Importing a Esprit S1 to the USA

[masymas]

I wonder if anybody has any experience of this. I have done the obvious and checked out the US customs, and DOT sites and it states thats vehicles over 25 years old dont have to conform to Safety and theft prevention regulations. It then goes on the say vehicles registered after Sept 1st 1973 should meet Bumper regulations. Also emissions standards (Emission Standards The following passenger cars, light-duty trucks, heavy-duty engines and motorcycles are subject to Federal emission standards: Gasoline-fueled cars and light-duty trucks originally manufactured after December 31, 1967)

My question is does the esprit S1 meet these two requirements?

Any information would be gratefully received.

Many Thanks

[The Veg]

You may have a problem with the bumpers. I'm fairly certain that USA cars ('Federal' cars in Esprit parlance) had a different bumper to what the rest of the world got. Paging Tony K to the white courtesy phone...

[USAndretti42]

You may be able to retrofit US bumpers, if you can get some. Many have fitted UK bumpers to US cars so you should be able to do the opposite.

I thought the need to meet emission laws varied from state to state. For example, cars in California built after 1975 have to pass an annual smog test while other states only require a mechanical safety check.

[GavinT]

You can import an S1 with no problems at all. Any car that is over 25 years old at the time of importation is exempt from all DOT NHTSA and EPA regulations. You need to file forms 3520-1 and an HS-7 There is a small duty to pay on the car for customs clearance - think about 5% of the purchase price you paid NOT the original price if the vehicle.. You'll need a customs broker to file the paperwork for you. As long as you file the correct forms it's very simple. I used to import Land Rovers plus parts from the UK to the US in 40ft sea containers. So I've been through the process many times.

The only problem you will have is if you live or move to CA. In CA all cars must have applicable smog equipment installed for the vehicle's year of manufacture. Only way to get round this is to title the car out of state and run around on out of state plates.

HS-7 form:-

http://www.nhtsa.gov.../hs799short.pdf tick box 1

3520-1 form:-

http://www.epa.gov/o...orms/3520-1.pdf use code E

Good luck

Gavin

Edited August 4, 2011 by GavinT

[masymas]

Thanks guys for your helpful comments. The vehicle will be going to Maine. It is actually a restoration project. I have owned the car for 20 years, and is partly dsmantled now. Gavin do you know of any companies that could do the shipping of this vehicle and approximate costs.

Many Thanks,

[GavinT]

Andy,

It's been about 10 years since I shipped stuff in but do a Google search on auto or sea container shipping UK to USA. I just did one and got a bunch of companies. When I was doing it, a 40 ft container from the UK to Miami was about $1500. Try and find a company that offer a door to door service including customs clearance. A 20ft container is a little cheaper than a 40ft but not by as much as you would think. Use the extra space for parts. I would ship via container as you are then guaranteed protection from the elements. Be aware that containers are randomly pulled for inspection by customs at the sea port once they land in the US. If your container was tagged for inspection there is an additional customs charge to cover the inspection. I think it's about $500 if I remember correctly.

Make sure you get an export certificate from the DVLA before you ship the car. The certificate will need to be filed with the HS7 and 3520 form along with a copy of the V5.

http://www.direct.go...t/dg_065267.pdf

Gavin

Edited August 4, 2011 by GavinT

[masymas]

Thanks Gavin for the further info. I was expecting to spend about that amount of money so isnt a shock...lol

I took a look at your car also on youtube, Very nice example and has the uk bumpers. Although I think the rear one looks shallower than mine. I thought it went right up to the waist line.

I will let you know the outcome of my shipping enquiries, I am not going to the end of the year but wanted to get an idea of things.

Many Thanks

[karmavore]

How do you get a title with out a US VIN?

[GavinT]

You don't. The US title will show the original VIN of the car. When you go to the DMV for the title you need to show them copies of the HS7, 3520 and the export certificate. The nice person at the DMV will look completely confused and ask for a supervisor. After checking the office guide book they'll realize all is as it should be. With paperwork in-hand they'll go out to the car and check the VIN. Then sign off on it and issue the title.

Edited August 6, 2011 by GavinT