Griffith for the US of A please

[geeman237]

I have mentioned on a few threads about bringing a Griffith to the USA in 2017 when they become legal to import due to the US rolling 25 year rule.

Its still early days but I am putting this out there in the hope I can find the right car when the time comes, perhaps with the help of this forum. I am prepared to pay a finders fee to anyone who puts me onto the right car that ends in a sale.

The car must be 25 years old at the time of import into the USA, either by date of manufacture or registration. So I can't import a March registered car in January 2017. The car will not require any modifications to meet any US regulations, except headlights. It will not require emission equipment/cats etc. However, each state will have separate emission requirements once registered. I am in South Carolina and there are no emissions testing or any sort of MoT! (yeehaaar).

I am wanting a car in excellent condition, preferably with as a complete service history as possible, handbooks, roof panel cover bag, etc. I'd really like a 430 but I'm more interested in condition over 400 or 430. I'd like close to factory original as possible, but open to some upgrades.

I have experience of shipping a car to the US when I emigrated in 2004 and would be looking to ship RoRo from Southampton direct to Charleston, SC, so I am aware of the process.

From what I have been reading 1992 production was around 600 cars and survival rates are now low. I just passed on a stunning green 430 because it wasn't registered until Sept '92. I considered proper storage but letting a Griffith sit for over a year will not do it any favours so it seems. I may regret that decision.

So, if you have a car you may consider selling or know of a car that may be available please drop me a PM.

I may be coming over to the UK in November for the NEC Classic Motor Show.

I don't think there will be a huge demand for Griffiths for the US market due to right hand drive fears, emission testing, no one here with repair knowledge, and the fact that the cars are just not known to 99% of the petrol heads population over here.

Thank you for your consideration.

[UKAuto]

It sounds like you are OK with RHD - and that helps you with a wide open selection. With that said there are two 4.3 left hand drive cars for sale currently in Ontario. In my opinion the better of the two cars is the less expensive of the two. It has been treated very well, has been garaged, and not thrashed. The roof is due to be replaced, and there was on nasty paint chip that warrants a nose repaint in my opinion.

I don't know the build month, but worth checking in to it.

You will find it on the TVR Car Club website classifieds (tvrccna.org)

You save on shipping, the LHD does keep resale higher as well - if you are considering the investment side of things.

[geeman237]

UKAuto said:

It sounds like you are OK with RHD - and that helps you with a wide open selection. With that said there are two 4.3 left hand drive cars for sale currently in Ontario. In my opinion the better of the two cars is the less expensive of the two. It has been treated very well, has been garaged, and not thrashed. The roof is due to be replaced, and there was on nasty paint chip that warrants a nose repaint in my opinion.

I don't know the build month, but worth checking in to it.

You will find it on the TVR Car Club website classifieds (tvrccna.org)

You save on shipping, the LHD does keep resale higher as well - if you are considering the investment side of things.

Thank you. I have seen both of those cars. LHD commands a healthy premium I am not prepared to pay. As I'm originally from the UK and have 3 RHD cars here in the USA already, its not a problem for me Both are 1993 so that means a wait to 2018....no dealio.

[geeman237]

A deal is done. One 1992 430 starting its journey across the pond. Its off into storage until later next year when it reaches 25 years old.
Thanks to the BREXIT vote my dollar went a little further too

[cjb44]

geeman237 said:

A deal is done. One 1992 430 starting its journey across the pond. Its off into storage until later next year when it reaches 25 years old.
Thanks to the BREXIT vote my dollar went a little further too

Can I ask what is the British registration number on this car?

Thanks.

[geeman237]

cjb44 said:

geeman237 said:

A deal is done. One 1992 430 starting its journey across the pond. Its off into storage until later next year when it reaches 25 years old.
Thanks to the BREXIT vote my dollar went a little further too

Can I ask what is the British registration number on this car?

Thanks.

Until the car is actually safely tucked in my garage I won't say right now.