Enthu

iTrader: (1)

OK, I know this topic has been spoken of hundreds of times on the forums, but I was reading an old issue (may 2000) of Road and track that had an article called "Forbidden Fruit".

I was reading through and saw mention of the way we all know that consists of crash testing 2 cars and smoging one, than havign another that is yours to drive after spending waaaay to much money for an FD.

Then there was mention of the 1999 re-instated DOT
"show and display" standard, that required only having the car smog tested to meet EPA standards, the crash test is waived. The only catch is the car is limited to 2500 miles annually. That wouldn't bother me since I only can drive spring and summer months and only put about 3000 miles last year on my FD.

Does anyone know any details on this or heard of anyone doing it? seems this would be a great way to get a new FD here.

ArchangelX

All I know..is that if Motorex thinks it's prohibitively expensive..then I can't afford it either.

I started looking into it, since I'm moving to the UK..but I just figured, hell..I've already got a 93, what's a couple of years?

I don't care about the resale value because I plan to keep it for awhile. And most of the stuff that has problems will be replaced anyways.

actionhank

Ive heard of some wierd clause or something where its like, one person, one car, one lifetime. So basicly your alowed one car and you dont have to do **** to it but thats all you get for your life. Thats what I HEARD. dont know if its true. but hey, if it is true doesnt me that I cant have one, or my sister, or mom, dad, cousin........

apexkw

i believe what you are talking about is a collector car. its like a one of a kind car and you cant drive it more than a couple of thousad miles a year. i never looked into this when i was going to try import one, because i drive a whole lot. summer is 12 months a year in florida. i would go to the dot, and nhtsa websites and do some reading.

rx7ofmine

I saw a website link posted on a thread recently from a company that specialize in importing j-spec high-end performance cars. It listed 96s around 24K, 98+ for 33K. I can't remember the title of the thread right now.

Mahjik

iTrader: (1)

I believe that site was for UK importing. I've seen the one you are talking about.

People, do you really think it's that easy or inexpensive? There are MANY people on this forum that could easily afford those prices, and then some.

So, why don't you think they have a 96 or up FD? It's because there is a lot more to it. If not, there would be quite a few 96+ FD's rolling around the US and a few of them on this forum (or some Rotary forum).

DomFD3S

I agree w/ Mahjik.

IF a company is able to do so, you would already see quite a number of 96+ FDs. There are plenty of wealthy people in the US to purchase all kinds of cars. It is just there are a lot of restrictions/limitations which prevent them from coming into the US easily.

Companies can CLAIM all they want, but very few actually PRODUCE results.

Brad

I thought that it was possible to bring any car over for "show and display" like you mentioned...but it could only stay for two years. Then it's back to the country of origin or the crusher.

Besides...I don't really see the point in buying a 96+ FD. What's so special about them? Unless it's an RZ or Spirit R I don't see the point. And even then...the added performance of the RZ or Spirit R is nothing compared to half of the fairly modified 93-95 FD's in the states already.

diablone

iTrader: (2)

Generally..Newer car = less problems.

j9fd3s

iTrader: (3)

thats the problem right there, the 96-98 fd will pass the crash test (its the same as ours) but not the epa smog test, it lacks obd2 and therefore will fail under the letter of the law.

mike

artguy

"generally..newer car + less problems"

hahahah....we are talking about an fd arent we.

it doesnt matter how old it is...its gonna have problems.




j

diablone

iTrader: (2)

Hah, True. You've got me there.

m477

Well, you could just buy one of those super low mileage FDs that pop up every once in awhile, and buy all the 99-spec parts for it, that would be way cheaper and almost as good as having a new J-spec FD. Plus then you woundn't have to deal with a RHD car on US roads.

Also, I think most people that have that kind of cash to spend on a car just get a new 911 or something. Personally I would probably spring for a Lotus Esprit V8 TT, but that's just me.

ArchangelX

Welps...like I said..that's what I'm gonna do. I'm just gonna keep the 93 instead of importing one to the UK.

I mean hell..by the time I get through with it, it'll be MORE than enough sports car for a guy like me who isn't a rich ****.

BrianK

ok... in my quest to import an Elise, I've found the following:

the 2 year thing that was mentioned has nothing to do with show/display - it's more of a visiting car waiver, and it's only for people who are from other countries. If you're a US citizen, you can go that route.

As far as show and display goes, here's a quick summary:

In determining whether a vehicle is eligible for importation for show or display, NHTSA will consider the following factors, among others:[list=1][*]Whether a vehicle of the same make, model, and model year was manufactured and certified for sale in the United States. [*]Whether a vehicle of the same make, model, and model year has been determined eligible for importation pursuant to 49 CFR Part 593. [*]Whether the make and model of a vehicle is currently in production. [*]Whether production of the vehicle make and model was greater than 500 units. [*]Whether the vehicle is a kit car, replica, or special construction vehicle. [/list=1] If the answer to items 1, 2, or 5 is affirmative, you should not expect NHTSA to grant permission for importation. If the answer to item 3 is affirmative, NHTSA generally expects to grant permission for importation only to the manufacturer of the vehicle. If the answer to item 4 is affirmative, the applicant must establish that the vehicle is of exceptional technological and/or historical significance.

in other words... it's incredibly unlikely that you're going to be able to convince the NHTSA that a '96+ RX7 is worthy of show & display.

FYI: you can't even get an Elise in for S&D. Here's a few examples of show & display cars:

Audi Sport Quattro 1984
Australian Ford Falcon XC Bathurst Cobra 1978
BMW Z1 1988 - 1991
Bugatti EB110 1992 - 1995
Ford RS200 Evolution 1985 - 1986
Jaguar XJ220 1992 - 1994
McLaren F-1 1993 - 1998
Peugeot 205 Turbo 16 1984 - 1985
Porsche 911 Carrera 4S (last made) 1998
Porsche 959 1987, 1988
Rover Mini Cooper S (last 50 made) 2000