Thread: US prices for series Landies

Originally Posted by JDNSW

I emailed my brother in the US on this - here is his reply:-

"As far as I know, the restrictions which apply are those which were in effect
for the model year of manufacture. The tough restrictions started in 1975,
and became increasingly problematic. *But there were earlier restrictions:
for example, from about 1950 there was a requirement for sealed beam
headlights, and even though that restriction was lifted in about 1980, it may
still apply for cars 1950-1980.

The relevant standards are Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966, revised under the
Imported Vehicle Safety Compliance Act of 1988; bumper standards under the
Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act of 1972, which became
effective in 1978; and air pollution control standards under the Clean Air
Act of 1968, as amended in 1977, and 1990.

I would imagine it would be fairly easy to get a vehicle from 1974 or earlier
approved, even though you might have to make some modifications. "Vehicles
entering the United States that do not conform with U.S. safety standards
must be brought into compliance, exported, or destroyed."

Emission standards started in 1967."

You could check the acts he refers to.
The "kit car" route, from what I have heard, is quite effective at getting the vehicle in, and after that the problem would depend on what state you wanted to register it in - I gather they vary from very strict to very laissez faire.

Nothing about protection of the US car industry.
John

From NHTSA in US

Under 49 U.S.C. § 30112(a), a person may not permanently import into the United States a motor
vehicle manufactured after the date that an applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standard (FMVSS)
takes effect unless the vehicle complies with the standard and is so certified by its original
manufacturer. This prohibition applies to both new and used motor vehicles, but does not apply to

motor vehicles that are at least 25 years old.

From Buy classic cars.com
There are some great Classic cars that have turned up in Canada over the years, and many rarer examples of certain marques were exported in droves back in the boom of the early 90's. Now the tables are turning and people within the US (flushed with Internet riches) are looking abroad to find the cars of their dreams!
The law says: "any motor vehicle that is at least 25 years old" is not subject to importation restrictions.

Looking at the condition of the 109, which looks like it's been rebuilt, I'd say that is a pretty fair price actually.

Originally Posted by jimbo110

From NHTSA in US

Under 49 U.S.C. § 30112(a), a person may not permanently import into the United States a motor
vehicle manufactured after the date that an applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standard (FMVSS)
takes effect unless the vehicle complies with the standard and is so certified by its original
manufacturer. This prohibition applies to both new and used motor vehicles, but does not apply to

motor vehicles that are at least 25 years old.

Yes. Done some more checking and it looks like this is correct. It appears to be a change as of January this year. Like other "ebay" items, as people realise the possibilities it is likely to see a lot of car prices rise dramatically, although tempered somewhat by the transport costs from here.

John

John

from US to here it is not that expensive...about AUD$7-8k door to door..it's about the same going back.....wonder if a CKD landy would classify under USFTA...therefore duty free....

Originally Posted by OLR-067

from US to here it is not that expensive...about AUD$7-8k door to door..it's about the same going back.....wonder if a CKD landy would classify under USFTA...therefore duty free....

Considering that is about the maximum you would expect to pay for most Series here ...........

John

[QUOTE=JDNSW;612965]It appears to be a change as of January this year. /QUOTE]

AFAIK the 25 year rule has been in place for quite a few years.

Bear in mind though, that most buyers in the US are only interested in vehicles in perfect/restored condition. A tatty series that is non-original will be lucky to get a couple of grand. Cruisers (40/45 series) are also rare, and fetch big money (especially troopies as they were never released in the US).

AFAIK Canadian rules are less restrictive (15 years). A mate of mine in OZ sold 2 3.9D countys to friends in Canada a while back.

Don't forget it's one thing to advertise a price like that, it's another to get it !