Feeler: Importing ST205 (and others) to US Options

[slyd]

I am thinking of starting a company geared towards importing otherwise unobtainable cars, engines, and parts to the US. The 6gen GT-4, of course, is one of these. Also Nissan S15 Silvias, R32 and R34 Sylines, and other Japanese and European goodies that due to DOT and EPA restrictions are not importable. I already know all the laws and rules and have formulated a method for doing this legally. And it's not easy, there is a lot you have to do to keep them completely legal and road-safe. A few questions, though. 1. How much would you be willing to pay for an ST205? 2. What other cars would you recommend? 3. Any other suggestions? Thanks.

[slyd]

Block, your almost on the right track, but doing it that way violates EPA Regulations. And the EPA will hurt you just for the fun of it.

When I finish importing a vehicle, it will be mechanically sound, cosmeticly excellent, street ready, road worthy, EPA and DOT legal, VINed, registerable, and insurable. And once they have been registered in one state, they are fully transferable to any other, as long as it passes emissions(generally California is left out on this one, but it can be done...$$$). Also, vehicles can legally be left or right hand drive in the US. Left hand conversion would cost extra because of the fabrication required.

Yes you can buy used JDM vehicles on their home market fairly inexpensively. Yes, they could be imported for roughly 5-8k if you plan to only use them for show or race. ***I do not do things illegal and will not be party to any questions as such.*** But if you do plan to show or race only, I can help there, too.

But, it costs me roughly 10-15k to import most vehicles and do it legally. I am building a network of exporters and buyers that can get nearly any vehicle. And if you find a car overseas you want to import, I would be willing to work with you to see it done. Also I plan to run a parts house and shop to round out the business. That way I can do LHD conversion and other customizations at a much lower expense.

For ST205 I was thinking roughly 13-20k depending on year, modifications, and what I can get them for. The Celica is what started my import obsession, and I like the forum, so I'll make minimal profit on the GT-4's and other vehicles sold to 6gc members. I would charge more for other, more popular vehicles like Skyline and Silvia, late models such as NSX and RX-7, rarities such as GT-4 WRC Group A and NSX-R MR, not to mention expensive European toys like TVRs, Maseratis, and Ferarris.

This post has been edited by slyd: Oct 1, 2006 - 9:53 PM