A Few Cars Worth Importing Into The USA

Want to stand out in a crowd? How about driving in a car only a few have ever heard of.

How? According to the United States Customs and Border Protection agency, if you happen to find a vehicle that is 25 years or older outside of our borders, of course you can! In doing so, you are signing your life away. The Federal Government may also want to scrutinize your purchase to make sure it can waive you through making it from ship to your driveway.

Keep in mind some vehicles may not be allowed in the USA for various reasons. Before you import, check the pertinent websites for those lists. If the car you want to bring over is ineligible – find another car that will pass muster with the CBP.

If you are ready to import the one car you wished was here – albeit 25 years or more later – and have all the money in the world to sail through Customs…then, I have a few suggestions -from a personal point of view.

This could spell trouble. But, here are some legally importable vehicles which could pass Customs into the USA.

CITROEN CX: I used to think these were the coolest cars in the world. They were futuristic – just like their predecessors, the DS and ID – and provided some of the most interesting technologies known in the world. They arrived as grey market imports with compromised Federalization to pass muster here. They are now at an age when you could simply import one without going through hoops to modify them heavily. In 1982, a ZF automatic was added to the 2.4-liter petrol engine, which makes them a good target. The larger 2.5-liter can be found on Prestige and GTI models. They seem pretty fun, though you will risk even higher stakes when trying to find service for them.

TOYOTA CROWN: There are lots of JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) vehicles to choose from. You can for a “kei” car, but some states will not let you register them. What if you want a “safe bet? One that has prestige with familiar drivelines. Keep in mind that the Toyota Cown was sold here until the early 1970s until it was resurrected a few years ago. There are many such Crown models made within this gap of time, and some might just surprise you to their affordability and feature content. They may also be powered with the same driveline as your favorite Toyota or Lexus. You can pick fro a former taxi specification to a sporty one, or the more coveted luxury models. The variety of variants may be dizzying, but picking the right one will be satisfying. 

HOLDEN HQ/HJ/HZ: The HQ was the apex of the big Holden in the 1970s. They offered room, comfort, a sturdy build, compliant suspension even in the deep outback and strong motors. No matter whether it is a six or a V8, one cannot go wrong with a solid Kingswood or Premier sedan. I would avoid the modified ones, as it would draw attention to Customs agents. Though they are right-hand drive, these Holdens are at a certain age where they would pass off with Collectors or Historic tags, depending on your state’s licensing rules.

OPEL SENATOR/MONZA: These big Opels from the 1980s were not as popular as their richer counterparts, but they provided enough interest for General Motors to sustain their European operations. They were rear drive and had nice six-cylinder petrol engines with four-speed automatics. Plus, they offered good room and comfort.. Some of these examples were already modified with body kits, rims and such. I would prefer more original examples of either the sedan (Senator) or coupe (Monza). You can also get these in right-hand drive wth the Vauxhall badge as the Royale in both the sedan and coupe.

NISSAN SKYLINE: Here’s the thing – everybody wants a GT-R. They are the automotive equivalent to a superhero. What you might not know is that the Skyline goes back before Nissan’s absorption of the Prince Motor Company in 1966. Also, not every Skyline is a GT-R. There were four-door Skylines, wagons, panel wagons – and so forth. While they were influential by the iconic performance of the GT-R, you can get variants that are just as powerful as one. They even come in mainstream and luxury models, too! No matter which Skyline you choose, they are conversation starters. No elevator speeches will be needed, because those who are looking for a Skyline is genuinely curious and interested in one. 

FORD FALCON: In the similar vein as the Holden, getting them from Australia would not only be a prize, but an interesting proposition. Ford engines are actually closer to their North American counterparts than Holden's – which makes spares a bit easier to manage. Still, they are right-hand drive and almost look like stateside counterparts. The XA, XB and XC Falcons are the more desirable, in my book. These also include the upscale Fairmonts, as well. If you are still leery on how a Falcon would start conversations here – think "Mad Max." That will get the ball rolling!

FORD GRANADA/CONSUL: If you must, there is a theme happening here. Big Fords that are not available in the USA in their time have always been attractive to me. Like the Falcons, the Mk I Granada/Consul from the 1970s had that Ford look that had one foot in North America, but the other in their home market. They were attractive then, as they are now. I am familiar with the engines – Cologne V6s. The automatics were made differently than the ill-fated ones we had stateside.. Keep in mind, these were very clean right-hand drive examples in the UK. Another thing to consider – there are truly a few of these left across Europe.

Of course, this is just a sampling. I'm sure you got your ideas of what to import from anywhere in the world that is at least 25 years old. No matter what you decide t bring ivermectin stateside, make sure you work with a reputable team of peopewho can assist you every step of the way. Understand that tariffs may change based on government policy and that a substantial investment would be made to ensure that your dream vehicle will make from the seller to the time you get it home.

Another thing: Make sure you have a way to get parts for your dream vehicle. Since these vehicles were not sold in the USA when they were new, finding parts will be a hunt that can turn costly. That is part of the investment you're making by bringing something different to our roads.

Lastly, if you know someone who has brought a vehicle into the USA that has never been sold here, strike up a conversation. Ask questions – all of them! Find out the "how," the "why," and the "who" to make your path to importing a vehicle after 25 years since its first sale easier – or, less stressful. One would hope, right?

Don;t let that dissuade you from bringing something special to your home. Something worth a conversation over. Something I'd to see at one of our car meets…right MN Oddballs?

Cover Photo by Randy Stern