Originally Posted by Monsterbox

Swap the vin tag in the windshield and go to the DMV. In alabama we dont have emissions and the ignorant dmv people just come outside glance in the window and write down the number

Originally Posted by Monsterbox

Can you not ship a car as a "track car only"

Originally Posted by FDNewbie

From the NHTSA (http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/...ng/Racing.html):

The following sets forth the requirements for a vehicle to be imported as a racing vehicle. A vehicle that was originally manufactured as a racing vehicle can be declared as an off-road vehicle under Box 8 on the HS-7 Declaration form that is to be furnished to the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (Customs) at time of importation. Such a vehicle can be permanently imported into the United States. A motor vehicle that was not originally manufactured as a racing vehicle can only be imported on a temporary basis under Box 7 on the HS-7 Declaration form. The importer must obtain a letter of permission from NHTSA to import a vehicle on that basis. To obtain such a letter, the vehicle must be in full racing configuration at the time of importation and lack features associated with safe and practical public road use. Determinations are based on the capability of the vehicle to be used on public roads, not its intended use.



To import a racing vehicle into the United States on a permanent basis, you must:

Obtain from the vehicle’s original manufacturer a letter stating that the vehicle was originally manufactured as a racing vehicle.

File with Customs, upon entry, an HS-7 Declaration form on which Box 8 is checked, indicating that the vehicle was not manufactured primarily for use on the public roads, and is therefore not a motor vehicle subject to the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety, Bumper, and Theft Protection Standards.

Attach a copy of the manufacturer’s letter to the HS-7 Declaration form that you furnish to Customs.

To import a motor vehicle into the United States on a temporary basis for racing purposes, you must:

Apply to NHTSA for a letter granting you permission to import the vehicle on a temporary basis. For that purpose, you should use the application form posted on this website.

File with Customs, upon entry, an HS-7 Declaration form on which Box 7 is checked, indicating that the motor vehicle does not comply with all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety, Bumper, and Theft Prevention Standards, but is being imported solely for the purpose of competitive racing events.

Attach a copy of the NHTSA permission letter to the HS-7 Declaration form that you furnish to Customs.

To obtain such a permission letter from NHTSA, you must submit to the agency the following information in the order stated:

1. Importer’s name, address, and daytime phone number.
2. Customs broker’s name, contact, and phone number.
3. Vehicle information (make, model, model year, and VIN or identifying number).
4. A list of the racing features of the vehicle.
5. A list of the features lacking that are needed for use of the vehicle on public roads.
6. Photographs showing the following views: front, rear, side, and interior. Racing features and/or features lacking for on-road use on public roads should be shown in the photographs.
7. The name of the sanctioning body and competition class.
8. Previous race history of the vehicle (if any).
9. Schedule of racing events, including dates and locations where vehicle will compete (if any).
10. Copy of the competition-racing license of the importer (if any).

Permission to import a motor vehicle temporarily is granted in annual increments for up to three years if duty is not paid, or for up to five years if duty is paid. No later than 30 days after the expiration of the period for which permission is granted, the vehicle must be either exported from the United States or destroyed.



A racing vehicle may not be registered or licensed for on-road use. A vehicle allowed entry for racing purposes cannot subsequently be converted for use on public roads.

Originally Posted by Monsterbox

Can you not ship a car as a "track car only"

Originally Posted by Monsterbox

Swap the vin tag in the windshield and go to the DMV.

Originally Posted by moconnor

This seems to be a common characteristic of people who have imported these cars. Lots of vague noises about how anything is possible if you put your mind to it, you need to know how to pull the right strings, etc. And often accompanied by condescending, dismissive noises about people who outline the actual legal importation process. But, of course, they supply NO ACTUAL DETAILS of this super sekrit process.

The reason, of course, is that you basically have to lie through your teeth when filing in forms for registering the car. These lies are also known as felonies.

This really needs a FAQ entry because the question is asked every week and the same misinformation is repeated pretty much every time.

Originally Posted by dgeesaman

Do you work for Barry Taylor?

Originally Posted by dgeesaman

Do you work for Barry Taylor?

Originally Posted by Monsterbox

....Swap the vin tag in the windshield and go to the DMV.

Originally Posted by Monsterbox

Also, insurance does not come out and register the car in person nor do they search for vin numbers etc when the evaluate.......

Originally Posted by RX794

You CAN import an FD, Cosmo, Skyline, Pulsar GTiR, etc. legitimately from Japan ONLY IF you go about it the correct way. Contact http://www.empyreanmotoimports.com as long as you are serious and have the funding, they've imported some cars for a few friends of mine. These cars are driving, registered and insured legitimately here in the USA.

Originally Posted by street_racer_271

i definatly have one imported from japan, its much easier then everyone makes it out to be, the only thing i've done to it is tune up an reliability mods, well cooling has been taken care of when i got it, but yea Canada is awesome for importing cars, just hard to find a mechanic willing to safety it. But if you have money, you have power!