Grey in the USA

1968 Fiat 500 for 5 Grand

2010-07-13T11:25:00.000-04:00

One of my favorite cars is the original Fiat 500. Produced from 1957 through 1975, the cinquecento was Italy's answer to the VW Beetle and was sold sparingly in the US for only a few years. The US cars are distinguishable by their oversized headlights. This is an original Euro-market 1968 Fiat 500 (F?) for sale on Craigslist in Southern Maryland for only $5,000.

Most Fiat 500s in the USA that are in halfway-decent condition have been selling for around $10-15k for the last few years, which makes this an interesting find. It doesn't appear to be a heap, and even if it needed some fixin' up it is still a great deal - parts are very easy to find on eBay and from Europe. The car has an aftermarket roof and tail lights (and is that a satellite radio antenna?), which imply that somebody has at least been looking after this car recently. The background hints that it may have even been garaged! And it may or may not be for sale by Superman.

Just finding one of these for sale in Maryland is interesting enough for me, but the price is great. I just wish I could afford to spend any money right now, because I have wanted one of these for years. When I lived in Amsterdam, I was even working with a shop in Holland and supplier in Italy to restore and export Fiat 500s to America (surprise: didn't work out). The last one I checked out was in DC two years ago and was $12k firm, and it wasn't perfect. Somebody snap this up, it's been on Craigslist for over a month! Contact Carlton at two four zero, four three one, ninety-four thirty-nine. If you still want something even cheaper, check out this $500 Fiat Nuova 500 in Texas!

Source: Craigslist via Microcar News Online 1, 2

BaT Repost - 1972 BMW 2002tii

2010-06-10T10:57:00.002-04:00

I saw this on Bring a Trailer this morning and just had to comment briefly, what a beauty! The BMW 2002 is a favorite of mine, and this is exact the type of car that I would want if I were in the market. From the color to the condition to the history, it's a wonderful find. Currently for sale here on eBay with bidding up to $12k, r.n.m. I'm sure the ol' BaT Bump will help it reach the reserve, which the seller says isn't far from the starting bid.

It's a three-owner Euro car imported to California when it was one year old. It has been well-maintained and looks great despite a few imperfections. The original 4-speed manual is still in the car, but a new 5-speed is included with the sale. The suspension, rims, diff, lights, lines, etc., were all upgraded by the current seller and are very tasteful improvements. I can't say the same thing for the steering wheel, but it's easy enough to personalize. I'd follow BaT's advice to a T and spend a bit on a vintage Bimmer wheel. I'd probably also want to do something about the stained seats and maybe the cracked dash, and definitely repair the minor rust in the driver door and trunk lid. All in all it should still be a great deal on a great car.

Sources: Bring a Trailer, eBay ad

Same Day Update: Reserve is met and bidding is up to $13,999.

Submissions Wanted - Share Your Experience

2010-06-09T13:31:00.001-04:00

So this site has been online for 7 months now, and the hit counter is approaching 10,000 pageviews. About half of the visits come from search engines, often linking directly to a post about a car someone searched for on Google (the Renault 5 Turbo is the most "hit" car on this site). It's probably no surprise that most visits come from North America as well. What this means to me is that there are really a good amount of people interested in grey market cars, whether they know about the grey market or not, and they're hitting this site when searching for more information.

I wish I were more of a valuable resource on the subject, but my experiences are limited, and we can only gather so much from reading public information and classifieds. That's where you come in! If you've ever dealt with a grey market car are and are willing to share your stories and experiences with us, please shoot me an email at greyintheusa [at] gmail {dot} com (I have to write it that way or I'll get tons of spam).

We would love to hear about your grey market car, where it came from, shipping and customs recommendations, complications you've encountered, loopholes that are helpful to know, basically anything that can help the grey market enthusiasts among us learn more about the ins and outs of the process so we can more easily put it to use. I'm especially interested in hearing from people who've dealt with late model cars that don't have model-wide DOT and EPA approvals. Many owners of these cars are tight-lipped about the road to their car's legitimacy, especially when trying to sell the car, which makes me weary of fraudulent methods. But I want to get deeper into the subject and the legal means for getting a car cleared and tagged.

Any information you send can be credited anonymously if you prefer, and I can't say I'll use everything, but I'll do the best I can to pass along all the good info that I get. Also, thanks to all who've written to me so far!

Bookends - Jaguar XJ220

2010-06-06T23:51:00.004-04:00

Around the mid-90s, a few years before I was even old enough to drive, a company called IMP started sending out free samples of a publication called Hot Cars (you may have received them, too). They were single-sheet glossy folders full of vivid pictures and mostly-accurate information about a random assortment of exotic and classic autos. Upon receiving the first 8-folder packet free, if you were so inclined, you could subscribe and get new folders every few weeks in the mail. I thought it was interesting that they covered cars available all over the world, not just the US. The first packet included the XJ220 folder. This was my entry into the car world - the free unsolicited info about the XJ220. And yes, I subscribed - I have 3 or 4 large binders full of these! haha...

Anyway, even when Show or Display was just a twinkle in Bill Gates' eye, I was enamored with the XJ220. It was the first 1/18 scale model I bought, which I still have. Against all the odds, I found out online that one XJ220 lived in Maryland in the late 90s, imported as a racecar around 1994. It was a road version that was bought new by a Maryland resident, stripped down to its bare essentials by Tom Walkinshaw of TWR/JaguarSport semi-fame, and brought over for off-road use only. Even better, it was on display in an exotic car dealership 30 minutes from my home (but not for sale, darn). Eventually my dad agreed to take me there to see it, a Jalpa, an Anniversary Countach, and some other 80s-90s fantasy cars that I had been drooling over. That was when I decided I wanted to be in the exotic car game, and I started buying and selling cool cars for profit.

Maybe 7-8 years later, I came to work at that dealership. The XJ220 was gone, but it hadn't gone far. It sat dusty on flat tires for years in an unassuming warehouse in South Baltimore, with the Countach, a Testarossa, a 959, an XJR-15, a Jensen Interceptor, and a Maserati Indy. The owner was a friend of the dealership and would buy a new car from us every now and then. Suddenly, the Jag was back and for sale, and I had to sell it. The car was parked outside my office door for months. We would occasionally fire it up and take it outside, but it wasn't street legal so we couldn't really drive it (not to say it was never taken on the road though...), and I didn't want to as the risks were too great. But what an amazing car. Too much to say really, but it took me back to my first experience reading about what four wheels could do. I had no idea where to price it, the market was starting to be very unstable around that time. We tried our best but 2008 was a bad year for the exotic car business (as you can imagine), and we closed down for good after 20 years in business. The XJ220 went home to it's warehouse, and I don't know what's become of it. Since then I've been moving away from the car biz, leaving XJ220 bookends on my automotive career.

I happened across this eBay ad this morning. It's not the same car, though it is the same color. The ad struck me in that it was written from the honest perspective of a realistic, no-BS exotic car broker, a guy I can relate to through my years at the dealership. It's also listed here on Anamera by a different broker, with a more detailed history. It's a beautiful, US-legal car at a very good price, $195k or best offer or trade. The eBay ad quotes a recent auction sale of a silver non-US car a few months ago for $148k - it might be the one I knew...

Sources: Hot Cars eBay Ad, my pictures, Jag eBay Ad, Jag Anamera Ad

Great new-ish blog - ChrisOnCars.com

2010-05-19T23:33:00.005-04:00

So I was sent a link a few months ago about a new website, http://www.chrisoncars.com/, but I neglected my online accounts for so long that I am just now getting around to reading the email and checking the site. I think I've been missing out, because Chris writes some really great articles that are so relatable to me that I had to share it with you, whoever you may be. Check it out!

Reader's car For Sale - 1983 Peugeot 505 SR

2010-05-17T12:05:00.006-04:00

This car was sent to me by the seller, David, and I'm happy to plug it on this site! It's a European-spec Peugeot 505 SR that is in remarkably nice shape and is totally complete, needing just new tires and trans fluid to be a regular driver. Find it here on eBay in PA with a starting bid of $200, r.n.m.

The eBay ad runs through the car's history since 2000, when the current seller bought the car. Its 96hp 4-cyllinder engine was rebuilt in 2002 and the car was repainted in OEM-style beige, which matches the awesome brown and beige tweed interior perfectly. The car packs a 5-speed transmission, adjustable European headlights, power windows up front, no A/C, no emmissions equipment (which should be OK in most/all states due to age), and plenty of spares. The car also has non-original Pug mag wheels, which I think might be NA-spec, and they look pretty nice on this car.

Peugeot 505 sedans were sold in the States through 1990 and wagons through 1991, but this model came from Europe. Some differences between NA and ROW models include the headlights, tail lights, roof-mounted antenna, bumpers, gas filler, and exhaust pipe location. These little changes really make the European models that much more stylish, and what's a French car if not stylish??

Check out the slideshow below for more shots of this car. Also of note: David bought the Mazda Chantez that I wrote about a few months ago, and he also has a Lancia Delta and Euro-spec Alfetta at home!

links: eBay listing, photo album

1998 Alfa Romeo Spider on Craigslist in Oregon

2010-03-01T15:27:00.004-05:00

This car was sent to me by reader Tamerlane (thanks for the assist, I need to get back to writing more).

These cars are very cool, but generally reserved for Europeans since Alfa pulled out of the US market the mid-90s. The seller of this one says it's one of about a dozen that was legally imported, so I'm hoping to hear back about exactly what was done.

The car is photographed outside Gran Prix Imports - Lamborghini Portland, but I have a hunch this is a potential trade-in since the seller is not directing buyers to their website (which actually seems to be down at the moment) and it's still wearing it's licence plates. Grey market cars are very difficult for dealers to sell - the Manheim Auto Auction, the country's most prominent dealer auction network, doesn't typically allow grey market cars. The advertising websites Cars.com, Autotrader.com, etc., typically don't either (though DuPont Registry is helpful). That's one important notion that buyers and sellers of imported cars have to keep in mind.

Sources: Craigslist ad, Photo Gallery

Why wait for the new TVR? Get one now... but not from TVR

2010-03-01T07:30:00.003-05:00

On the heels of the expected announcement of TVR's long-awaited return to the US market, I just read on Autoblog that an Indiana car dealer, Carmel Motorsports, is selling remanufactured TVRs as rolling chassis in the USA. The models they sell are the Tuscan, Sagaris, and T350, which are some pretty mean machines previously available only on more liberal shores. Just as long as the buyer supplies an EPA-compliant engine the cars are totally street-legal. The best part: the cars aren't being distributed by the TVR, but a TVR nonetheless - Total Vehicle Remanufacturing... No more info yet online about them other than the Autoblog article.

Source: Why wait for the new TVR? Get one now... but not from TVR (Autoblog)

UPDATE: Apparently the real TVR is none too happy about Total Vehicle Remanufacturing selling it's car chassis and bodies in the US without their permission. They say they'll be looking into the matter to make sure it doesn't conflict with their own interests during the brand's revival and could potentially bring suit against the other TVR. Oh well, nice try at least... (Autoblog)

Holden Monaro conversion - Pontiac GTO

2010-02-24T12:50:00.001-05:00

I've thought about this before, first time I've seen somebody do it. In order to get a smoother look, the owner of this GTO swapped on a front bumper from an Aussie Holden Monaro VZ, removed the rear spoiler and vented hood, and changed some of the badges. He also installed a beefy exhaust system and trialer hitch.

The GTO was mostly just a rebadged Monaro, so the parts are a perfect fit. Might as well have gone all the way, though - there are Pontiac emblems interspersed in. Too bad the Monaro uses the same Playskool steering wheel as the GTO, or he may have been able to improve the interior a bit as well, though it looks to be in great shape.

For sale on eBay in NJ for $17,000 ($16k in the writeup) with 48k miles. The asking price isn't bad, but given the limited appeal of a Holden look, and the buyers immediately turned away by its lack of hood scoops and wings, the seller may have a tough time. Maintenance records look good as well. Good luck to the seller.

Source: eBay Motors

"We are experiencing a temporary break in service..."

2010-02-04T17:25:00.002-05:00

To everyone who's been coming back to see if I've added any new posts (there are a surprisingly large number of you), I apoligize for leaving this site stagnant for so long. I've been really busy with complicated family and work situations lately, more than I have been in quite a while. I'm hoping to get back to posting soon, it helps maintain my sanity, but I need to be able to take a mental break periodically to actually do it...

1985 Trabant 601 Tramp Cabrio "Border Guard Special"

2010-01-21T13:00:00.006-05:00

The Trabant doesn't get a lot of respect in Europe, for obvious reasons, but it's definitely an unusual collector piece, especially in the USA. The convertible Tramp variant was built for the East German military and border guards (green for military and tan for border guards) and is even more rarely seen. This one, the 601F border guard model, is located in Birmingham, MI, and is for sale on eBay.

The typical Trabant sedan and kombi bodies were made of Duroplast, a cotton and wool fiber-reinforced plastic (often jokingly referred to as cardboard). The fibers were recycled waste from other industries, but the pollition coming out of the back end makes up for any green credibility. The Tramp, however, uses duraplast only for it's front clip, which it appears to share with the rest of the Trabant lineup. The rest of the body is steel. The engine is the same 600cc two-cyllinder two-stroke as well, using pre-mix gas (fill the gas tank, add oil, and shake) and producing 26 hp. This Trabi weighs in at just 1400 lbs, so while not great, it apparently does get along nicely enough.

While searching for more information about Trabi Tramps, I came across a brief "must-read" article on The Auto Channel from March 2005 that featured this exact car and it's present seller. A previous Trabant owner, he found this car for sale by a collector in Ohio and bought it with 7,000 miles. Turned out to be just 700, and it's now up to 1,200 miles (2,000kms). The owner said he didn't drive it often, just around town and at least once on the Woodward Dream Cruise. He appears to be knowledgeable about the car and has stored it indoors, kept it up nicely, and has the full top, windows, tools, original upholstery (under those seat covers) and an English repair manual. At the time the 2005 article was written it drove very nicely. I like the "DDR" country sticker.

It looks like the owner is still getting used to eBay selling as he has two active auctions for this car, listed here and here, both with reserves. Can't help but think he might get a better response to the auction if he included the picture at the top of this page from the Auto Channel article and some more information about the car.

Click on this picture to see a military-green Tramp on duty at the Inner German Border in 1982:

Now for some Trabant Jokes:

How do you double the value of a Trabant? Fill up the tank!

An East German driver pulled into a service station and asked, "Can I get a windshield wiper blade for this Trabi?" The mechanic looked the car over for a long time and finally said, "Okay, it's a trade!

Sorry.

Source links: Auction 1, Auction 2, The Auto Channel article, Trabant Wiki, border picture

UPDATE: Both auctions ended at $2,550, r.n.m.

1999 Nissan Silvia S15 - Stock and in California

2010-01-18T17:55:00.001-05:00

I'm really hoping that the seller responds to my questions on this auction. They're selling a 1999 Nissan Silvia that's located in California but is not currently registered. They say the car was imported from Japan four months ago, and the seller wanted to make it their daily driver, but now they have a kid on the way and want to sell it to buy a minivan... They claim to have paperwork that will help the new owner register the car.

The Nissan Silvia S15 is a very popular car in Japan and in import circles because it is an excellent track car for drifting and autocross. Not quite as desirable as it's big brother, the Skyline, but very interesting none the less. Pretty stylish I think. The cars aren't US-legal, though, unless imported temporarily, for racing purposes, or if brought over as just a body and chassis and stuffed with an EPA-compliant engine. If the seller has sufficient documentation, it could be a very rare grey market car to have. I'm curious to know how it was imported.

The company I wrote about last week, Right Hand Drive JAPAN, LTD., is working on an S15 Silvia now also. Their car can be seen here. Another company, DRIFT Tuners, lists the S15 Silvia as one of the many non-US-legal Japanese cars that they can import, but on their Info page they say the can only be brougth here temporarily or for off-road use.

Find this 1999 Silvia eBay listing here.

UPDATE: No response, and the listing was pulled from eBay...

1975 Mazda Chantez GL "Kei Car"

2010-01-15T15:27:00.003-05:00

"For the person who wants something different, look no farther." Directly from the ad, I think it could be the tagline to my website. The Chantez was produced for the JDM market from 1972-1977. It runs on a 360cc two-stroke engine that's oil-injected and produces around 35hp, and it has a 4-speed manual. Weighing in at just over a half a ton, this car is said to be good for 71 mph. I think it sounds like a blast! Pretty cool looking, too. I love the mirrors.

This car was imported about 6-7 years ago by a microcar collector, and the present owner bought it three years ago on eBay. The Kanji on the passenger door are apparently a remnant of this car's earlier days when it was associated with Kazu Auto Service in Hayama, Japan.

The seller describes this car as a good driver, but just a few jobs away from being perfect. It could use some new paint, a bit of reupholstery, and the speedo and AC don't work. I assume the seller believes that the engine, transmission, and suspension are fine, as there's no mention of their condition. With just about 30k showing and it's last two owners being enthusiasts/collectors, they're probably ok...

Find this little bugger here on eBay for $4,695 or best offer.

UPDATE: Price reduced to $4,295, still no sale, relisted here with price further reduced. Bidding stalled at $1,684, r.n.m.

UPDATE 2: This car was sold to a buyer in PA, who is a grey market enthusiast that also owns a Lancia Delta, Alfa Alfetta, and Peugeot 505.

1984 Renault 5 Turbo 2 on eBay

2010-01-15T01:10:00.004-05:00

I think the R5 Turbo is one of the most ludicrously great cars ever made. It looks insane, like the ugliest hatchback you could draw, but it's ugliness is part of what makes it so freakin' cool. The winning rally history doesn't hurt, either. This street model, imported in the mid-80's by Sun International, is for sale by Autosport Designs, Inc. of Long Island, NY and is listed here on eBay for $39,500 with no reserve.

Not your everyday LeCar, the street-going R5 Turbo had a 158hp mid-mounted 4-cyllinder engine and some radically-modified bodywork. Every time I read about R5 Turbos I have to re-read what the "2" is for - according to Wikipedia the original streetable R5 Turbo was produced in a batch of 400 for FIA homologation and used "many...light alloy components" while the R5 Turbo 2 used "stock R5 parts." Not exactly sure which parts that means, but apparently "the Turbo 2 was less expensive, but had nearly the same levels of performance."

Sun International was the only importer to bring the R5 Turbo to America and had DOT, EPA, and California certification, but now that the car is over 25 years old any exclusivity they had is obsolete. I'm really not even sure if Sun is still around, but their website is still up under the name "Sun Speed." They actually have a pretty strange R5 Turbo for sale on their site (updated 2/09) here for $40,000.

The track versions of the car, being 2WD, had difficulty up against the 4WD cars on dirt rally stages, but were killer on the pavement. Check out this video to see the car stertching it's legs:

Links: eBay Ad, Wikipedia, Sun International

Alfa Romeo 166 on Craigslist

2010-01-13T12:56:00.006-05:00

I was sent this car by Dave over at Just a Car Geek. It's a 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 on Craigslist in Midtown Manhattan. As optimistic as I usually am, I have to admit thast this ad is dripping with scam telltales. Were the car truly for sale in the US it would be totally black market and not legally registerable, but the photos look like they're taken in Italy, and the seller's description is in British English aside from a few American keywords at the end. Find the listing here on Craigslist.

The 166 was the successor to the Alfa 164, which was the last Alfa Romeo sold in the US up through 1995. It was introduced in 1998, facelifted after the 2003 model year to a less-droopy, more edgy look, and discontinued in 2007. The replacement, to be called the 169, is tentatively scheduled for North American sales in 2011 and will share it's platform with the next-generation Chrysler 300. Another potential shared-platform Chrysler-Fiat was just shown this week at the Detroit Auto Show - the Chrysler-badged Lancia Delta. Check it out here on Autoblog.

Thanks for the tip, Dave!

UPDATE: Reader kashgar216 blew my mind with a link to Jalopnik that showed a dark colored Alfa 166 in Manhattan nearly three years ago, with PA registration and a British owner. Their source link, a post by justin on TheCarConnection.com, includes a bunch of photos as well as mention of AutoDelta (the illegal Alfa Romeo importers who have been shut down). I don't know much about AutoDelta, but I assumed that any of their cars must have been confiscated. Apparently not so, at least in 2007, unless this car was actually a legal Temporary Import by it's expat owner. This Craigslist car, however, has some visual differences to car in the Jalop/CarConenction story - the color, the location of the rear badges, the wheel size, and the rear license plate bracket (note the US plate on the Jalop/CarConnection car and the empty European bracket and frame on Craigslist). While I now believe there are black market 166s here on US plates (and as you know I'm officially opposed to black market cars), I'm sticking to my guns and calling this ad a scam with Italian photos. If anyone is in Manhattan and wants to set up a test drive with the seller, we'll know for sure. Thanks kashgar216!

1971 Lancia Fulvia Coupe 1600 HF "Fanalino" Replica

2010-01-11T12:38:00.002-05:00

The Series 2 Fulvia is one of my absolute favorite cars, but really nice examples can be hard to find here in the US. This high-dollar 1971 coupe is located in Italy, but is an easy import.

In total opposition to what I wrote in my last post (should give you a good idea of how thought-out my writings are), I love the "upgrades" that were done to this 1.3 S to bring it up to spec of a 1600 HF. The ad calls this car a "Fanalone" replica, but I think they meant "Fanalino," as the former was the nickname of the Series 1 Rallye 1.6 HF, and the latter referred to the Series 2 1600 HF. Mechanically the cars are very similar, but cosmetically the Series 1 HF has a different grille layout and signature large inner Carello headlights.

I'm not sure if the gold wheels and wheel arch extensions are correct on a Series 2 1600 HF, but aside from those two distractions this car is perfect. The mechanical upgrades include the correct 115hp, 1584cc (11°) V-4 engine, tubular suspension, oil cooler, and aluminum doors and hood. The steering wheel, seats, black dash, yellow engine, and stripes and decals complete the look.

While a "run of the mill" Fulvia 1.3 is more than adequate for my driving pleasure (should the opportunity someday arise), the HF models are the top of the line, and the 1600 the best of the best (though the Series 1 Fanalone is the most valuable). For about half the cost of the real deal, this car is available exclusively here on CarClassic.com in Italy for €25,000 including European taxes, which may be waived if the car is being exported.

1968 Alfa Romeo Giulia GT 1300 Junior

2010-01-09T19:37:00.003-05:00

I don't know why, but of all the Giulia variants it's the Junior that I'm most partial to. The 1300cc model was created for buyers in Europe (especially Italy) who wanted the style and handling of the 1600cc Sprint GT but in a lower horsepower-tax bracket. It had minor styling differences from the other models but was more or less the same packaging without all the punch. This one was imported from Italy in 2000 and is for sale on AlfaBB for $28,500.

The Junior wore the "stepnose" bodystyle until 1970, when it was updated with a cleaner bodystyle, even as the GT and GTV were updated in 1968. I personally really like the unusual stepnose look. The early cars also had simpler dash layouts in a cool faux-woodgrain.

This car has GTA-style wheels and grille (the lightweight race variant of the Giulia), and an uncommon color scheme. If the true condition is as good as it looks in the pictures, the seller may get close to what he's asking. A more common GTV can usually be had for less money, though, presumably because there are more around. Oddly, not many 1300 Juniors in the US have retained their original drivetrains and running gear. It's apparently very common to "upgrade" these to GTV-spec and beyond. That should make an original car like this a good find for someone like me, but with a fatter wallet.

The car is for sale near Detroit and is posted here on AlfaBB.com for $28,500 firm. There aren't many pictures in the posting, but here are some of another "~~Pinot~~ Pino Verde" Junior: http://giuliagt.blogspot.com/.

A Bunch of RHD Honda Accord Wagons on eBay

2010-01-06T14:31:00.000-05:00

For the last few weeks I've been noticing a lot of 1997 RHD Accord Wagons for sale on eBay in Torrance, CA from a seller called Right Hand Drive JAPAN, LTD. They all have around 40-60k miles and a starting bid of around $6,000 with a reserve (their website lists them for around $9,000). The seller describes them as being well-suited for paper routes or postal carriers, but I think there must be some perceived demand from retail consumers, too. Not sure why they're all automatics - you'd think the import crowd might be into a stick-shift RHD wagon.

The 1994-1997 Honda Accord RHD Wagon and Sedan were granted NHTSA "VSP" eligibility in 2004 based on a petition from a registered importer that a similar vehicle exists on the American market. The cars only needed to have some parts converted to the necessary US-spec counterparts like headlights, ECU, and OBDII diagnistics. The cars are now EPA legal as well, having been converted to US-spec Accord emmissions systems, but they still do not meet California's stricker "CARB" requirements. They're appropriately marketed as 49 State Legal.

One detail that strikes me as kind of funny is that these JDM cars were actually built in America. I know they built some of this generation of Accords in Japan, but maybe the wagons were only built here.

Some of the seller's cars are mildly kitted-out while others are stock-looking. I'm not sure how many mail carriers are looking for pimped-out JDM Accord Wagons, but it sure is an interesting alternative. The seller also has on offer an early Skyline "GT-R clone" that's pretty rad-looking for $30,000 and some other pretty intersting JDM classics. They also appear to be working on a 1999 Nissan Silvia, but I don't know if/how this is going to be federalized.

Check out the seller's website here: http://www.righthanddrivejapan.com/ and their eBay listings here.

Happy New Year / 1967 Bristol 409

2010-01-04T16:43:00.001-05:00

Now that the holidays are officially over, I can finally get back to business! Man, what a busy few weeks it's been...

I just hopped on eBay and found this great '67 Bristol 409. The last one I saw on here was about a year ago in West Virginia I think. This one is in PA and is listed with a Buy it Now price of $29,950 and has just 43,000 miles on the odometer.

Bristol cars were sort of similar to Rolls Royce, in that they are most noteworthy because of their price and limited availability (this is one of 74 built in 1967). They used the nicest materials they could, so when they're kept in good condition like this car, the high-quality leather and wood really stand out. This car appears to have been pretty well-cared-for.

One of the unique features of this car is the storage space for a spare wheel and the battery in the front fenders. It's almost like the storage compartments in the McLaren F1, wouldn't you say? The 5.2L Chrysler V8 is quoted in the ad as developing 250 hp and 340 lb/ft, and 0-60 mph is stated as taking only 8.8 seconds with a top speed of 130 mph.

These cars are not often seen in this country, so it's cool to see one that's been here with the same owner since '78 in such nice condition. The ad says he bought it in 1977 from Bristol (the company still sells pre-owned models as well as their new models). It's part of an estate sale, and the price doesn't seem too high for what you get, but I'm no expert on Bristols.....

Find the listing here on eBay.

UPDATE: Seller has lowered the Buy It Now price to $24,990. Same link.

2001 Lada 110 / VAZ-2110

2009-12-24T14:31:00.004-05:00

Ok, I don't have anything valuable to say about this, but I wanted to stick it up here. It's a 2001 Lada 110, claimed to be currently registered in Washington and for sale on US eBay in Seattle. The seller says it's the only known 110 in the US, and I'd imagine that's correct.

AvtoVAZ sold it's Lada-branded cars in Canada in the 80s and 90s, but withdrew after the 1998 model year. This 2001 Model was probably a Latin American- or European-market car. There's no legit way to import and register this car on a permanent basis, so the status of this one is definitely "black market."

The seller says in the listing that "the car came to [him] without paperwork [and] will be sold with a Bill of Sale only. Registering this car in US will prove difficult..." That's for sure, but so far three bidders have placed 2 bids each on the car. The seller has had it for two years, and it shows only 8,000 miles on the clock.

It's listed here on eBay with a Buy It Now price of $6,500.

UPDATE: Auction ended with no bids at the $200 starting price with reserve not met. The seller must have cancelled the previous bids.

1995 BMW 740i 6-Speed

2009-12-22T13:03:00.011-05:00

I got excited when I saw the title of this eBay listing. I used to have a '99 740i Sport and I really liked the car. It's the kind of car that I'd really like to try and get again. In Europe it was available with a broader range of motors than in the US, and you could get an optional Manual Transmission. Not much information exists about fitting the manual trans to a US car, and in listings I've looked at as recently as last week there aren't a lot of 6-speed cars for sale in Europe either. This is a rare car.

The 1995 740i has the smaller M60 V8 with less torque than the later cars. It also had that tricky Nikasil block. The 1999-2001 models are "facelifted" and I think they look a lot nicer, plus the available Sport Package stiffens up the suspension and adds more supportive seats, in addition to the upgraded M62 motor. The seller has advertised this car as having an "M7 Kit" inside and out, which appears to be the application of ///M stickers on the trunk, grille, and seats, tacky projector headlights, late model tail lights and wheels, and an ///M shift knob and pedal covers.

The car is fairly high mileage, at 155k. The seller recommends that the buyer gets a tune-up, and also recommends swapping the engine to a V12... Doesn't sound encouraging to me, but whatever. He also says the paint is original but he replaced the rear bumper. The trunk doesn't seem to shut properly.

The title bothers me. The seller says he bought it from someone in Chicago, who imported it from Germany via Canada. It's still titled in Illinois as a '94, and the title was issued in '98. The seller says he bought it four years ago, but apparently never titled it? Maybe he's been driving on dealer plates, but he doesn't mention being a dealer. Also, if that title has been signed over to a buyer on the back, you're gonna have big problems. I had that happen to me once, a seller screwed up and wrote his name as buyer on a car he never titled himself, and we had to track down the previous owner from many years prior and beg her to get a duplicate title. Luckilly I tracked her down and she agreed to help out. Pain in the butt. From then on, I like to see cars titled to their owners.

Find it here on eBay in Fairfax, VA, starting at $0.99 with No Reserve.

UPDATE: This car sold with a surprisingly high bid of $8,000.

1976 Morris Mini Moke - new and improved

2009-12-17T19:12:00.002-05:00

This Mini Moke was imported from New Zealand in 2006 and has been updated with a more modern 1300 motor, stainless hardware, underbody coating, seat belts, a new top, disc brakes, the list goes on. It's a great looking buggy that's in like-new shape.

I really like the color scheme, and that the top is a new Sunbrella unit. The seller says the car had a hard top when he bought it, but he welded the mounting holes closed. He also says the car was totally rust free. The condition of this Moke is amazing, it looks like it was just built. The Superlite wheels are pretty slick, too. the undercarriage and wheel wells are coated in spray-on liner that was color matched to the grille and top.

The seller compares this Moke to one that sold recently at Barrett-Jackson for $19k and says his is way nicer. I never take any prices from a soap-opera auction like B-J as anything more than curiosity, and the seller says he basically does, too, since he wants "thousands less" than the B-J car.

Find the listing here on eBay. Bids are up to just up to about 5 grand with a day and a half left, r.n.m.

UPDATE: No sale at $7,877.77. Relisted, no sale at $10,600.

1984 Marcos Mantula V8 - LHD

2009-12-14T17:27:00.002-05:00

The Marcos Mantula sports car was built from 1984 through 1993, making it the latest Marcos model to be eligible for import to the USA. It is also the first Marcos to be powered by a V8, in this case an alloy Rover 3.5 litre unit, mated to a 5-speed gearbox. A convertible variant called the Spider was introduced in 1986. This car, a 1984, is located in Holland and was converted to LHD by a Dutch Triumph and Marcos specialist. It's available for EUR 22,500 (about 33 grand at today's dismal exchange rate). The seller's reason for selling: the car is 42 inches tall, and he can't fit.

Marcos cars have a very distinct look, which I think is a bit like a Corvette melded with a Morgan, especially from the rear and side. The front view of the car is very sporty and modern, in a retro sort of way. This car looks like it may have some add-ons, like a front spoiler and body colored headlight housings, which sort of detract from the classic look of the Marcos. The ad only includes the one photo above, so the rest of these come from Motorbase and are of similar cars.

The Marcos company has gone through a series of bankrupcies and rebirths, sold cars as kits and turnkey, and been produced and sold in a variety of different countries. It's primarily been a British company, though, and has competed in all sorts of races. It's styling is distinctive and clever. It's presence is also rarely seen in the USA. This may be due to the two wacky-looking predecessors to this car, the Mini Marcos (based on a Mini) and the Mantis, which has a kind of Meyers Manx SR-look without the cool. But this car revived the good looks of the '64 Marcos 1800, and set the bar high for future Marcos models like the Mantaray.

Find the listing here on Car and Classic UK for EUR 22,500 or trade. I found the ad via Post War Classics.

1969 Škoda Octavia Combi

2009-12-11T16:32:00.000-05:00

This Škoda is a rare sight in the US. The original Octavia sedan was built from 1959-64 and the wagons 1961-71. All wagons, because of their greater mass, were built with the "more powerful" 51hp 1221cc engines, allowing for a top speed of about 70 mph.

This car was completely restored in the Czech Republic in 2000, though the side panels look a little wonky now. It currently resides in California. Not sure what would be the draw of this car that would make it worthwhile to import it to the US, but I suppose if someone is of Czech heritage or has sentimental feelings about it then it could have motivated them (I think the seller, Tomas, may be). Now that it's here, though, it's a pretty cool looking old wagon in tip top shape and is for sale for only $4,000.

Given the seller's asking price, it seems ridiculous for someone who wants one of these not to buy this one. Between finding, restoring, painting, and shipping this car not just to the US but to California, the expense could be at least double. And I can imagine it would be nothing but trouble to import one with the idea to restore it here, because something tells me any parts you'll need will have to come from the Czech Republic(And Czech isn't the most intuitive language for English speakers, either).

Find the car advertised here on the seller's website for $4,000. He's a part-time used car dealer that gets some funky stuff every now and then. While you're there, check (czech?) out the ČZ motorcycle on the inventory page.

Source: Ata Car - Walnut Creek, CA

What is "Show or Display" all about?

2009-12-10T16:02:00.001-05:00

I wrote and re-wrote this post a few times over, and I've decided that the best way to share some interesting facts about "Show or Display" (variously "Show and Display") is to offer up a few articles and resources that have already been published. They're better written than what I had come up with, even if they aren't as comprehensive individually. They offer the complete picture when read together.

Below are two articles from AutoWeek magazine which are available online. The first is fairly brief and was written about a month after "Show or Display" passed in 1999. The second, written over a year later, is a much more in-depth article, but is slightly outdated (the CLK-GTR has been approved, Trabant rejected). At the center of the article is Gary Bartlett and his XJ220. The article also references the difficulty of EPA compliance of post-OBDII (1996) cars, but these OBDII conversions been since been accomplished. [See bottom of post for photos from this article.]

The third article is from Motive Magazine and is sort of a rewording of what's already been written on the DOT website, but in much clearer terms. The author describes why it's so hard to get late-model cars through EPA and DOT, and why "Show or Display" is a viable alternative as long as you aren't looking for a daily-driver.

Check out the Wikipedia article on the Porsche 959 for a blurb about Bill Gates' car and Canepa's work on getting EPA approval.

Finally, head over to the DOT-NHTSA page about "Show or Display" and then look at the list of approved and disapproved cars.

If anyone has any other vaulable resources regarding "Show or Display" please feel free to post them in the comments section.

Easier Import Rules - AutoWeek, 20 Sep. 1999

Display of Speed - AutoWeek, 8 Jan. 2001

Amazing Greys - Motive

Porsche 959 - Wikipedia

How to Import a Motor Vehicle for Show or Display - NHTSA

Vehicles Determined Eligible (and Not Eligible) for Importation for Show or Display (pdf) - NHTSA

Rare 1994 Cizeta V16t Confiscated by US Customs

2009-12-09T00:52:00.002-05:00

In an example of what can happen if the sometimes arbitrary and archaic US vehicle importation laws aren't properly followed, the Orange County Register is reporting that a very rare Cizeta V16t was confiscated by US Customs agents on Monday morning. The car was in the possession of a dealership who was storing the car for its creator, former Lamborghini engineer Claudio Zampoli, who currently resides in Orange County, CA. According to blogger Frank Filipponio of Autoblog, Zampoli is actually not the car's owner. The car is currently being held by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, who are seeking to have the car forfeited to the federal government, auctioned to the public, and finally exported.

The Cizeta V16t features a V16 engine and styling very similar to the later Lamborghini Diablo. Introduced in 1988, the Italian company built a total of 8 cars from 1991 through 1995 with a price tag of roughly the equivalent of $300,000 according to Wikipedia. Apparently the car is still available on-demand, starting at $649,000. It is not US legal except for foreign residents on foreign plates for a limited amount of time. Apparently this car was sent to Zampoli for repairs in 2001 by its Austrian owner, and it just never went back. It has been seen around Southern California on European and Manufacturer plates, but no word yet on who the Austrian owner is or why the car wasn't returned.

According the article, one of the motivations of the seizure was that the import documentation stated the car's value in 2001 as $125,000, while ICE believes that its original price in 1994 was $600,000, and that it's currently worth $700,000 (not sure where ICE got those numbers). Of course it also doesn't meet US safety and emissions standards, and it's period of allowed tenure in the US has expired. Said ICE agent Miguel Unzueta, “Cars that don’t meet U.S. standards are outlawed for a reason. These vehicles can pose a real threat to public health and safety.”

No matter how you feel about it (I wish they could have come to an agreement and amicably exported it rather than take the car), the laws are written and can be followed, and you'll have less trouble with your grey market car if you do. If you push it, you stand a better chance of losing it. Some of the cars I've featured have been borderline or downright illegal, and as tempting as they may be, this is what can happen. If one with pockets deep enough to own a $700,000 car really needs it to be in the US, then he should have little problem at least applying for a Show and Display exemption, which wasn't even done according to NHTSA, and probably would have been granted based on the mission and stipulations of the program.

Sources: The Orange County Register, Autoblog, Wikipedia, NHTSA

1956 Messerschmitt Kabinenroller KR200

2009-12-07T12:56:00.006-05:00

When I first saw this eBay listing last week, my girlfriend walked by and commented that it looked like a slug. Apparently three-wheeled bubble-slugs are appealing enough in the US to entice 18 unique bidders to place 54 bids up to $13,130 with over one day still to go.

The 2nd generation kabinenrollers feature such improvements over the KR175 as: reverse, a full set of pedals, and a top speed of over 60 mph. It was also available with the standard bubble canopy or in various open-top configurations. It may sound hilariously impractical, but the cars were a hit when released. There were well over 50,000 kabinenrollers built from 1953 through 1964, including nearly 12,000 in 1955, the first year of the KR200. In 1956 Messerschmitt again was allowed to produce aircraft and lost interest in the bubble car, so the rights were sold to its designer, Fritz Fend, who carried on producing the car for the duration of its run. He also produced a very limited 4-wheeled, two cylinder variant with twice the horsepower called the Tg500 “Tiger,” which could reach 78 mph.

This car is in very good condition and was restored in Germany in 1984 (hence the paint color). The seller says he found it parked in a barn in Florida and it’s totally rust-free, shifts good, and starts right up. He writes that he has no idea what it should sell for, so has listed it in a no-reserve format. I’m sure he’ll be pleased with the result.

Find the listing here on eBay in Kissimmee, FL.

UPDATE: This car sold for $16,299 after 57 bids from 20 bidders.

Side story: One day I was riding my bike in Amsterdam and looked down to see a ~~red~~ blue Messerschmitt roadster passing by, pulling a tiny trailer. Predictably, the driver was alone in the car, and it was the only time I have casually encountered one on the road. I always carried a camera (you never know what you're gonna run into in Amsterdam) and was able to snap these photos. I like the second one because of the biker size reference, but keep in mind the Dutch are the tallest people on the planet. Click the photos to enlarge.

1999 Volkswagen Sedán Clásico - a.k.a. the Mexican Beetle

2009-12-05T18:00:00.003-05:00

The VW Beetle was appropriately withdrawn from the American market in 1977, and the following year production ceased in Germany (except for the convertible version which was produced until 1980). The auto industry continued moving forward with modern designs and advanced safety features, while the Beetle trudged on relatively unchanged in markets like Mexico and Brazil. These cars are illegal to import to the US because of their primitive safety features (automatically retracting seatbelts were optional until 1999, and they had no airbags). This one's here legally, though, and for sale on eBay for $12k or best offer.

Since being discontinued in 1978, Beetle fans worldwide have independently imported Mexican Beetles. The car didn't meet US safety standards anymore, so some people have placed newly-produced Beetles on old floorplans and registered them as the year of the chassis. This one is registered as an assembled vehicle (like a kit car) so it probably had it's drivetrain shipped to the US seperately from the body and chassis, which is perfectly legal since the car sans motor and transmission isn't considered a motor vehicle when it crosses the border.

The benefits of the later Beetles include fuel injection, disc brakes, electronic ignition, catalytic converters, and anti-theft systems. They had some cosmetic changes as well, and the interior was improved and somewhat modernized. They were built until 2003, when the Beetle no longer met Mexico City's emmissions requirements. It has been attempted to get the 2000 model and the 2003-built 2004 Ultimate Edition placed on the US "Show and Display" eligibility list, but the petitions were rejected.

This one has a power retractable roof option, and the seller claims it was restored back to like-new condition and has just 40,000 miles (though the odometer was replaced, so you have to take the seller's word for the 40k miles). It's located here on eBay in South Carolina.

UPDATE 1/13/10: This Beetle went unsold, but has been relisted a few times over, and is still for sale on eBay for $12k or best offer. Current listing here.

1995 Mercedes-Benz G320 Gelaendewagen 5-Door

2009-12-04T12:03:00.002-05:00

This G-Wagen was imported and converted when new by Europa International of Santa Fe, NM. It has an astounding 294,050 miles on it's original engine, and the transmission was replaced after 280,000 miles. For all that driving the truck looks brand new. I've seen plenty of low-mileage Mercedes' that didn't hold up so well. These were built in Graz, Austria at the Puch factory, mainly for military and police duty, so I would assume that's why the level of build quality differs from that of the standard civilian-spec MB models.

Europa was the sole importer of pre-2002 Gelaendewagens, and their website history tells that they began the process back in 1983, but the government put a stop to "casual importation" in 1987, causing them to begin the process of certifying the car with the EPA and DOT. By 1993 and after a half million dollars and 5 years worth of testing they were finally allowed to start selling European G-Wagens in the US again. In 1997 they began testing the new V8 G500 model, which took a further two years and $1 million to get approved. Mercedes-Benz apparently bought the distribution rights to the G500 from Europa in 2002 and so finally became the official source of their own product in this country, and Europa continues to provide support to pre-2001 G-Wagens.

The G-Wagen has become a symbol of trendy extravagance because of it's ludicrous price, and it's a shame because it's a very capable off-roader and a surprisingly comfortable and pleasant on-road vehicle. I don't usually like trucks and SUVs, but I love the G-Wagen's driving position. It's not as large as some other lux SUVs (rear legroom isn't great), but it has a massive trunk. This car, with just one day left on the eBay ad, has been bid to $9,300 r.n.m. Considering a new one costs over $100,000 in 2009, I'd say that even if it needs a new engine soon it's a good buy around that price. The seller lists videos as well on his website, which I love to see in car ads.

Find the eBay listing here, the seller's website with large photos and vids here, and Europa International's website here.

1971 Lada 1200 / VAZ 2101

2009-12-03T11:37:00.003-05:00

This Lada is located in Florida on Craigslist for $4,000. The price seems a little steep, but it's too early to have come from Canada, so you have to consider the overseas shipping cost from Europe. Still, though, I think unless there have been some serious improvements made the price is a bit high for what you get.

The 1200 is essentially a Fiat 124 that's been toughened-up for the Soviet Union's extreme climates. It was introduced in 1970, as production of the 124 was winding down, and built until the early '80s when it's bodywork was updated to become the Riva and the Canadian Lada Signet. This car's 1.2L engine has been upgraded to a 1.6L, 90hp engine from a Fiat 125. It appears to have some custom wheels and a go-fast stripe, but retains it's original early bumpers. No photos of the interior are listed in the ad.

I've always liked Ladas going back to my time spent in Holland, where they were the butt of jokes but loved for their simplicity. My ex-girlfriend's father had a Lada like this one at one point in his life, which he was very proud of (along with his lelijke eendje 2CV), and since hearing about it I have wanted one. I once saw a t-shirt in a shop window in Amsterdam with a "Lada Autosport" logo that I found too hilarious to pass up, but no one here gets the joke... I bet this seller does.

Find the Craigslist listing here. There's also a very active North American Lada forum here that is a good source for cars and parts from Canada and the rest of the world.

UPDATE: This car has been exposed as a likely Fiat 124 that was converted to a Lada clone. Check the comments section for details.

1999 Lotus Elise Sport 190 - Street Registered in IL

2009-12-02T16:06:00.001-05:00

Here's another 1st generation Elise for sale on eBay, and this one is intact with it's original engine. It's located and registered in Chicago, Illinois.

This car is the Sport 190 variant, which has a 190hp Rover 4-cyllinder engine (base model has 118hp) and sport-tuned suspension, wheels, and seats. The ad says this car was further tuned in the US to produce 205 horsepower, and it hasn't been raced.

These cars aren't US-eligible except for off-road use, so I'm uncertain how this seller has managed to import and register the car in Illinois. The Elise I wrote about a few weeks ago had a Honda engine transplant to comply with EPA requirements and was registered as a kit car. The seller wisely advises bidders that it may not be registerable in all states, and that it hasn't been emissions tested in IL.

This is another example of a car that doesn't fit into line with federal regulations, so it's tough to really explain how it is legally registered without talking to the owner and their local department of motor vehicles as well as your own. The ad is located here on eBay.

1960 "Goggo-Camino"

2009-12-02T15:31:00.000-05:00

Here's another car from the seller of the Mini cabriolet I wrote about yesterday. It's a one-of-a-kind Goggomobil T250 modified into a pick-up in Germany for a movie in the '80s. It's located in Conencticut and currently listed on eBay.

Goggomobil was a line of 2-cyllinder 2-stroke microcars produced by Glas in Bavaria from 1955-1969. This car started out as a four seat coupe and actually still has it's rear seats below the bed. It's loaded up with a lot of great accessories like headlight eyebrows, windsheild visor, and roof rack.

It appears to be well maintained and in pretty good condition.This little car can only do about 45-50 mph according to the seller, but it would be a lot of fun around town or at the beach, and would be a hit at car shows.

The car is listed here on eBay in West Haven, CT.

1968/1989 Rover Mini 1000 Cabriolet

2009-12-01T12:36:00.003-05:00

This 1968/1989 Mini 1000 was converted to a cabriolet when new (1989) by a German coachbuilder authorized by Rover. It was imported to the US from the Netherlands in 2003 by the current seller. It's currently listed on eBay in Connecticut with 59k miles.

I've seen a few classic Mini convertibles online before, but never one like this. I usually don't like the look of framed windows and roll bars, but it probably makes this a much more usable car than the totally chopped ones with more rigidity and marginally more safety (and look how happy those people are in it!). I also really like the simplicity of the dashboard on this car, it exemplifies the car's purpose as a fun runabout without a lot of extras. It's got some sporty seats and is well maintained, though I'd switch out the Alpina wheels.

The seller has fixed the car up a little since he got it, but it's not perfect. It seems like a very usable car that you could fix up little by little. The drivetrain is good, brakes and tires are new, roof isn't leaky, floors are solid. Just some surface rust on the body and trunk, the roof boot doesn't fit anymore, and the wood is foggy from an old leaky windshield seal.

I like it and I'm curious to see what it sells for. It's got to be one of the only 89-era cabriolet models (I don't know how many were made) imported to the US and it looks like a lot of fun. Find it here on eBay, bid to about $2500 with 3 days left, r.n.m.

UPDATE: Bidding made it to $4,352 but didn't meet the reserve.

1997 Acura 1.6EL (Canadian Civic)

2009-11-30T15:29:00.005-05:00

Now that last week is over, I have time to swim around the internet looking for imported/importable cars again. Found a bunch of great stuff that I'm going to try and write about this week, but I'm writing today about a rather unassuming cheapo import that'll cause just a few double-takes.

This is a Canadian Acura 1.6EL that you probably recognize as a Honda Civic. I saw one of these in a parking lot about 6 months ago with Canada tags, and I wasn't sure what to make of it. This seller clarifies that the 1.6EL has the same or similar VTEC engine as the Civic EX, but different headlights, tail lights, and dash gauges. They also state that the car has an Acura suspension, stereo, and wheels.

Probably an easy import to the US since it's probably built to the same specs as US cars, but it's worth checking for stickers on the car to be sure you don't get held up in customs. I'd say this car is really only worth looking at if you are in the Chicago area and are looking at 170k mile 1997 Civics already - easy way to be a little different without a body kit, superbright headlights, and a coffee can exhaust! Of course if you're into that kind of thing, this would be a car that would stand out from the rest of that crowd, too, and takes most any Honda Civic/D16 parts.

Find the ad here on eBay. The car is located in Chicago, IL and titled in Wisconsin. Bids are around $1000 with 2 days left, reserve not met.

2000 Mercedes-Benz Vito CDI 9-Passenger Van

2009-11-27T16:52:00.002-05:00

I've been too busy this week to work much on the blog, but I was driving the other day near my parents' house and I saw an old silver Mercedes van that surprised me. I checked out eBay and there happens to be a 2000 Vito CDI on there now in New York State (along with a bunch of rebadged Dodge Sprinters).

The ad explicitly states "This vehicle was legally improted from Europe. All the proper paperwork was filed and we do have a New York title which is included in the pictures." I'd want to learn about the specific route this car took here, including the name and contact info of the Registered Importer and a copy of the EPA and DOT compliance documents (get all the information you'd have if you brought the car over yourself). I've dealt with other sellers in the past in New York State who have greys with NY titles, but they were unwilling to provide that information. Keep this in mind: Just because a car has a title NOW doesn't mean that you'll be able to get a new one! Especially in a different state.

The car in the ad is pretty cool, it has a ton of interior volume (seats 9 plus a trunk!) and it's a stick shift diesel. It's a unique but still utilitarian look I think. It's very purposeful and resulute, secure in it's minivan-ness unlike the "crossovers" that are all the rage now. My only problem is with the price, but it's hard to say how the seller came to that figure. Maybe it's worth it, I don't know, but he asks not to be sent any lower offers.

Find the ad here.

Alfa Romeo Spider and GTV (type 916) in the USA

2009-11-24T12:29:00.002-05:00

Right now there are two late-model Alfa Romeo Type 916 Spider/GTV's on eBay in the USA. Neither are US-legal, but they have very different stories, which I can't help but write about. The first was brought to my attention by Dave over at Just A Car Geek. It's a 1997 GTV in Dallas, TX, listed here.

This car is not approved for import into the USA except under special temporary circumstances which don't allow for it to be sold and re-registered in the US. The owner actually states in the auction that it's "For Export Only" and "has until October 26 2010 before it needs to be exported." Unfortunately he goes on to say, "However for the car collectors among you it can be registered in the US as a show car which will limit the owner to 2500 miles annually. It might take a while to do but it is doable." Not sure what would make him say that, but it's very doubtful that it could be accomplished, and it may be against eBay's terms to even offer such this car in this way (so the ad may not last long).

Here are the only three scenarios in which this car can legally arrive here and be driven on American roads (according to NHTSA):

A vehicle registered in a foreign country can be imported by a nonresident of the United States for up to one year.
A foreign diplomat, member of the armed forces of a foreign country, or a member of a foreign organization on official government-related business is permitted to import a car for the duration of their tour of duty.
A vehicle may be imported for research, investigation, demonstrations or training, or competitive racing events, but the importer must be granted permission based on the purpose and duration of importation and has to specifically state their expected on-road driving routes.

All three of these options require the vehicle to be exported or destroyed at the end of it's allotted time. Under no circumstances can the cars be sold in the US for the purpose of re-registering them in the US. When the owner says it may be possible to register it if it's driven less than 2500 miles per year, he is probably referring to "Show and Display" rules (which I'll describe in greater detail in a later post), but this car isn't eligible for "Show and Display" and stands no chance of being granted eligibility based on any of the program's criteria. Looks like he just imported the car less than a month ago and is trying to illegally sell it right away, since it's got just over 11 months left until it has to be exported. If he sells it, he'll probably face no consequences since he's not a US resident, but the buyer could have their car confiscated.

So now that that's done, here's ANOTHER Alfa Romeo of the same type, this time a Spider, also in the US and on eBay.

This car is being sold by a Toronto-area importer who is usually offering Lancia Delta Integrales and Nissan Figaros on US eBay, which while legal in Canada are not in the US. The creative importer of this car has gotten it registered in California as a 1992 Alfa Romeo Spider, which the ad also describes it as. The car isn't a 1992, the body style and engine tell that it was made from 1995 to 1997. The 1992 was an entirely different model which was officially sold in the US, and this car was probably re-VINed, as I wrote about last Thursday in the Mini post. That means that TECHNICALLY while this car is illegal in a few different ways, it's probably registerable and there's a good chance the new owner will not have any trouble. But there is always a chance that you could be "found out" and the car will need to be exported or destroyed. So be careful out there.

Find the ad for the 1997 GTV here, the "1992" Spider here, and some basic info about the 916 Spider/GTV here.

Update: The "1992" was removed from eBay's system... It should be mentioned that even if all the rules are followed and cars are legally imported and registered, it can still be tough to sell grey market cars. Cars.com, eBay, even Manheim Auto Auction makes it hard or impossible to sell imported cars. Of course this car isn't exactly legitimate, so just remember that you can get away with some things most of the time, but when it catches up to you, you stand to lose it all...

Tuk Tuk USA - more questions than answers

2009-11-23T15:19:00.002-05:00

Who doesn't love the idea of having a little Piaggio Ape for scooting around town? Oh, you don't want that? Then you won't like this either - the subcontinental classic Tuk Tuk, now available in the USA.

A tuk tuk, also known as an auto rickshaw, is a three-wheeled vehicle based on a scooter (originally Vespa) drivetrain. They're used all over India, Pakistan, and Southeast Asia as taxis and utility vehicles. BUT WAIT - they're now being imported by an enthusiastic company called Tuk Tuk USA, Inc., who claim they've gotten EPA and DOT approval for their Mitsubishi-powered version.

Slightly reminiscent of a Jolly, it doesn't seem like the worst idea in a resort-like setting for shuttling guests around - they're pretty economical and easy to maintain. Strangely, the company seems to think that private individuals are going to want them, too, so they're looking to set up a dealership network. At $10,000 to $15,000 for 30 mph, you don't seem to get a lot for your money, which could be due to import costs. They don't mention, though, that it's probably registered as a scooter, which would mean a lot less DOT hurdles to clear, so the cost seems a bit high to me. They're offering 3, 6, and 12 seat configurations (plus one auto-wallah), as well as various types of truck platforms. No mention, though, of where they come from.

Check out their website, after turning down your volume substantially (or off if you're at work), here: http://www.tuktukusainc.com/ (Gotta love their intense "Take the Beat to the Street" soundtrack, it helps divert your attention away from the lack of useful information).

Jaguar XJ6 Series I with Factory Manual Transmission

2009-11-20T11:56:00.000-05:00

I once was presented with the opportunity to buy either a '94 XJS 6-cyllinder coupe with a factory 5-speed or a '95 V12 coupe. The 5-speed was rarer (one of about a dozen that year vs. 50 V12 coupes in NA), but I went with the V12 instead. I would have been happier with the 5-speed. Here's another rare opportunity to make the right decision: a Series I XJ6 with a factory manual transmission with overdrive.

This 1973 Jag was imported from Italy, so it has larger headlights and less obtrusive marker lights/turn signals than the Americanized version (as usual), lending a much cleaner look to the subtle and classy silver-green color than bulky amber lenses would. It also lacks air conditioning and seat belts...

I've never seen an XJ6 with a manual transmission, but this is a really good looking car that's maybe just a little stodgy, so what a great way to fun it up a little! The Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust has verified the car's provinence, so we know it's not a retrofit transmission. The seller says the car is in really great condition, the leather is like new, as are the wood and carpets. The body and paint are also very good. The real headline grabber - all power features and gauges work!

Find this car on eBay in New York City. After 23 bids, the price is only up to $2,550 with the reserve not met.

Classic Mini Classifieds in USA - MiniMania.com

2009-11-19T13:14:00.003-05:00

This website's classifieds section is a great place to find classic (1959-2000) Minis for sale in the States, especially cars which have been modernized to the specifications of the '96-2000 Mark VII Cooper and Cooper S. The original Mini was officially sold here only from 1960-1967, and a lot changed between then and the end of produciton, while the look remained virtually the same.

The final years of the Mini produced some really desirable modern cars, with fuel injection, leather interiors, air conditioning, keyless entry, air bag, and nice sound systems. The top choice is the SportsPack 1.3i, featuring the fuel-injected 1275cc engine and sporty styling features. Most are in excellent condition, and you can find them in Right- and Left-Hand Drive, whatever you prefer.

One of the big ideas to get to know with classic Minis in the US is the concept of Theseus's Paradox, which "raises the question of whether an object which has had all its component parts replaced remains fundamentally the same object." Basically, since even the later cars share many essential components with the 25-years-and-older cars, it's possible (and legal) to thoroughly update a 1984 car with all the amenities and components of a 2000, in effect creating a 2000-spec car that's still registered as a 1984 and making it legal to import. Some describe these cars as "re-VIN," since it's much easier to swap a 1984 VIN plate onto a 2000 car than to completely rebuild the car around the '84 VIN plate, but this is technically illegal. Differentiating rebuilt vs. re-Vin cars isn't really something to worry about, since they're viewed with the same legality by the EPA and DOT from a practical standpoint. These cars are sometimes listed for sale by their "spec" year, while the description gives the original year, such as "1976/1998" for a '98-spec car built around a '76 VIN. Otherwise they're listed by their original year.

For an example check out this great bargain: 1996-spec 1976 SportsPack 1.3i In Baltimore for $13,250

The website's classifieds section URL is: http://www.minimania.com/Cars4Sale_list.cfm
Check out the main page here: http://www.minimania.com/home.cfm

The exterior photos are from active classified ads on Mini Mania, the interior photo is from eBay, the same seller as the Land Rover I featured last Thursday.

1964 Fiat 1600S OSCA Pininfarina

2009-11-18T11:20:00.001-05:00

This is a very rare car no matter where in the world you live. Evolved from the more common but equally beautiful 1200, 1300, and 1500 models, the Pininfarina-styled 1600S features a 90hp OSCA engine, four wheel disc brakes, and a unique front fascia. In 1964 it came with a 4-speed transmission. This car was produced from 1963 to 1966, the era just before the 124, 850, and Dino came to be.

This 1964 model was originally registered in Rome and was imported into Canada in 2004, and then to California in 2006. It has been repainted to a classic red, and the seller has put an extraordinary amount of effort into making this car perfect down to the minor details. He states, "Everything works perfectly. Everything." Any parts that were not perfect seem to have been replaced or repaired, and the attention to detail really shows, especially on the interior. The car looks cleaner and newer than many new cars I've seen in showrooms.

Before the car was completely finished, it placed 3rd in it's class at the Palos Verde Councours d'Elegance, which appears to be where the photos were taken. It would definitely be a hit with any Italian car crowd. I doubt many will recognize the unique look of this car. There seems to be extremely little information online specifically regarding the 1600 model, so any technical information the seller could provide would probably be helpful to the new owner.

It's tough to figure out the value of this car. A search online found a few old ads from the UK priced around £15,000, but not much else. This car is for sale here on eBay in Southern California with an undisclosed reserve price.

From Bring a Trailer - 1971 Citroen GS

2009-11-17T09:50:00.002-05:00

This car was featured on Bring a Trailer today, and it's such a good deal I have to write a quick post about it. The seller is a mechanic who imported the car from Holland and sorted most of the mechanicals and cosmetics, including rebuilding the upgraded 1220cc engine and redoing the interior.

This car is so wacky, it could only be French. I'd love to have a car like this, it would be so much fun every time you had to go somewhere. It's like a big toy. The car is in pretty darn good shape for the money. The seller documented the restoration work he did, going as far back as when the car lived in Rotterdam. The only faults he lists are the less-than-perfect body and a few creaks in the suspension on startup. Some of the lines from the ad that make me want the car are: "If you think of it as the streamlined 2cv upgrade that George Jetson would drive you'll be impressed" and "Kinda scruffy but loveable."

The seller says it cost him $4250 to get it from Rotterdam to Berkeley, and that's what he wants for the car. I think it's totally worth it, even if you have to add $1500 to get it across the country.

Find the car described here on Bring a Trailer, for sale here on eBay, and described further on the seller's website.

A Few (Too Many) Words about the Value Relative to the Cost of Late-Model Grey Market Cars

2009-11-17T06:01:00.005-05:00

On Sunday I posted about a Ford Escort RS Cosworth on eBay, and reader Richard commented that it’s hard to imagine that these are really worth what many US sellers are often asking, as high as $30-40k in some cases (the car I wrote about didn’t sell, the bidding stalled at $10,004). They’re certainly distinct and iconic 90’s sports cars, and they do have motorsports history, but is the high price really warranted? I thought I’d take this opportunity to explore a little bit about the ways different cars are imported and how it can affect their value in the US.

Most non-US cars that are imported here are 25 years old or older because that’s the point at which any foreign road car becomes exempt from all EPA and DOT requirements. The importer just has to pay some relatively small fees and duties, as well as the less-than-you-may-think shipping cost, and that’s about it. The cost of these cars usually isn’t drastically higher than what they’d cost in their home market.

Cars less than 25 years old, however, have to be modified to comply with federal safety standards, and those less than 21 years old must meet the emissions requirements as well. There is a list that the DOT publishes online that includes all the vehicles already determined eligible for safety conversion, but if a foreign car isn’t on the list then a Registered Importer has to petition them to allow it to import and convert the car. Assuming that there is a “substantially similar” car already for sale in the US, the process isn’t too bad from there on out. Where it gets really expensive is if the car is totally unique to rest-of-the-world markets.

Cars like the Escort Cosworth, Skyline GT-R, Citroën XM, pre-2002 Geländewagen, and pre-2008 Smart ForTwo have no similar models sold in the U.S. When registered importers decided they wanted to bring the first ones over, they had to gain permission to try and come up with a way to modify them so they meet safety and emission standards, which includes crash testing the cars. If the results are successful, the car is put on the DOT’s eligible cars list and subsequent cars can be imported and modified in the approved manner. Because the process of crash testing is extremely expensive, registered importers can patent their resulting safety modifications so that they have de facto exclusive rights to import that car, allowing them to name their price in order to recoup the high initial cost. This resulting high conversion cost means that only the most significant or demanded foreign cars are put through the process, and registered importers (or the customers who contract them) have to make sure it’s worth the gamble. When G&K started importing 2004-2006 Smart ForTwo’s, they needed to ensure that there was sufficient demand for the cars in the US, and they imported 1,000 of them to spread the cost out enough to sell them for a reasonable price (though as per the EPA’s rules the cars first had to be titled in the US and sold as used).

Most cars just aren't significant enough to warrant the expense. It’s unlikely anyone will start independently importing the Dacia Sandero any time soon. But is a Ford Escort RS Cosworth worth $30,000? Is a Smart? On the face of it, probably not, but the cost to import one to the US may be higher than you think, and as Richard commented, “it’s the premium you pay to drive something unique.”

More information about DOT and EPA requirements for importation of foreign cars can be found here:

http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/import/

http://www.epa.gov/otaq/imports/factmtop.htm

The Most Accessable Grey Market Import

2009-11-16T17:34:00.000-05:00

Though never intended for release to the US market, a reliable independent source contuinues to provide Americans with easy access to Top Gear. Find the first episode of the 14th season, released last night, at http://www.finalgear.com/.

1967 Morris Minor 1000

2009-11-16T14:42:00.003-05:00

The Morris Minor might not be the most attractive classic car on the road, or the most fun to drive (top speed was 77mph on the later 1000 model), but it is rare enough in the US to stand out at a Brit car meet and common enough worldwide to ensure easy parts availability and technical knowledge. Over it's 24-year production run, about one and a half million Minors of all variants were produced, and it was the first British car to reach 1,000,000 units.

The car featured here is a restored 2-door "1000" model with the 1.1 liter engine and 4-speed manual transmission. It is originally from New Zealand, where the cars have a huge and enthusiastic following. New Zealand is a great source for classic British cars because of the climate which limits rust formation compared to the British Isles, and the fact that they are also RHD.

The seller claims that this car runs, drives, and looks like new. It is implied that it was restored in New Zealand before being imported, but it's not explicitly stated. Another benefit to buying NZ-restored cars is that there is no language barrier, so any restoration documents and receipts should be easily interpreted.

The car is listed on eBay in Charleston, South Carolina for $8,500 by user "Turky," who is most likely the same person that is usually selling a number of imported and restored Minis and 2CVs (many also from NZ) on their website http://www.turkys.com/.

UPDATE: The car has been relisted here with a reduced buy-it-now price of $5,250 or best offer.

1994 Ford Escort RS Cosworth

2009-11-15T15:34:00.003-05:00

This is one of the hottest hatches of them all. The Escort RS Cosworth has a 227 bhp turbocharged engine and all-wheel-drive, making it a successful rally car. It was produced from 1992 through early 1996, and the '94-'95 models have been approved for importation to the US. This car was imported by Sun International, the same company who brought over the Lotus featured here Friday.

This 1994 model has the distinctive high rear spoiler and a very cool set of OZ Racing rally wheels. The interior looks to be in very good condition and it only has about 50,000 miles. There were only 7,145 vehicles produced from '92-'96, and they are extremely rare in the US.

This car has had some performance upgrades, but the ad describes the car in "daily-driver condition." It definitely would be a fun way to get around, and could handly just about any weather conditions. The seller is honest in mentioning that this car could be difficult to maintain, register, and insure, something buyers should always be aware of when purchasing a grey market car.

This car is available on eBay in Portland, OR. With just over one day to go the bids are around $10,000, and the reserve is not yet met.

Not your everyday Elise - 1999 Lotus Elise B18C

2009-11-13T17:59:00.005-05:00

The original Elise was never intended for sale to the American public. It wasn't until 2005 that we were offered the Toyota-powered Series 2 "Federal Elise." The original version entered the European marketplace in 1996 with a Rover 4-cyllinder engine, and technically would have been allowed to the US as a race car only with no possibility of street use. There are stipulations, however, that allow a car to be imported sans drivetrain, rebuilt, and titled as a kit car, which is exactly what this owner did.

The owner purchased this 1999 Elise 111s in Europe and had the engine and transmission removed. He then had Sun International import the car to the US and installed a JDM Honda Integra B18C Type R engine and trans. Depending on the state where the car is registered, it may or may not need to be emmissions tested, so it is important to use a drivetrain such as this one that can be made to comply with EPA standards.

The current production US model Elise is an extremely lightweight car, but the original version weighed about 300 pounds less. It had a less-powerful motor, though, producing just 118 bhp. This 111s had a 148 bhp motor in 1999, but now should produce well over 200 horsepower from the modified Honda powerplant.

This car looks to be very well taken-care-of and nicely modified. With just 9,000 miles, it is available here on eBay in Seattle with a Buy It Now price of $43,000.

Cooler than an H3T - 1984 Land Rover One Ten

2009-11-12T15:53:00.002-05:00

Land Rover sold the Defender 90 and 110 briefly in the USA in the 90's, and they command a premium price today. In Europe, however, the Defender has been sold consistently since 1983. Originally known as the Ninety and the One Ten, the name was changed to Defender in 1990. This right-hand-drive One Ten is available in the Netherlands for roughly $16,500.

As this vehicle is registered in Europe as a 1984, it is eligible to be imported to the USA (shipping costs less than $1000 to the East coast). Any vehicle over 25 years old is exempt from DOT and EPA restrictions on imports. The unique thing about this 1984 One Ten is that it's actually comprised of components from later models. The chassis and the front end are from a 1984 model, but the truck was restored with a later double cab body, interior, and bulletproof 200TDI engine.

This seller restores Land Rovers, Minis, and Mercedes G-Wagens and is experienced with sending cars to the USA. They also have a US partner in Pennsylvania. If a unique 4x4 is what you're looking for, an imported, modernized Land Rover is easy enough to get and FAR cheaper than a NAS (North American Specification) Defender 90 or 110.

The listing for this One Ten can be found at http://www.riverhousemini.com/.

2006 Smart fortwo (Type 450)

2009-11-11T12:31:00.011-05:00

Today's post is about my current daily driver. It's a 2006 Smart fortwo Passion originally destined for the Netherlands and imported by G & K Auto Conversion. This was the last year for the "Type 450" generation and its turbocharged gasoline engine, which was only sold in Europe and Australia (the diesel was also sold in Canada but is still illegal to import to the US).

The 2004-2006 Passion and Pulse models have a 698cc turbocharged three cyllinder Mercedes-Benz engine, and output is a staggering 61HP. It is driven through an automated 6-speed manual transmission, which shifts in sequential fashion without the use of a clutch pedal (not to be confused with a shiftable automatic transmission). It can also be put into a fully-automatic mode, though it isn't as smooth as an automatic transmission.

You can easily tell a Type 450 apart from the much more common Type 451 (2008-present) by looking at the head- and taillights. Type 450's have peanut-shaped headlights (the registered importer created custom housings as part of the conversion, but the shape is the same as original) and three vertical taillights on each side. The 451 is a completely new and slightly larger vehicle with a naturally aspirated Mitsubishi engine and a 5-speed transmission, which diminishes the performance of an already leisurely car (the 450 is capable of 100mph). Originally selling for between $26,000 and $32,000, it is quite difficult to put a value on a used 450, as with most grey market vehicles. About 1,000 Type 450 Smarts were imported to the USA by G & K. Another importer called ZAP also imported an unknown number in 2002-2004, though their method has been replaced by the one exclusively granted to G & K.

More information can be found on the Wikipedia article, from the importer, and in the Original Smart section of the Smart Car of America forum.

Euro-Spec Citroen ID20

2009-11-10T11:53:00.010-05:00

I was watching a movie last night in which a character drove a Euro-spec Citroen DS. I think it's a very interesting car and one that you don't often see in the States. It was offered here from 1956 to 1972, but it didn't have the signature covered, turning headlights of the European model ('67-onwards), as they were outlawed in the US at the same time as the feature was introduced. Here is a "downmarket" version, the ID20, in original European specification for sale in Washington state.

The ID differed from the more expensive DS by its more traditional transmission and clutch, as well as the lack of power steering. The DS used extensive hydraulic systems to control these features, but both the ID and DS have self-leveling hydropneumatic suspensions. The ID20 also had a less-powerful, 78 HP engine. The seller describes the car as "in good running condition, [with] no mechanical or suspension problems." It would stand to reason that an ID would be an easier car to maintain than the more complicated DS. They have exactly the same space-age look.

To differentiate the Euro cars from their US counterparts, the obvious cue is the covered headlights that turn with the steering wheel, though this can be retrofit on American cars. Less likely to be changed are the tail lights, which were round on US models. Some US cars also have different side marker lights.

This car is listed on eBay for a short time longer with bidding up to $6100 and the reserve not met. The seller prefers phone contact over email, and he can be reached at 206-334-7729.

UPDATE: This car sold for $8,900 after 10 bids. A great buy for a very unique car.

Motivation for Grey in the USA

2009-11-09T13:44:00.009-05:00

I want to start this blog off by saying what sparked the idea for it. Last night while driving around the DC beltway I came upon a blue MKII Ford Galaxy TDI minivan with MD plates.

It's a pretty boring car all in all. Doesn't stand out in a crowd. It was kind of banged-up, too. But what was it doing here? Who was so unsatisfied with the offerings on the dealership lots that they brought their own minivan over from Europe or South America? It just made me think. Maybe it was just an issue of convenience for a European expat who brought his own car over (somehow), or maybe someone was just looking for something different. I've seen a few vehicles here on Euro plates (and some American plates on European roads), which is legal on a temporary basis, but with permanent tags this car had to have been registered with the MVA. This car's not on the NHTSA eligible import list, so for now it's a mystery.

The pictures are from wikimedia commons, not the actual car.

Let's see if I can write a blog...

2009-11-09T13:43:00.001-05:00

There are a lot of great car blogs out there. A lot of good forums, too. It seems to me, though, that there aren't a whole lot of venues dedicated exclusively to grey market cars (or gray market cars for that matter), so I thought I'd try my hand at it. I'm no writer, so this may not work out so well, but it's free and easy enough so here goes.

I should start off by giving my definition of "grey market." I use this term to mean any vehicle that was originally manufactured for markets excluding the USA, but which has been properly imported to the states in such a way that it can be titled and legally driven here. Some may have a more comprehensive definition of the term, or a looser one, but this is what I'd like to cover here.

Why do I care so much about grey market cars? Maybe it's because I have a preference for things that I'm not allowed to have... Maybe I just like to be different, even if 99% of people have no idea. Maybe it's the challenge. Sometimes it's tough to pinpoint just why we like what we like.

With this blog I'd like to try and list cars that I find for sale, as well as places to buy grey market cars, stories from myself and others, and general information. I encourage you to write me with submissions, ideas, and input so this site can grow and we can cover wide ranges of topics related to grey market cars. Please use the comment page as well, it's a great way to discuss the topics with other enthusiasts. You don't even need an account.

I'm going to try and keep the posts unique to this blog. I read Just a Car Geek, Autoblog, Bring a Trailer, and Two Seats or Less daily and I don't want to duplicate their postings or pull readers away from these excellent sites.

So... thanks for reading... and enjoy!