Importing Ultima to the USA

[d3vine]

Hi everyone, I've considered to purchase an Ultima from Europe and import it to the states. If the block is pre-1970s, would there be any problems clearing customs? Will it be as easy as importing a 1960s-70s Mini Cooper from Europe? One of my friend imports classic Minis to the states and he said there's no problems. It's very straight forward, no issues at all. I just want to get people's experiences with importing Ultima's to the states. Thanks.

[mkoch1]

It can not come through customs with a motor in it or DOT will classifiy it as a car. The 70's block gets you pass emissions but not saftey stuff like crash testing. Do it like the factory and have the engine and trans removed and shipped seperatly.

mark

[ROWDYRENAULT]

you didn't mention which state. Mark is right as far as the feds go but be sure that you don't get tripped up by the states requirments. In California you could brinG it in under SB100 but I would suggest that you take a hard look befoer you proceed. Just to make sure you don't paint yourself into a corner. Lee

[d3vine]

Thanks Mark and Lee. By the way, I'm in Washington, DC. I hope my state requirement isn't as strict as California's...

[mkoch1]

you need to find out if DC does it's emmisions off the year of the motor or off the year of the frame. MD does it off the frame but the DMV told me that most states base it off the motor.

mark