Importing Ultima to USA as a kit?

[dantm]

Is there any way to take apart a vehicle purchased in the UK such that it can be imported into the US as a kit?

I am interested in acquiring one of these vehicles but:

(a) they don't come up for sale in the US all that often and when they do they are very pricey;

(b) I don't have the mechanical ability to complete one from scratch, but I do have the ability to maintain and upgrade one;

Hence ordering a kit from the UK is out of the question, and from what I'm reading importing a complete vehicle is very difficult if not impossible (DOT certification, etc.) or may not even be possible altogether.

Any thoughts? Thank you!

[Paul.B]

I would start by talking to the factory. They would know under what conditions a kit/built car could be taken over to the states. One option may be to buy the kit and get somebody to build it for you.

Good luck

[dantm]

Paul.B said:

I would start by talking to the factory. They would know under what conditions a kit/built car could be taken over to the states. One option may be to buy the kit and get somebody to build it for you.

Good luck

I will try to give them a call. Issue is that with somebody building it as an order it will probably be the most expensive option...what I'd like to do is scoop up one of the UKP30-40K cars and bring it in...from reading on these cars the least cost you can build them for at least 2X that amount in the US.

[JoulesCanAm]

You would have to import a rolling chassis with no transmission and engine, which would likley have to be shipped completely independently of the roller. I am not sure of the implications of a previously titled car, it may only be possible on an MSO, whcih means buying a roller from the factory, something like $89K or teh fcatory offer a good deal on shipping of a kit (all options ship for one price).

That said with the exchange rate and shipping/import costs I think you'd be better off buying in the US. IMO comparably built cars cost similar to build in both countries and fetch similar money used, although it appears there is more availability of low end builds in the UK, not to be unexpected being a British car.

This just sold on Ebay in TX;
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Ultima-GTR-500-/320...

One local owner here sold his almsot completed GTR with LS7 for $55K maybe 6 months ago. If you want a CanAm mine will be up for sale soon at $85K and it's a professional build with 600HP 427CI Dry sump Dart aluminum block and Kinsler EFI, mated to a Powerhaus upgraded G50/50.

Good luck,
Julian

Edited by JoulesCanAm on Tuesday 8th November 23:02

[dantm]

Julian,

The TX car is in the price range that I'm looking to spend, and if there were more available then this would be a no-brainer (i.e. buying it locally in the US). The previous car that I had seen come up for sale was ~1.5 years ago on LotusTalk and it was a blue GTR out of WA state; I think it went for $40K but it needed some engine tuning as it wasn't running right. However if I recall the build quality was good to excellent on that vehicle...

[UltimaCH]

If you get one from GB, don't forget that the steering will most likely be on the wrong side..., or is it the ROW who drive on the wrong side?

[Graham-P]

[dantm]

UltimaCH said:

If you get one from GB, don't forget that the steering will most likely be on the wrong side..., or is it the ROW who drive on the wrong side?

Actually I would much prefer that steering wheel arrangement, really...

[Verde]

You may be making this too hard. I recently purchased an Ultima in the U.S., had to move it to CA and have it licensed/registered. Clearly and high dive in to a very small cup. But having just done so, I should pass along that there are really no 'inexpensive' pre-built Ultima's. Unless it is some fire sale, the going rate in the U.S. hovers around $100K for a well constructed car. If you seek a partial build, they also exist out there but it very well might be a test of ones skills. Not being critical, but having considering a build myself, I looked at 'well constructed' cars and realized that the skill to produce one exceeded my personal capabilities.
I would suggest you send out as many feelers as you can. On this 'for sale' site, on LotusTalk, on 6Speed and others. After looking for some time, I got a call from someone I had never met, I flew to meet the builder and the car, and ended up with both a friendship and a great car.
Best of luck.

[JoulesCanAm]

Verde,

Good to see you found the car for you, is it a GTR or Canam? Where in CA are you?

Julian

[Verde]

Thanks Julian. I found a red GTR in Florida with an LS7 and much other extra and excellent work. I've had a few minor teething issues (some just my being new to the car) but it's quite amazing.
I'm in the Bay Area, on the peninsula.
V

JoulesCanAm said:

Verde,

Good to see you found the car for you, is it a GTR or Canam? Where in CA are you?

Julian