1989 – 1994 Nissan Skyline R32 GT-R - Not Approved

1989 – 1994 Nissan Skyline R32 GT-R

1993 Nissan Skyline GT-R Vspec

Show or Display is a special exemption. In order to get the exemption, you need to meet the requirements of the rule. In this case, the normal 1989-1994 Nissan Skyline GT-R (R32) does not meet these requirements. There were over 40,000 R32 GT-R's made from 1989-1994. This is well outside the normal 500 maximum for Show or Display.

We have people say to us all the time, "I want to import my 1992 Nissan Skyline under Show or Display." However this is not possible. The most realistic(least amount of money) way to import a Nissan Skyline less than 25 years old currently, is to WAIT until it is 25 years old. If you can't wait, there are other processes to import cars legally, but they are time consuming and expensive.

The 1990 NISMO version of the R32 was approved. The NISMO's are unique. Only 560 made. 500 sold to the public. They have unique chassis numbers.  So the car has to have chassis number BNR32-100000 to BNR32-100560, to be eligible for Show or Display.  Currently chassis number 167 is on ebay, if you are looking for a legally imported Nissan Skyline GT-R. Once it turns 25 years old in February 2015, the car will no longer be bound to the Show or Display requirements, and revert to a normal 25 year old vehicle, therefore exempt from FMVSS and mileage requirements.

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1991 – 1996 Honda Beat - Not Approved

1991 – 1996 Honda Beat - Not Approved

1991 – 1996 Honda Beat - Not Approved

The Honda Beat is a cool little sporty kei car, that unfortunately was not eligible for Show or Display. However in a couple of years, the 1991's will be 25 years old and eligible for import under that exemption.Rear wheel drive, 656 cc engine with 63 horsepower, 8100 rpm, and a manual transmission. It wouldn't set the world on fire, but not everything needs 1000 horsepower(maybe).

However they made 33,600 of the cars, so well in excess of the 500 normally allowed for Show or Display. So this one is a no go.

The Honda Beat is a rear wheel drive, mid-engined two-seat roadster kei car produced from May 1991 to February 1996. The Beat was the last car to be approved by Soichiro Honda before he died in 1991. The total number of cars produced was around 33,600. Most of the production (around two-thirds) occurred in the first year, and then production and sales fell drastically.In typical Honda fashion, the Beat's engine did not utilize a turbocharger or supercharger. The 656 cc (40.0 cu in) engine was modified with the MTREC (Multi Throttle Responsive Engine Control) system, with individual throttle bodies for each of the three cylinders, to produce 64 PS (63 bhp) at 8100 rpm with an electronically limited top speed of 135 km/h (84 mph). Only a manual transmission was available. The MTREC design would filter down to the 1993 Honda Today kei car.

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1998-2009 Chevrolet Jimny - Not Approved

1998-2009 Chevrolet Jimny - Not Approved

People try and get all kinds of vehicles on the Show or Display list. In this case, they seemed to try and get the 1998-2009 Chevrolet Jimny, or the Suzuki Jimny on the list of approved vehicles. Someone may have only asked for one year, but its possible, the NHTSA decided to cover them all at once with one denial.

1) Less than 500 made?
2) Historically significant?
3) Technologically significant?

Nothing over the top. Nothing special. This one was denied, as could be expected.

The Jimny replaced the popular Sierra/Samurai model in most markets (European introduction was in Paris, 1998^[20]), though its predecessor remains in limited production in some places. For the domestic market, a 660 cc K6A-engined version suited for the Kei Jidosha class answers for most Jimny sales.

The larger 1.3-litre Jimny was originally equipped with the G13BB engine also used in the JB32. The 80 hp (60 kW) G13BB engine was replaced in Japan with the January 2000 introduction of the newly designed VVT16-valve M-engine, but soldiered on in Spanish-built softtops until 2005.^[21] For the continental European market, where the diesel cars hold a significant market share, in 2004 the turbodiesel Jimny JB53 was introduced, built by Santana and using a Renault-built DDiS 1,461 cc K9K engine. Power was originally 65 hp (48 kW) but was increased to 86 hp (64 kW) in 2005, the same as in gasoline versions.^[19] It was discontinued in 2011, and was never available in Britain and Ireland.

Jimny features a part-time 4WD system. On its dashboard, there are three buttons - 2WD, 4WD and 4WD-L. The 2WD is default when it runs as RWD. When 4WD is pressed, the front wheels are also engaged as drive with high gears. The 4WD-L engages front wheels as well as low ratio gears. Being a part-time 4WD, there is no center differential or viscous coupling. The Jimny should not be driven on normal road surface in 4WD mode. In Japan the "Sierra" name was revived in January 2002, when 1.3 liter Jimnys began to be sold as the "Jimny Sierra" rather than as the "Jimny Wide".

Since 1999, GM Colmotores have been assembling the 1.3-litre, 79 hp (59 kW) JB33 with the name "Chevrolet Jimny" in Bogotá, Colombia.^[22]

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2000 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Tommi Makinen Edition RD- RHD - Not Approved

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Tommi Makinen Edition 

2000 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Tommi Makinen Edition RD- RHD

Evos are cool cars. 4G63 powered, all wheel drive. 4 doors. Even though they are a heavily front drive platform, they preform well on the track, and in rallying, which is where this special edition gets its name. Tommi Makinen was a four time World Rally Champion that drove the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution in each. This car was a variation on the normal Lancer Evolution. I haven't seen any production numbers, but it seems that more than 500 were produced. This vehicle was not approved for Show or Display.  Fun car, too bad.

Yet another special edition Evolution VI was released in 1999: the Tommi Mäkinen Edition, named after Finnish rally driver Tommi Mäkinen that had won Mitsubishi four WRC drivers championships. It featured a different front bumper, Red/Black Recaro seats (with embossed T. Mäkinen logo), 17" Enkei white wheels, a leather Momo steering wheel and shift knob, a titanium turbine that spooled up more quickly, front upper strut brace, lowered ride height (with tarmac stages in mind), and a quicker steering ratio. Amongst other colours, the Evo VI came in either red (Tommi Mäkinen Edition only), white, blue, black or silver with optional special decals, replicating Tommi Mäkinen's rally car's colour scheme. This car is also sometimes referred to as an Evolution 6½, Evolution 6.5, or TME for short.

Evo Magazine buying guide for the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution - TME.

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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.

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.