A possible move to the States

[stevebroad]

We are 8 years into the process of applying for residency in the States. No plans at present, but we started the process before the kids turned 21 (wife's sister lives in Anaheim) in case they decide to emigrate in the future.

One question........ Would I have trouble importing my Elan into the Sates (California)? It is highly modifed and fitted with a Cosworth YB turbo motor.

[jcocking]

I can't speak to California specifics, but once a car is over 25 years old, there are no restrictions for importing the car to the US. You will still have to do all the paper work, but you will not have to do any modifications to the car.

The one little gotcha, is length of ownership. If you have owned the car for less than one year, you will have to pay a duty fee. I think the duty fee is a 2.5% of the value of the car.

jeff

[EnfoKen]

If the car is 1974 or older there are no emissions testing or any other testing. The
DMV will look at the VIN and thats really it.
Good luck.

[StressCraxx]

Welcome to the State of Kalifornia.

I know that vehicles over 25-30 years old can or have been imported. I can check with a co-worker who imported an early Mini Cooper S. The state web page is not helpful, on purpose.

http://dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/?1dmy&urile=wcm:path:/dmv_content_en/dmv/pubs/brochures/howto/htvr9#feesdue

http://dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/pubs/brochures/fast_facts/ffvr29

The most helpful one:
http://www.arb.ca.gov/html/master_faqs/vehicle_faqs/greymarket_cars_faq.htm

[stevebroad]

Thanks guys, although I now can't use the excuse that I can't take my car with me so I am not going