GTR Import to US
Discussion
Greetings,
I am hoping to become a first time owner of an Ultima GTR (used). My purchase will depend on determining whether I can actually bring the car into the US legally. Do any of you who are current US owners have any experience, importing successfully from Europe, a fully running GTR? Any recommendations/advice are most appreciated.
Thanks!
I am hoping to become a first time owner of an Ultima GTR (used). My purchase will depend on determining whether I can actually bring the car into the US legally. Do any of you who are current US owners have any experience, importing successfully from Europe, a fully running GTR? Any recommendations/advice are most appreciated.
Thanks!
As I understand this you cannot import a assembled Ultima into the US, The factory build cars are ships without engines and transaxles in the car. A car that was build and registered outside the US can not be registered, Does not meet crash regulations. Saying that you should call the factory they will know what can and cannot be done. Best to purchase a car that has been build and registered in the US. Also most cars build in Europe at Right hand drive which would be to say the lease strange to drive in the US. Changing a car from right hand drive would be a challenge.
I have been researching EPA and DOT regulations and it looks like an imported used Ultima would have to comply at the Federal level. State testing for emissions can be minimal, which is unfortunate since an imported car cannot pass state and not Federal. There is hopefully a way to either easily make the car pass the regs or get an exception. I’m currently checking with a Registered Importer to see what options they can find.
As a note, this particular GTR has most of what I’m looking for. I have not come across one for sale in the US like it.
As a note, this particular GTR has most of what I’m looking for. I have not come across one for sale in the US like it.
I'm afraid it's not going to happen as a complete car unless it's 25 years old or you import it for "racing purposes only" and it will have to remain that.
To bring it in disassembled you would likely have to have an MSO (Manufacturers statement of Origin) and show that it has not been previously titled or registered, plus it would have to be essentially still a kit i.e. all the components separately. There is language about an assembled body and chassis less engine/transmission still being a motor vehicle to prevent what you are suggesting.
The US is very stringent on importing vehicles, even more so on kit cars or vehicles that were not sold in the US that don't meet federal regulations. I sold a 1993 US built GT40 replica to a guy in Canada, had all the paperwork he required for first issue of VIN, title and registration etc. I got a call from a potential buyer a few years later as the US Customs would not allow the car to be re-imported to the US, despite having been exported from here previously.
To bring it in disassembled you would likely have to have an MSO (Manufacturers statement of Origin) and show that it has not been previously titled or registered, plus it would have to be essentially still a kit i.e. all the components separately. There is language about an assembled body and chassis less engine/transmission still being a motor vehicle to prevent what you are suggesting.
The US is very stringent on importing vehicles, even more so on kit cars or vehicles that were not sold in the US that don't meet federal regulations. I sold a 1993 US built GT40 replica to a guy in Canada, had all the paperwork he required for first issue of VIN, title and registration etc. I got a call from a potential buyer a few years later as the US Customs would not allow the car to be re-imported to the US, despite having been exported from here previously.
Gassing Station | Ultima | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff