1996-1997 Maserati Ghibli Cup - Approved

1996-1997 Maserati Ghibli Cup

With only 60 of these Maserati Ghilbli Cup produced, they fall well under the 500 maximum for Show or Display. It was more of a special version of the Maserati Ghilbli, still it managed to get approval for Show or display.

Check out this article on Pistonheads.

The Ghibli Cup was derived directly from the Open Cup racing version and modified for use on public roads. Launched at the Bologna Motor Show in December 1995, the 2-liter V6 was rated at 330 bhp at 6,500 rpm, giving the car an effective top speed of 270 km/h (168 mph). The torque value was very constant above 35 kgm from 3250 rpm to 6700 rpm. Compared to the normal Ghibli, the suspension was lowered and stiffened and the front discs were now drilled and equipped with Brembo calipers.

Externally, the car was somewhat understated but the game was given away by 5-spoke Speedline alloy wheels and the racing-type aluminium fuel cap at the base of the rear pillars. The discreet Ghibli Cup logo was located on the doors, only the Maserati badge gracing the boot-lid. Available colors were limited to red, white, yellow or a shade dubbed French Blue. The interior was the sportiest yet in the Biturbo family, though still cosy and well finished. It featured a Momo racing wheel, drilled aluminium pedals, carbon-fibre inserts and black Connolly leather seats.

Just 60 Ghibli Cups were made, each one bearing a numbered plaque on the dash, though interestingly a further 15 Ghibli Cups were produced upon request with a tweaked version of the 2.8-litre engine.

Source: Maserati

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.

2010 Morgan Aeromax - Approved

2010 Morgan Aeromax

2010 Morgan Aeromax

There were only 100 Morgan Aeromax's produced, meeting the first section of the Show or Display requirements. It really isn't very technologically or historically significant, but I think someone might have a soft spot for Morgans, so it was approved.  It has a BMW V8 engine, that is capable of meeting EPA requirements.

The Morgan Aeromax is a coupé variation of the Aero 8. Production was limited to 100 cars.

Source: Wikipedia

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.

1978 Australian Ford Falcon XC Bathurst Cobra - Approved

1978 Australian Ford Falcon XC Bathurst Cobra

1978 Australian Ford Falcon XC Bathurst Cobra

Australia has had its own division of Ford since 1925, unfortunately the Australian manufacturing is going to stop in October 2016 due to rising costs and slow sales. They build cars for the Australian market, that often aren't sold in other parts of the world. In this case, as a special last edition, they made 400 of these Ford Falcon XC Bathurst Cobras in 1978.  Now these cars are over 25 years old, and could be imported exempt from FMVSS.  Since there were only 400 cars produced, last of the run, this was a good car for Show or Display. 

"In 1978, Ford Australia unveiled plans for an all-new Falcon, dubbed the XD, that would be released in 1979. Unlike the current XC, the new model would be offered only as a four-door sedan or station wagon, meaning the two-door XC Hardtops of 1978 would be the last of that design.

In December 1977 Ford built 13 special order XC Falcon GS Hardtops. These cars were specially modified in the "Parts and Accessories" or P&A workshop, at Ford's Broadmeadows factory. All vehicles were modified and fitted with the body mods and mechanical specifications (including the "evolution" upgrades) approved by CAMSfor homologation. Changes were mostly designed to enhance race durability, these vehicles, often referred to as "Pre-Cobras", were inteneded to be raced by teams in the 1978 ATCC season. The changes made in these Hardtops later formed the basis the 30 Option 97 Cobras [1]

When final production of the XC Hardtop at the Broadmeadows Assembly plant ended in March 1978, 400 body shells were left unsold and Ford Australia faced a dilemma of how to market them, rather than scrapping them or attempting to sell them to customers who would otherwise wait for the XD. When an original proposal to turn these cars into Playboy-themed cars (complete with "bunny" decals) was rejected as sending the wrong image for a family car company, Ford turned to Edsel Ford II, then the Deputy Managing Director of Ford Motor Company who was touring Australia at the time. He and a local design team elected to capitalise onAllan Moffat and Colin Bond's crushing 1-2 finish at the 1977 Bathurst 1000 by creating a road car with a "totally American" look that could be homologated for racing, while at the same time offering enthusiasts the opportunity to own a street-legal version of Moffat's race car. The first prototype was built in late April 1978 and production began that same July.

The cars were painted bold blue and Olympic blue racing stripes and finished with snow white and "Cobra" emblems, a throwback to Carroll Shelby's Mustangs of the 1960s that made the car easily identifiable as a Fordmuscle car. Unusually, the bodyshells were painted blue first, the intended blue stripes then masked and the white coat painted over the top. Each of the cars was given its own individual serial number and fitted with a sequentially-numbered plaque (from 1 to 400) in the dash. The first 200 produced were given the 5.8L 351 Cleveland V8, while the other 200 received the 4.9L 302 Cleveland (the exception Build number 1 was a 302 and Build Number 351 was a 351).

Cobras were available with either automatic or manual transmission. Standard equipment included four-wheel disc brakes and limited slip axles, 15-inch Bathurst Globe wheels, front & rear spoilers and dual exhaust. The interiors were fitted with sport cloth seats in black with blue inserts and based on the 1978 Ford Falcon GS Coupe. From number 2 to 31 were known as Option 97, were fitted with optional parts to allow homologation for racing, including twin thermostatically controlled fans, an engine oil cooler and racing seats. They were identified from the other 370 Option 96 Cobras by a large rear-opening bulge in the hood. Allan Moffat raced a "look a like" Replica in 1978 Bathurst 1000.

Falcon Cobras are still highly revered by collectors across Australia and most still exist. A mint example can be worth upwards of $100,000."

Source: Wikipedia

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.

1990-1992 Lotus Opel Omega (LHD)

Here is another car that has been approved for Show or Display. They are getting close to being 25 years old, so if you wanted to wait, you could always wait until the car is 25 years old.  Very specific it having to be left hand drive (LHD). The prices overseas look like they are in the $40,000 range for one of these cars. 3.6 liter twin turbo.  377 horsepower, 177 mph sedan. Looks and sounds like a fun car.

3.6 liter twin turbo. 

Performance modifications started with an upgraded engine, which was enhanced by Lotus from the standard Opel 2969 cc 24v straight six unit (used in the GSi). The engine was enlarged to a capacity of 3615 cc.[2] Lotus then added twin Garrett T25 turbochargers, which provide up to 0.7 bar of boost from about 1500 rpm. The original distributor ignition system of the engine was replaced with a three-coil wasted spark system. The distributor drive was re-purposed as a water pump drive for the water-air intercooler circuit. The intercooler itself is manufactured by Behr and is capable of reducing the temperature of the compressed charge from 120°C to 60°C.[3][4]

In addition to fitting two turbochargers and an intercooler system, Lotus directed a number of engineering changes to the engine so that it would perform reliably with the higher power output. To cope with the higher cylinder pressures (about 95 bar), the external webbing on the engine block was reinforced. The crankshaft was replaced as well; early development crankshafts were machined from billet steel in Italy, but the production units were forged by Opel and sent to Maschinenfabrik Alfing Kessler for machining. The cylinder head was left mostly the same as the 24-valve head from the Opel Omega, although the combustion chamber was milled to reduce the static compression ratio to 8.2:1 (from 10.0:1). The engine is fitted with forged slipper pistons produced by Mahle. Piston connecting rods were replaced with new units made to an original Lotus design.[3]

The same six-speed manual ZF transmission as fitted to a contemporary Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1 was used to transfer this power to the rear wheels via a rear limited-slip differential from the V8

For more information on the Lotus Opel Omega check out Wikipedia.

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.

Nissan Figaro : Autoweek : Perfect Example of Import vs Registration

1991 Nissan Fiagaro

When it comes to vehicle import and registration, it seems like it is a tough concept for a lot of people to grasp. They assume that having something, possessing something means that item is legal. However in the real world, you can often get by/go around the laws. Often inadvertently, sometimes purposefully. This article in Autoweek points out some interesting points.

In this case a 1991 Nissan Fiagro that is legal in Canada, because it is over 15 years old, was purchased by a man in Massachusetts.

Costello spotted this Figaro on eBay a year ago, having been brought in from Canada. He was searching for antique cars on eBay at the time, but the Figaro popped up through a fluke in the listing system.

“So before I bought the car I brought them [Massachusets DOT] a photo of the car and an 8x11 copy of the title. So they did a dry run and told me that I could, in fact, buy the car 'cause it was a kit. And I said 'No it's not a kit. It's a car.' We went back and forth, and they said 'Well, you can register that car 'cause it's titled.' So I went and bought the car.”

Read more: http://www.autoweek.com/article/20130809/carnews01/130809852#ixzz2jtQpTpp4
Follow us: @AutoweekUSA on Twitter | AutoweekUSA on Facebook

The Massachusets DOT is not the FEDERAL DOT. It is a local agency that handles vehicle registration, not vehicle importation.

The NHTSA - DOT are the ones that handle vehicle import. In this case, since the car was in Canada, it was likely just driven though the border. Vehicle import is not a huge issue from Canada to the US, but Canadian cars still need to meet US standards to be legally imported.  Driving though the border, is not a legal importation.   To legally import this car, the importer would have had to fill out a:

HS7 - NHTSA import form

and a 3520-1 - EPA import form

It would have likely been stopped at the border, because currently the laws do not allow this car. Show or Display - this car is on the list of vehicles not approved for import.  More than 500 of them made, and it is not of any historical or technological significance. It may have retro styling, but styling alone isn't enough to qualify for Show or Display. However, this car is nearly 25 years old, and will be eligible for importation in 2015-2016.

Even though the registration went smoothly, the inspection did not, and it was at that point that Costello was told that he couldn't register the car for road use.

“Kits in Massachusetts have to go to what they call a MAAC center, where they inspect your car for safety features, brakes, seatbelts, and other things you need to stay alive in a crash. So it was then that I was told by the registration that, 'No, you cannot have this car.' So by then I had spent a pile of money, and they already said I could register it, so through the help of the officer at the MAAC center who was very kind, and listened to all I had to say, went on our behalf to the higher-ups, and got the attention of the director. They made a special exemption and classified it as an antique.”

Needless to say, Costello's experience is probably unrepeatable in Massachusetts or almost anywhere else in the U.S. for that matter, so don't try this at home, even with adult supervision. This could have easily ended with Costello being unable to register the car for a few years till it turned 25, and that would have been a best-case scenario given some other alternatives.

Read more: http://www.autoweek.com/article/20130809/carnews01/130809852#ixzz2jtRcZ5uS
Follow us: @AutoweekUSA on Twitter | AutoweekUSA on Facebook

So as far as registration went, he got an exemption. Still doesn't change the fact that it wasn't imported correctly.   This is always something to look out for. Illegally imported vehicles are like hot potatoes. The last one holding it, is the one that gets BURNED. It has happened numerous times over the years. Don't give anyone in the government a reason to seize your car, that you worked hard to buy. Import it correctly. Follow the rules. If you don't want to follow the rules, then know the risks.

US Customs Crushes a Land Rover Defender

Seized Nissan Skyline GT-R R33 For Sale on ebay

Sentence Handed Down Over Illegal Cars from Canada



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Source: Autoweek