they catch you doing this then they will take everything and crush it and you will loose every penny.
The only way you can get a TVR legally into the US is to buy one that is 25+ years old. Any vehicle that is more than 25+ years at the time of importation is not required to meet federal requirements. So unfortunatley your looking at a Tasmin 280, which you can find already state side on ebay. Don't try swapping out VIN plates from an old 280 onto a 400, 420 or 450. Customs are not fools and know what to look for. NOW THE GOOD NEWS..There is nothing stopping you taking an exsisting federal spec 280 and modifying it into anything you want. So if you have the money you could import the parts for a 420SEAC and build it from a Tasmin 280.
If you want a TVR state side and don't mind waiting a few years, my advise would be fly to the UK find the best model of TVR you want, buy it and throw a cover on it until it reaches the 25 year mark and then have it shipped. Good luck to all.
The only way you can get a TVR legally into the US is to buy one that is 25+ years old. Any vehicle that is more than 25+ years at the time of importation is not required to meet federal requirements. So unfortunatley your looking at a Tasmin 280, which you can find already state side on ebay. Don't try swapping out VIN plates from an old 280 onto a 400, 420 or 450. Customs are not fools and know what to look for. NOW THE GOOD NEWS..There is nothing stopping you taking an exsisting federal spec 280 and modifying it into anything you want. So if you have the money you could import the parts for a 420SEAC and build it from a Tasmin 280.
If you want a TVR state side and don't mind waiting a few years, my advise would be fly to the UK find the best model of TVR you want, buy it and throw a cover on it until it reaches the 25 year mark and then have it shipped. Good luck to all.
Edited by limeyusa on Monday 15th January 18:24
Edited by limeyusa on Monday 15th January 18:29
All valid points but how did I buy a brand new, to my own spec, Caterham 7 Superlight while living in the US and how did I nearly buy a Noble M400 (as many have done since)?
Not to mention numerous Ultima GTR's and a few Ginettas.
The key is NEW car. Nobles are considered kits by the Fed. Kit cars are not subject to the same standard as mass produced vehicles. Noble does not import complete cars but rolling chassis. If Noble tried to import complete M12s then they too would have to crash test them. Everything hinges on the VIN. Because Noble imports the chassis with no VIN, it is considered parts, and gets a pass by the Fed. So, if you could get a TVR rolling chassis with no VIN, then you can source your own engine and tranny and be on your way, just like Noble owners. Even if you import a used TVR chassis, the VIN would be discovered and it would be classified as a vehicle (Subject to crast testing, inspection. etc)and not parts. I hope this clears things up.
This is what I'm reading between the lines -please tell me if I'm wrong:
If you could purchase a new replacement chassis without any serial number, you could import this.
If you were to find some used parts like suspension bits, seats... and imported them separately -no red flags. Use an american powerplant -presto? Now I can license this as whatever I like as it is a homebuilt special?
If you could purchase a new replacement chassis without any serial number, you could import this.
If you were to find some used parts like suspension bits, seats... and imported them separately -no red flags. Use an american powerplant -presto? Now I can license this as whatever I like as it is a homebuilt special?
slow m said:
This is what I'm reading between the lines -please tell me if I'm wrong:
If you could purchase a new replacement chassis without any serial number, you could import this.
If you were to find some used parts like suspension bits, seats... and imported them separately -no red flags. Use an american powerplant -presto? Now I can license this as whatever I like as it is a homebuilt special?
If you could purchase a new replacement chassis without any serial number, you could import this.
If you were to find some used parts like suspension bits, seats... and imported them separately -no red flags. Use an american powerplant -presto? Now I can license this as whatever I like as it is a homebuilt special?
Base on my understanding you are correct. This is what Noble does. I even believe Nobles comes with everything (seats, dials, electrical, etc) minus the engine and tranny. Because Noble is only selling parts, they bypass Federal regulations. The car is registered as a kit. From this standpoint, Noble is no different than Factory Five, or Superperformance. The problem is getting a clean chassis.
Hi all, I'm new here and I'm trying to become a first time TVR owner. Being here in the states, I figure it would be too much trouble to try and import one legally ((What with my meager means)) but to get an older car, perhaps a 2500M, would do nicely. I just don't know where to start. I'm in the Rocky Mountains, so nearer to the west coast than the east coast, and I'm not yet ready to put money in hand ((I must earn it first)), so if you guys could point me in the right direction that would certainly help. I've been discussing these things with my best friend’s father, who practically lives in England, and he had one here when he was younger. He says a Vixen with a Cosworth is the best, but I figure get a second and third opinion.
My reason for wanting a TVR is because a number of my colleagues drive nicer old cars. Our parking lot is graced by a Jaguar XKS, a ’73 454 Corvette, and on occasion a 993 Carrera. Seeing as my only car is an E28 528e BMW ((1988)) I can’t really say that I’m in the same class. I know it sounds like I’m trying to keep up with the Joneses but we do often times Rallye from here to there and I literally can’t keep up. Because I’ve always been a car guy and want to do something different, I thought a TVR would be appropriate. So, once again, do you guys know where I should look, as EBay is proving too sporadic in its listing of TVRs?
As to the general flow of this thread, would it be possible to import a Speed Six or Speed Eight engine, put it in an American car as an engine swap, and then swap that into a TVR Rolling Chassis? That way, you’re not running an engine not intended for the car, but you seem to be following the rules if I understand them correctly. You’d probably have to modify it though, to meet EPA and DOT emissions.
My reason for wanting a TVR is because a number of my colleagues drive nicer old cars. Our parking lot is graced by a Jaguar XKS, a ’73 454 Corvette, and on occasion a 993 Carrera. Seeing as my only car is an E28 528e BMW ((1988)) I can’t really say that I’m in the same class. I know it sounds like I’m trying to keep up with the Joneses but we do often times Rallye from here to there and I literally can’t keep up. Because I’ve always been a car guy and want to do something different, I thought a TVR would be appropriate. So, once again, do you guys know where I should look, as EBay is proving too sporadic in its listing of TVRs?
As to the general flow of this thread, would it be possible to import a Speed Six or Speed Eight engine, put it in an American car as an engine swap, and then swap that into a TVR Rolling Chassis? That way, you’re not running an engine not intended for the car, but you seem to be following the rules if I understand them correctly. You’d probably have to modify it though, to meet EPA and DOT emissions.
conchobar said:
slow m said:
This is what I'm reading between the lines -please tell me if I'm wrong:
If you could purchase a new replacement chassis without any serial number, you could import this.
If you were to find some used parts like suspension bits, seats... and imported them separately -no red flags. Use an american powerplant -presto? Now I can license this as whatever I like as it is a homebuilt special?
Base on my understanding you are correct. This is what Noble does. I even believe Nobles comes with everything (seats, dials, electrical, etc) minus the engine and tranny. Because Noble is only selling parts, they bypass Federal regulations. The car is registered as a kit. From this standpoint, Noble is no different than Factory Five, or Superperformance. The problem is getting a clean chassis.If you could purchase a new replacement chassis without any serial number, you could import this.
If you were to find some used parts like suspension bits, seats... and imported them separately -no red flags. Use an american powerplant -presto? Now I can license this as whatever I like as it is a homebuilt special?
If everyone really wants a TVR, I am selling mine. Its a 1985 TVR Tasmin 280i. Send me an email at jterway@camden.rutgers.edu for more information. The car is in pristine condition and it only has 3,000 miles on it.
As for the wedge TVRs, when they were introduced, they were called Tasmins in both coupe and drophead form.
Then, in 1984, they introduced the numerical designation to distinguish between the Tasmin 280i, and TAsmin 350i, referring to all models after that strictly by the numerical models. They were brought into the US through the early 1987 model year, and after that, TVRs were imported into Canada until the mid 1990s.
Then, in 1984, they introduced the numerical designation to distinguish between the Tasmin 280i, and TAsmin 350i, referring to all models after that strictly by the numerical models. They were brought into the US through the early 1987 model year, and after that, TVRs were imported into Canada until the mid 1990s.
I haven't been checking the list of dealers, mainly because I wouldn't be able to afford a new one in any case and unfortunately have lost the ability to even consider an old one ((Not to get into it too deep, right now I just don't have the money.)). But they wouldn't really count; nothing against Bertone, but TVR to me means small shop built in England with the intent of being light like Colin Chapman thought was best, simple like Occam wanted, and powerful like CanAm builders achieved. Though the new ones, if they ever materialize, may meet the last three qualifications, they simply won't meet the first.
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