Attempts to Import a Tamora to the USA
Discussion
Hi All,
Ok, so here is my situation. I have been trawling threads and forums over the past few weeks researching the possibilities of bringing my 2004 TVR Tamora over to the US. I am a born and bred brit and have been living with my US wife in London for the past couple of years. After the birth of our first baby girl we have decided to move back to the USA. We have filed for the relevant Spouse visa and are expecting it to come through Sep/Oct this year.
I have a stunning 2004 TVR Tamora, with flip paint and only 20k on the clock which is my pride and joy. Am I right in assuming that I can bring the vehicle over for the duration of one year on a HS-7 Form? If so am I required to post a bond on the vehicle? Like by modifying it or declairing it as a kit car? I read the one year allowance is unextendable, if I was able to get it tagged and titled in the US as a 'prototype' or 'kitcar' how would I lose the temporary status? Would I have to declare it scrap first or something? I have read various articles whereby newer tvrs (above 25yrs old) have made it to the states, specifically Faisal Kahns' Cerbera. I have also read about the 2500 miles per year limited mileage for show and display purposes, is this still a feasable option? I mean, odometers break all the time right?!
Any advice on this subject would be greatly appreciated....I am not a dreamer asking hyperthetical questions, I am a genuine TVR owner, and I'm definately moving to the US, with or without the car! Thanks in advance for your time and I look forward to hearing any wise words of wisdom!!
Cheers
Rob
Ok, so here is my situation. I have been trawling threads and forums over the past few weeks researching the possibilities of bringing my 2004 TVR Tamora over to the US. I am a born and bred brit and have been living with my US wife in London for the past couple of years. After the birth of our first baby girl we have decided to move back to the USA. We have filed for the relevant Spouse visa and are expecting it to come through Sep/Oct this year.
I have a stunning 2004 TVR Tamora, with flip paint and only 20k on the clock which is my pride and joy. Am I right in assuming that I can bring the vehicle over for the duration of one year on a HS-7 Form? If so am I required to post a bond on the vehicle? Like by modifying it or declairing it as a kit car? I read the one year allowance is unextendable, if I was able to get it tagged and titled in the US as a 'prototype' or 'kitcar' how would I lose the temporary status? Would I have to declare it scrap first or something? I have read various articles whereby newer tvrs (above 25yrs old) have made it to the states, specifically Faisal Kahns' Cerbera. I have also read about the 2500 miles per year limited mileage for show and display purposes, is this still a feasable option? I mean, odometers break all the time right?!
Any advice on this subject would be greatly appreciated....I am not a dreamer asking hyperthetical questions, I am a genuine TVR owner, and I'm definately moving to the US, with or without the car! Thanks in advance for your time and I look forward to hearing any wise words of wisdom!!
Cheers
Rob
Thanks for the reply, I was under the impression that I could import it on the HS-7 form, section 5 on briitsh plates for the duration of 1 year. This bypasses US Legislation on bumper and emission regulations. This gentleman certainly did, I'd just like to know if anyone knew the outcome after the year was up, here's the article:-
http://www.pistonheads.com/tvr/features/usa/
http://www.pistonheads.com/tvr/features/usa/
fatbutt said:
You can import for a year but you then have to export the car or it gets crushed. There is no way to get the engine through EPA standards and importing minus engine is no longer an option (that backroute was closed due to it being abused by a certain manufacturer... *cough* Maclaren *cough*). Taking it to pieces isn't an option either (take a look at the EPA website).
The only real way is to bring it in and federalise it, which means basically redesigning a lot of it. You'll spend far more on it than the car is worth, hence why a Tuscan popped for for sale in the US a while ago for $150K.
In short, forget it. Sorry to be negative but I had a 2000 Griff in storage in Aberdeen for 6 months while I tried methods to get it imported and it all came to nothing.
Or, move to Canada who seem to be ok re. importing there
Appreciate the advise! I may just bring it over for a year anyway, then send it back to the uk. I'm not ready to give it up just yet! I can ship it RORO for under a grand and have already researched the insurance. I have read a little about canada too, it appears as though similar rules apply but instead of being exempt from dot/epa regulation after 25yrs it's 15...that doesn't help me much though!The only real way is to bring it in and federalise it, which means basically redesigning a lot of it. You'll spend far more on it than the car is worth, hence why a Tuscan popped for for sale in the US a while ago for $150K.
In short, forget it. Sorry to be negative but I had a 2000 Griff in storage in Aberdeen for 6 months while I tried methods to get it imported and it all came to nothing.
Or, move to Canada who seem to be ok re. importing there
Any idea's if I could just go on holiday to Mexico for a week then restart the year over?
V8 GRF said:
Hmm interesting. That $150k Tuscan is the one I referred to in my post above and it wasn't federalised in the sense of much being redesigned.
When was the loophole closed? I'll ask Mike about that next time I see him.
I'd be very interested to hear the outcome! I've emailed Faisal Kahn (the guy in the link above) to ask him if his Cerbera is still on the road in CA. Will let you know if he gets back to me, thanks again When was the loophole closed? I'll ask Mike about that next time I see him.
fatbutt said:
I was gutted about the griff. I also had a Tuscan and had to get rid of that too. I thought about a vette and its really not the same. I tried even going as far as a viper but the engine was horrible.
FYI: I imported by 1980 rolls royce really easily so I'm now customising that as my fun car
TVR's really don't suit the conditions here, or at least they wouldn't suit Houston. Too f'kin hot over here! And there are no corners to the roads. And as everyone drives a truck, no-one will see you while they drive/ text/ eat spagetti.
I know exactly what your saying about the roads/trucks/driving and heat! I am in New Orleans now (Bourbon Street tomorrow night!) and it is HOT! They are all very good reasons not to bring it over, but a little piece of England and the sheer rarity would be worth it to me, even if there is a glimmer of hope of keeping it here. FYI: I imported by 1980 rolls royce really easily so I'm now customising that as my fun car
TVR's really don't suit the conditions here, or at least they wouldn't suit Houston. Too f'kin hot over here! And there are no corners to the roads. And as everyone drives a truck, no-one will see you while they drive/ text/ eat spagetti.That's cool that you brought a roller over, that ticks the English and rare box- plus suits the roads and has air con too! may be something to consider in the future- For now I'm a 28yr old lad desperately trying to hold on to my TVR! I've only just bought the bloody thing too!
DonkeyApple said:
If you haven't ever heard this old chesnut, you must: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYOX-XNvutQ
Absolutely Brilliant!!Thanks for all the advice I have received. Unfortunately due to all the potentials for failure, expense and questionable legality I have decided against importing the Tvr to the states. I have since bought a Boxster S which I intend to bring over instead-I'll post pics later. It's rhd but as these are manufactured in the US as well I am assuming I can import it without all the hassle!
Not to deviate from the original subject too much, but I have researched it and what I understand is I can ship it (RORO service quoted at £950) pay import tax (2.5% £250 on the porsche) and just get it titled over there. Is this correct?
Gutted to be leaving the Tvr behind but think this is a much better route- any experience with this would be greatly appreciated. Once again, thanks for all the advice thus far!
Not to deviate from the original subject too much, but I have researched it and what I understand is I can ship it (RORO service quoted at £950) pay import tax (2.5% £250 on the porsche) and just get it titled over there. Is this correct?
Gutted to be leaving the Tvr behind but think this is a much better route- any experience with this would be greatly appreciated. Once again, thanks for all the advice thus far!
Cheers 'just me'. I'll give them a bell tomorrow and see what they say. The one I have bought has £20k worth of factory extras, it really is a one off which would cost a fortune to replicate. I'll post some pics if it ever stops raining!
Don't intend to convert it to LHD, I'm hoping I can take it across as is. With shipping/insurance and import tax I've worked it out to circa £1500. This, with what I paid for mine, is suprisingly still cheaper than buying even the factory equivalent year and mileage vehicle stateside. I did get it for a great price!
What does an RI actually do? As they manufacture porsches stateside I didn't think I'd need to mess around with all that stuff! I think my Porsche is listed on the 'eligible vehicles for import' list.
I haven't even looked into the export procedure from the uk. I believe I require an export cert of some kind?
Don't intend to convert it to LHD, I'm hoping I can take it across as is. With shipping/insurance and import tax I've worked it out to circa £1500. This, with what I paid for mine, is suprisingly still cheaper than buying even the factory equivalent year and mileage vehicle stateside. I did get it for a great price!
What does an RI actually do? As they manufacture porsches stateside I didn't think I'd need to mess around with all that stuff! I think my Porsche is listed on the 'eligible vehicles for import' list.
I haven't even looked into the export procedure from the uk. I believe I require an export cert of some kind?
Thanks again to everyone for all your input. I have hear a link to the Nhtsa website
http://www.nhtsa.gov/cars/rules/import/elig050108....
As I understand it this is a list of vehicles eligible for import to the US. In 2005 a petition was approved to import my Porsche. It was with this information I purchased the Porsche. I was under the impression that as it was 'eligible for import' no mods would be required. Am I hugely mistaken? The Porsche has had an absolute fortune spent on it, and I really would be devastated to have to sell. I really am not bothered about not being able to sell it on afterwards, I just want to bring it with me!!
http://www.nhtsa.gov/cars/rules/import/elig050108....
As I understand it this is a list of vehicles eligible for import to the US. In 2005 a petition was approved to import my Porsche. It was with this information I purchased the Porsche. I was under the impression that as it was 'eligible for import' no mods would be required. Am I hugely mistaken? The Porsche has had an absolute fortune spent on it, and I really would be devastated to have to sell. I really am not bothered about not being able to sell it on afterwards, I just want to bring it with me!!
Thanks again for your input 'just me'. My next port of call is an RI. I'm hoping for good news and little expense! Would it be easier/legal to bring it over as a tourist for the first year, then registering it after- or going for the import straight away? It's quickly becoming apparent why people just don't bother! Can't seem to post pics with the iPhone but I'll get some up soon
I specifically shot for a 2001 for this reason! Found a top spec one with fsh and only 39k on the clock. If the petition is already filed and approved, does that mean I can just quote the petition number on the paperwork and just register it without an RI? I'm constantly reading conflicting information!
That's brilliant news! Was hoping that was the case but this is my first (and probably last!) attempt at importing/ exporting a car. My wife, daughter and worldly possessions are already stateside- I'm just waiting in the uk for the lengthy visa process to be finalised. I hope to be moving over in September time- I'll let you know how it goes- thanks again!
Rjdm3- you seem to know exactly what you are talking about, I certainly appreciate the advice. Would it be possible to take the Porsche over on the temporary one year visa then transfer to the permanent one?
If my model has had the petition approved for import, I don't understand why my individual Porsche requires an inspection. Surely one model is the same as the next! What sort of waiting times/ costs are we talking about here? I'm waiting to hear back from an RI so still pretty much in the dark about the process and costs. If you could sex some more light on it I'd be grateful!
Cheers
Rob
If my model has had the petition approved for import, I don't understand why my individual Porsche requires an inspection. Surely one model is the same as the next! What sort of waiting times/ costs are we talking about here? I'm waiting to hear back from an RI so still pretty much in the dark about the process and costs. If you could sex some more light on it I'd be grateful!
Cheers
Rob
Here's a pic of the porsche. It's an 01' with full porsche history, 3.2s 6-speed 39k miles on the clock with £20K worth of factory upgrades including aero kit, brakes, suspension, exhaust, wheels etc. Also I've fitted it with a sports manifold, decat pipes, and performance filter. It really is a one off which would cost a fortune to replicate, hence why I would rather import then start again.
Cheers again for your assistance, I will keep this thread updated with progress including pricing, RI information and timescales for anyone interested. My intended import date is around Sept/Oct time, depending on when my US Visa comes through.
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