New Vehicles on the Approved and Not Approved List for Show or Display.

Anyone that checked the Approved/Disapproved List for Show or Display prior to May 2013, would have noticed that it hadn't been updated since March, 2011. So back in May, the new list came out with several new vehicles on each list.  Lots of Skyline GT-R's added to the list under the NOT side, but the NISMO added on the approved side. Check out all the cars  below. More info on each to come later.

Approved

2011 Aston Martin One-77 -YES

2012 BMW M3 CRT -YES

1995 Land Rover Vogue 25th Anniversary Final Edition -YES

1991 Maserati Shamal -YES

1990 Mercedes Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evolution II -YES

1990 Nissan Nismo R32 Skyline GT-R (BNR32-100000 to BNR32-100562) -YES

Two 1990 Nissan Skyline GT-R NISMO's

2004 Porsche 911 GT3 RS -YES

Japanese Classic Car Show in Long Beach September 28 from 9 am to 3 pm

The JCCS is coming up 28th of September at the Queen Mary in Long Beach. The ShoworDisplay Nismo R32 GT-R will be at the show, and we will be there answering any questions you have about importing vehicles that are over 25 years old, Show or Display, and any other importing or exporting questions you have. 

The show takes place next to the Queen Mary, opposite this spot

9th Annual Japanese Classic Car Show
Date: Sep.28th, Saturday 2013
Time:9 to 3pm
Event Address: Queen Mary Events Park (Harry Bridges Memorial Park)
1126 Queens Hwy, Long Beach, CA 90802
Friends,
The 9th Annual Japanese Classic Car Show will be held 9am-3pm on Saturday, September 28, 2013, along side the Queen Mary in Long Beach, CA.
In Japan, the number nine is pronounced "Ku"; the number is linked to hardships, or "kurou". The truth is, JCCS could not exist without tales of hardship. Anyone who has worked to put an old car together will know it's not easy. Finding cars. Finding parts. Making those parts fit. Getting everything running, on budget and on time. Even making it to the event--people come from far and wide, traveling hundreds of miles (and even across an ocean) to share in the annual kyu-sha celebration that is JCCS. Sacrifices must be made, always. Yet at the same time, the tougher the struggle, the sweeter the celebration. Our goal is to make the 9th JCCS the sweetest event yet for all who attend.
Also, the number 9 has a degree of finality to it--it means "the last." But it does not mean the end ... the number 9 is seen as the final stage to achieve before moving on to the next step, the next level. (Witness the Datsun Maxima, known as the Bluebird 910 ... it was the Bluebird generation used as a stepping stone to the ultra-luxury Maxima--a name and a concept of sporting luxury that continues even today. Or the Honda Coupe 9, which never made it Stateside but was a final evolution of its automotive vision at home, before Honda decided to export cars to America.) Next year will be JCCS' 10th anniversary--a milestone--but this year we're going to party like it's JCCS Number Nine. We remain grateful for the opportunity to show the world that Japanese cars and classic cars need not be mutually exclusive; with dedication and perseverance, the idea has taken hold.
We are very happy to welcome our newest auto manufacturer sponsor, American Honda. This is significant for several reasons. First, the popularity of Honda cars has been increasing rapidly in the last couple of years at JCCS. More owners are bringing out their restored or original Honda cars for the crowd to enjoy, and with Honda's participation, we can only expect this enthusiasm to increase. Second, and just as importantly, Honda is the only company that manufactures and imports both cars and motorcycles; indeed, Honda started as a bike company, and moved into cars in the early 1960s. The first Honda cars officially came to the US in 1970. Though they are relative newcomers compared to some other manufacturers, their cars quickly became the vehicles of a generation, leaving a deep and lasting impact on their owners--and the young passengers in back, many of whom have warm memories. We look forward to collaborating with American Honda, in order to show their rich and continuing history in the American market, on both two wheels and four. They join Toyota's and Mazda's continuing manufacturer-level support of JCCS.
Everyone here at JCCS looks forward to seeing you at the Queen Merry.

Road and Track Magazine Article : GT-R The Hard Way

1990 Nissan Skyline GT-R NISMO

Thanks to Alex and Chris over at Road and Track Magazine for their article on Show or Display, and the 1990 Nissan Skyline GT-R NISMO.  The Nissan Skyline GT-R has been my passion for many years.

Sean Morris was born to win battles with mountains of paperwork and unenthusiastic transportation officials. His website, showordisplay.com, is the latest effort in a lifetime spent pursuing the cars we’re not supposed to have. Call it the family business. Other Morris’ export travel trailers to Australia and shipped American muscle to Japan while the island economy boomed. Maybe there’s a genetic inclination toward patience as well as unburned hydrocarbons. It would have served well during the year-long wait for the GT-R’s exemption to appear in the mail.

My full story about applying for, and then importing the 1990 NISMO Nissan Skyline GT-R.
http://www.showordisplay.com/2012/12/1990-nissan-nismo-skyline-r32-gt-r.html

Approved Cars for Show or Display
Not Approved Cars

HELP

HOW YOU MAY APPLY FOR PERMISSION TO IMPORT

Your signed application must include, at a minimum:
1. Your name, address, phone number, and FAX number.
2. Vehicle identification – make, model, model year, VIN or chassis number,
engine number, date of manufacture and mileage.
3. Location where you will store the vehicle in the United States.
4. Statement describing use on the public roads, if intended. If on-road use is requested, identify the Independent Commercial Importer (ICI) that will modify the vehicle to bring it into conformity with the requirements of the Environmental Protection Agency.
5. Basis for the application.
6. Attachments:
1. Photographs – ¾ frontal, ¾ rear, interior, odometer reading and special features (if appropriate).
2. Document from manufacturer or recognized historical source, identifying total production (production verification).
3. Proof of insurance conditioned on limited on-road use (not more than 2,500 miles accumulated in any 12-month period).
4. Identification of vehicle’s:
1. Technological significance – You must identify (be specific) the technology, engineering, and construction features of the vehicle that are advanced and of an unusual nature not commonly found in motor vehicles manufactured in the same time period; or
2. Historical significance – You must identify the historical significance of the vehicle. If a person of historical significance owned the vehicle, you must submit proof that this person owned the vehicle. If the vehicle was the first or last vehicle of a particular model, you must establish this through the manufacturer’s documentation or, if this is not available, through a recognized historical source. If the vehicle was "one of a kind," you must establish this also.
Items of significance must be numerically listed followed by the reason why the item is of significance.
You may then mail the application to:

Import and Certification Division
Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance (NVS-223)
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
Room W45-205
Washington, DC 20590

ON-ROAD USE

A vehicle eligible for Show or Display may receive NHTSA approval to be driven on the highway. The odometer must not register more than 2,500 miles in a 12-month period. NHTSA approval of limited on-road use is to allow the vehicle to be driven to and from nearby displays of similar automobiles. Another reason permission is granted is to maintain the vehicle’s engine, braking, lighting, and other dynamic systems in good working order. The vehicle is still required to meet EPA requirements. If the original engine in the vehicle will be replaced with a non-original engine to meet EPA requirements, it must be identified in your application since it may impact on the technological or historical significance of the vehicle. Email me if you need help importing vehicles.

PAS Magazine Interview About the Show or Display Nissan Skyline GT-R

Nissan Skyline GT-R Key

A few months back I did a photo shoot and interview with Jacob Leveton for PAS Magazine about the NISMO R32 Nissan Skyline GT-R's I imported under Show or Display.

One small error. You don't need to bring in every car though a Registered Importer, just any car not over 25 years, or not under Show or Display. If the car is newer than 21 years, and coming in under Show or Display, you need an ICI.

You’ve become a bit of a guru on getting a car imported legally. In general, what does it take to bring a car into the U.S.?

You’ll need to bring any car in through a Registered Importer, which can bring it up to current Federal standards, but there are a several agencies you will need to be aware of, as each has its own requirements. 

NISMO Optional Parts Catalog

How does the Show or Display exemption work?

If you can convince the NHTSA the car you're trying to import is historically- or technologically-significant and it agrees, you can bring it in for “show or display” purposes, drive it on public roads for up to 2,500 miles per year, etc. There are many rules around it too; production numbers typically have to be fewer than 500 produced. It’s basically referred to as a Bill Gates / Paul Allen rule. Those guys pushed the law through to make the Porsche 959 legal for import. If you want to get a law like this changed, you may need Bill Gates and Paul Allen money.

Other cars on the “Show or Display” exemption list include: the McLaren F1, Bugatti EB110, Ford RS200, BMW Z1, Mercedes CLK-GTR Roadster and Lamborghini Diablo GT. Each had to be requested by someone who wanted to bring the car into the US, and get it approved. If it’s less than 21 years old, still needs to meet emissions regulations, so it needs to be brought in by an ICI (Independent Commercial Importer) who will have to bring the car up to emissions specs.

NISMO Nissan Skyline GT-R Brochure

Head over to PAS Magazine for the full article and interview.

http://www.25yearoldcars.com forum for discussion about importing vehicles over 25 years old to the US.

HELP

HOW YOU MAY APPLY FOR PERMISSION TO IMPORT

Your signed application must include, at a minimum:
1. Your name, address, phone number, and FAX number.
2. Vehicle identification – make, model, model year, VIN or chassis number,
engine number, date of manufacture and mileage.
3. Location where you will store the vehicle in the United States.
4. Statement describing use on the public roads, if intended. If on-road use is requested, identify the Independent Commercial Importer (ICI) that will modify the vehicle to bring it into conformity with the requirements of the Environmental Protection Agency.
5. Basis for the application.
6. Attachments:
1. Photographs – ¾ frontal, ¾ rear, interior, odometer reading and special features (if appropriate).
2. Document from manufacturer or recognized historical source, identifying total production (production verification).
3. Proof of insurance conditioned on limited on-road use (not more than 2,500 miles accumulated in any 12-month period).
4. Identification of vehicle’s:
1. Technological significance – You must identify (be specific) the technology, engineering, and construction features of the vehicle that are advanced and of an unusual nature not commonly found in motor vehicles manufactured in the same time period; or
2. Historical significance – You must identify the historical significance of the vehicle. If a person of historical significance owned the vehicle, you must submit proof that this person owned the vehicle. If the vehicle was the first or last vehicle of a particular model, you must establish this through the manufacturer’s documentation or, if this is not available, through a recognized historical source. If the vehicle was "one of a kind," you must establish this also.
Items of significance must be numerically listed followed by the reason why the item is of significance.
You may then mail the application to:

Import and Certification Division
Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance (NVS-223)
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
Room W45-205
Washington, DC 20590

ON-ROAD USE

A vehicle eligible for Show or Display may receive NHTSA approval to be driven on the highway. The odometer must not register more than 2,500 miles in a 12-month period. NHTSA approval of limited on-road use is to allow the vehicle to be driven to and from nearby displays of similar automobiles. Another reason permission is granted is to maintain the vehicle’s engine, braking, lighting, and other dynamic systems in good working order. The vehicle is still required to meet EPA requirements. If the original engine in the vehicle will be replaced with a non-original engine to meet EPA requirements, it must be identified in your application since it may impact on the technological or historical significance of the vehicle. Email me if you need help importing vehicles.

Driving the Show or Display Nismo R32 Skyline GT-R

"Took the Nismo R32 Skyline GT-R to Cars and Coffee a couple of weeks back. This is nothing more than a quick couple minutes of driving. No racing, no fast driving, just cruising. This 1990 Nissan Skyline GT-R Nismo is over 21 years old so its EPA exempt. In the video, I show the NHTSA letter granting permission to import the Nismo under the Show or Display exemption. For more information check out :http://www.showordisplay.com"


HELP

HOW YOU MAY APPLY FOR PERMISSION TO IMPORT

Your signed application must include, at a minimum:
1. Your name, address, phone number, and FAX number.
2. Vehicle identification – make, model, model year, VIN or chassis number,
engine number, date of manufacture and mileage.
3. Location where you will store the vehicle in the United States.
4. Statement describing use on the public roads, if intended. If on-road use is requested, identify the Independent Commercial Importer (ICI) that will modify the vehicle to bring it into conformity with the requirements of the Environmental Protection Agency.
5. Basis for the application.
6. Attachments:
1. Photographs – ¾ frontal, ¾ rear, interior, odometer reading and special features (if appropriate).
2. Document from manufacturer or recognized historical source, identifying total production (production verification).
3. Proof of insurance conditioned on limited on-road use (not more than 2,500 miles accumulated in any 12-month period).
4. Identification of vehicle’s:
1. Technological significance – You must identify (be specific) the technology, engineering, and construction features of the vehicle that are advanced and of an unusual nature not commonly found in motor vehicles manufactured in the same time period; or
2. Historical significance – You must identify the historical significance of the vehicle. If a person of historical significance owned the vehicle, you must submit proof that this person owned the vehicle. If the vehicle was the first or last vehicle of a particular model, you must establish this through the manufacturer’s documentation or, if this is not available, through a recognized historical source. If the vehicle was "one of a kind," you must establish this also.
Items of significance must be numerically listed followed by the reason why the item is of significance.
You may then mail the application to:

Import and Certification Division
Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance (NVS-223)
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
Room W45-205
Washington, DC 20590

ON-ROAD USE

A vehicle eligible for Show or Display may receive NHTSA approval to be driven on the highway. The odometer must not register more than 2,500 miles in a 12-month period. NHTSA approval of limited on-road use is to allow the vehicle to be driven to and from nearby displays of similar automobiles. Another reason permission is granted is to maintain the vehicle’s engine, braking, lighting, and other dynamic systems in good working order. The vehicle is still required to meet EPA requirements. If the original engine in the vehicle will be replaced with a non-original engine to meet EPA requirements, it must be identified in your application since it may impact on the technological or historical significance of the vehicle. Email me if you need help importing vehicles.

Nismo GT-R Show or Display Covered by GT Channel

This was fast.  GT Channel just shot this video yesterday, of the #500 Nismo Nissan Skyline GT-R, and they have it up already.  Check it out below.

www.gtchannel.com for exclusive photos of the GT-R. We feature the first 1990 Nissan GT-R NISMO R32 imported under the show or display exemption. Sean Morris, the owner, gives us a look at the car and how he brought it to the US.

HELP

HOW YOU MAY APPLY FOR PERMISSION TO IMPORT

Your signed application must include, at a minimum:
1. Your name, address, phone number, and FAX number.
2. Vehicle identification – make, model, model year, VIN or chassis number,
engine number, date of manufacture and mileage.
3. Location where you will store the vehicle in the United States.
4. Statement describing use on the public roads, if intended. If on-road use is requested, identify the Independent Commercial Importer (ICI) that will modify the vehicle to bring it into conformity with the requirements of the Environmental Protection Agency.
5. Basis for the application.
6. Attachments:
1. Photographs – ¾ frontal, ¾ rear, interior, odometer reading and special features (if appropriate).
2. Document from manufacturer or recognized historical source, identifying total production (production verification).
3. Proof of insurance conditioned on limited on-road use (not more than 2,500 miles accumulated in any 12-month period).
4. Identification of vehicle’s:
1. Technological significance – You must identify (be specific) the technology, engineering, and construction features of the vehicle that are advanced and of an unusual nature not commonly found in motor vehicles manufactured in the same time period; or
2. Historical significance – You must identify the historical significance of the vehicle. If a person of historical significance owned the vehicle, you must submit proof that this person owned the vehicle. If the vehicle was the first or last vehicle of a particular model, you must establish this through the manufacturer’s documentation or, if this is not available, through a recognized historical source. If the vehicle was "one of a kind," you must establish this also.
Items of significance must be numerically listed followed by the reason why the item is of significance.
You may then mail the application to:

Import and Certification Division
Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance (NVS-223)
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
Room W45-205
Washington, DC 20590

ON-ROAD USE

A vehicle eligible for Show or Display may receive NHTSA approval to be driven on the highway. The odometer must not register more than 2,500 miles in a 12-month period. NHTSA approval of limited on-road use is to allow the vehicle to be driven to and from nearby displays of similar automobiles. Another reason permission is granted is to maintain the vehicle’s engine, braking, lighting, and other dynamic systems in good working order. The vehicle is still required to meet EPA requirements. If the original engine in the vehicle will be replaced with a non-original engine to meet EPA requirements, it must be identified in your application since it may impact on the technological or historical significance of the vehicle. Email me if you need help importing vehicles.

1990 Nissan Nismo Skyline R32 GT-R - Approved

Check out the MotoIQ Radio Interview .

Over the last twelve or so years I have been working with Nissan Skyline GT-Rs and a fan of the car for even longer. In 2011, the 1989 Nissan Skyline GT-R turned 21 years old, I even made it a video about it. This is significant in regards to importing to the US, as a car that is 21 years old and in its original configuration, is exempt from Environmental Protection Agency(EPA) standards. However, as with many things run by the government, the National Highway Transport Safety Administration (NHTSA) requires vehicles to be over 25 years old to be exempt. Its one of those things that makes no sense, but just accept that is the way that it is. Questioning it does no good, but giving you a headache.

The Nismo R32 GT-R was sold as a homologation special for racing starting February 22,1990. 560 total cars were produced, only 500 were sold to the public. This meant that the car was going to be 21 years old, February 22, 2011. The 500 sold cars, and the fact that it was meant as a base for the race cars meant that it was a perfect candidate for the Show or Display exemption. Show or Display was a rule that allowed for certain historically or technologically significant vehicles to be imported to the US on a permanent basis without meeting federal motor vehicle safety standards. The rules allow for the cars to be driven up to 2500 miles per year, but they still need to meet EPA standards.

1990 Nismo R32 GT-R. #500

Now that the Nismo R32 is over 21 years old, it seemed like a good time to put in an application for Show or Display. Recently I had someone pick me up a copy of the FIA Homologation paperwork for the R32 GT-R. The paperwork contained lots of interesting pictures and information, and also part of my basis for my application for Show or Display.

So with the 21st birthday of the Nismo R32 come and gone, I wrote up a cover letter, put it together with some pictures, the FIA homologation paperwork on the car, and sent it to the NHTSA in Washington, DC.

Nismo R32 #500

That was March, 2011. I followed up several times, talked to DOT officials once, but left a ton of messages. Honestly I gave up on it. Then in September 2012, I opened up my mailbox, and there was a letter from the NHTSA. Opened it up and glanced though it....



GRANTED. Well it took a while, but it went though. The chassis numbers should be BNR32-100000 through BNR32 -100560, but that is close enough. Now just to the task of finding a car for a reasonable price. The exchange rate was/is making finding one difficult.  R-International found two cars.  #383, and #500.

BNR32-100500. Nismo #500

The 1990 Nissan Nismo Skyline GT-R “Nismo” should be eligible for Show or Display based on its technological significance and low production figures. The Nismo was launched on February 22, 1990 as a base model for Nissan's Group A and N1 racing cars. 

Out of a  total of 560 cars produced(1), only 500 cars were sold to the public, 60 cars were held back by Nissan for racing. Even though there were more than 500 total cars produced, this car is of exceptional significance because of its race history and following world wide.   The Nismo has a unique chassis code, making them immediately identifiable. BNR32-100000 though BNR32-100560.(2)

1 Dennis Gorodji, Nissan GT-R Supercar Born to Race (Dorset, Veloce,2009) 37

2 GT-R Magazine, Kotsu Times Sha Co. LTD 2011/March , Issue 97 136

Best Motoring Video. Regular R32 GT-R vs Nismo R32 GT-R.

HELP

HOW YOU MAY APPLY FOR PERMISSION TO IMPORT

Your signed application must include, at a minimum:
1. Your name, address, phone number, and FAX number.
2. Vehicle identification – make, model, model year, VIN or chassis number,
engine number, date of manufacture and mileage.
3. Location where you will store the vehicle in the United States.
4. Statement describing use on the public roads, if intended. If on-road use is requested, identify the Independent Commercial Importer (ICI) that will modify the vehicle to bring it into conformity with the requirements of the Environmental Protection Agency.
5. Basis for the application.
6. Attachments:
1. Photographs – ¾ frontal, ¾ rear, interior, odometer reading and special features (if appropriate).
2. Document from manufacturer or recognized historical source, identifying total production (production verification).
3. Proof of insurance conditioned on limited on-road use (not more than 2,500 miles accumulated in any 12-month period).
4. Identification of vehicle’s:
1. Technological significance – You must identify (be specific) the technology, engineering, and construction features of the vehicle that are advanced and of an unusual nature not commonly found in motor vehicles manufactured in the same time period; or
2. Historical significance – You must identify the historical significance of the vehicle. If a person of historical significance owned the vehicle, you must submit proof that this person owned the vehicle. If the vehicle was the first or last vehicle of a particular model, you must establish this through the manufacturer’s documentation or, if this is not available, through a recognized historical source. If the vehicle was "one of a kind," you must establish this also.
Items of significance must be numerically listed followed by the reason why the item is of significance.
You may then mail the application to:


Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance (NVS-223)
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
Room W45-205
Washington, DC 20590


ON-ROAD USE

A vehicle eligible for Show or Display may receive NHTSA approval to be driven on the highway. The odometer must not register more than 2,500 miles in a 12-month period. NHTSA approval of limited on-road use is to allow the vehicle to be driven to and from nearby displays of similar automobiles. Another reason permission is granted is to maintain the vehicle’s engine, braking, lighting, and other dynamic systems in good working order. The vehicle is still required to meet EPA requirements. If the original engine in the vehicle will be replaced with a non-original engine to meet EPA requirements, it must be identified in your application since it may impact on the technological or historical significance of the vehicle.

49 CFR 591.6 (2)

(2) A declaration made pursuant to §591.5(j)(1)(iii) and (j)(2)(i) shall be accompanied by a letter from the Administrator authorizing importation pursuant to §591.5(j)(1)(iii) and (j)(2)(i). Any person seeking to import a motor vehicle or motor vehicle equipment pursuant to those sections shall submit, in advance of such importation, a written request to the Administrator containing a full and complete statement identifying the equipment item or the vehicle and its make, model, model year or date of manufacture, VIN, and mileage at the time the request is made. The importer's written request to the Administrator shall explain why the vehicle or equipment item is of historical or technological interest. The importer shall also provide a statement that, until the vehicle is not less than 25 years old, (s)he shall not sell, or transfer possession of, or title to, the vehicle, and shall not license it for use, or operate it on the public roads, except under such terms and conditions as the Administrator may authorize. If the importer wishes to operate the vehicle on the public roads, the request to the Administrator shall include a description of the purposes for which (s)he wishes to use it on the public roads, a copy of an insurance policy or a contract to acquire an insurance policy, which contains as a condition thereof that the vehicle will not accumulate mileage of more than 2,500 miles in any 12-month period and a statement that the importer shall maintain such policy in effect until the vehicle is not less than 25 years old, a statement that the importer will allow the Administrator to inspect the vehicle at any time after its importation to verify that the accumulated mileage of the vehicle is not more than 2,500 miles in any 12-month period, and a statement that the vehicle will not be used on the public roads unless it is in compliance with the regulations of the Environmental Protection Agency.

Picture from Somatic Studios

Picture from Somatic Studios

Picture from Somatic Stuidos

Picture from Somatic Studios