Importing a DeLorean to US

[dmcjohn]

Hi all,

If anyone has experience with importing a DeLorean (unlikely I know) or another 30+ years old car into the US, can you please let me know?

I have some questions on how much red-tape there is involved when importing a non-running/partially disassembled project car, but one which was previously titled in the US. So, for example it would have had a US spec exhaust on it originally when titled in the US, but now there is currently no exhaust fitted (although it will be included with the shipment in a box of parts). Not sure this really matters though when the car is over 30 as it should be emissions exempt anyway?

Thanks,
John

[nullset]

Hi all,

If anyone has experience with importing a DeLorean (unlikely I know) or another 30+ years old car into the US, can you please let me know?

I have some questions on how much red-tape there is involved when importing a non-running/partially disassembled project car, but one which was previously titled in the US. So, for example it would have had a US spec exhaust on it originally when titled in the US, but now there is currently no exhaust fitted (although it will be included with the shipment in a box of parts). Not sure this really matters though when the car is over 30 as it should be emissions exempt anyway?

Thanks,
John

Emissions is determined by state/county where you are importing it. I believe in California Deloreans are not exempt from emissions. Here in Georgia, they are :)

Sorry I can't offer more help, though.

--buddy

[DMCH James]

From this page:

http://www.nhtsa.gov/cars/rules/import/FAQ Site/pages/page2.html

6. Re-importing a U.S.-certified vehicle.

If a vehicle now outside the U.S. bears a certification label affixed by its original manufacturer stating that the vehicle complies with all applicable FMVSS in effect on its date of manufacture, it can be imported as a conforming motor vehicle under Box 2A on the HS-7 Declaration form that must be given to Customs at the time of entry. You can download a copy of that form from our website at http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/import.




Hi all,

If anyone has experience with importing a DeLorean (unlikely I know) or another 30+ years old car into the US, can you please let me know?

I have some questions on how much red-tape there is involved when importing a non-running/partially disassembled project car, but one which was previously titled in the US. So, for example it would have had a US spec exhaust on it originally when titled in the US, but now there is currently no exhaust fitted (although it will be included with the shipment in a box of parts). Not sure this really matters though when the car is over 30 as it should be emissions exempt anyway?

Thanks,
John

[DMCH James]

And, in the case of your 4-seater DMC:

8. Importing a vehicle that is at least 25 years old.

A motor vehicle that is at least 25 years old can be lawfully imported into the U.S. without regard to whether it complies with all applicable FMVSS. Such a vehicle would be entered under Box 1 on the HS-7 Declaration form to be given to Customs at the time of importation. If you wish to see that form, you may download a copy from our website at www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/import. You should note that the 25 year period runs from the date of the vehicle's manufacture. If the date of manufacture is not identified on a label permanently affixed to the vehicle by its original manufacturer, to establish the age of the vehicle, you should have documentation available such as an invoice showing the date the vehicle was first sold or a registration document showing that the vehicle was registered at least 25 years ago. Absent such information, a statement from a recognized vehicle historical society identifying the age of the vehicle could be used.

[Dangermouse]

John,

I think your car may well be the DeLorean to be imported from Ireland twice !

[dmcjohn]

Hi all,

Thanks for your input, very helpful, especially your second post James - I had been on the website before but had not seen that paragraph.

Dermot - I think I heard before of some military people shipping their DeLoreans around the world and reimporting to the US, so it probably has happened before but would be rare. However, its definitely the first DeLorean to be shipped from Ireland to the USA since the factory closed!

Thanks,
John

[denis45700]

I imported a 1983 280ge Mercedes right hand drive from Ireland to Washington state with no trouble in any way. It was very easy and customs was excellent. I was under the impression it would have been a lot harder.

[Dangermouse]

Probably too late now, John, but may be a worthwhile reference in the future

http://jalopnik.com/5892536/how-to-import-a-foreign-car-legally