In a world where everyone imports 25-year-old cars from Japan, why not import something from Europe? Or, more specifically, something Italian like this Alfa Romeo 156?
Imported just last year, per the seller, this Alfa Romeo is powered by a 2.5-liter version of the famed Busso V6–claimed by some to be one of the best-sounding engines ever made.
The 156 …
Gosh that's a pretty thing. I find the whole engine sound an interesting topic. How much of the sound is the motor, how much the exhaust, and how much the intake?
On another note, has there been a thread about the 25-year rule? How does that work? How is it managed? And is it universal, or do some states not allow it?
In reply to Kreb (Forum Supporter) :
Go to the source! It's federal.
https://www.nhtsa.gov/importing-vehicle/importation-and-certification-faqs
Note that this is just the safety aspect and importing into the US. Emissions regulations may still apply for registration. I think CA has some special methods of dealing with that, just like it does for importing federal emissions vehicles. I've brought three vehicles into the US so far, it's remarkably trouble-free if you follow the procedure.
Kreb (Forum Supporter) said:On another note, has there been a thread about the 25-year rule? How does that work? How is it managed? And is it universal, or do some states not allow it?
In addition to those items, it would be great to have a thread that discussed reputable on the ground resources, shippers, import services, etc. I have a strong desire to import a particular model but have no clue who to reach out to in order to locate the vehicle, inspect it, get it to a port, and on and on.
dyintorace said:Kreb (Forum Supporter) said:On another note, has there been a thread about the 25-year rule? How does that work? How is it managed? And is it universal, or do some states not allow it?
In addition to those items, it would be great to have a thread that discussed reputable on the ground resources, shippers, import services, etc. I have a strong desire to import a particular model but have no clue who to reach out to in order to locate the vehicle, inspect it, get it to a port, and on and on.
The ground work at the other end is really the main headache. For JDM imports, there's a bunch of companies in Japan (both reputable and, err, less so) who will help you out for a fee, but for something like an import from Europe or the UK, it's a bit more DIY and legwork. I don't think there's a developed network for sourcing cars in Europe (other than really high dollar cars) like there is in Japan.
Beautiful cars. Too bad they are wrong wheel drive
BoxheadTim said:dyintorace said:Kreb (Forum Supporter) said:On another note, has there been a thread about the 25-year rule? How does that work? How is it managed? And is it universal, or do some states not allow it?
In addition to those items, it would be great to have a thread that discussed reputable on the ground resources, shippers, import services, etc. I have a strong desire to import a particular model but have no clue who to reach out to in order to locate the vehicle, inspect it, get it to a port, and on and on.
The ground work at the other end is really the main headache. For JDM imports, there's a bunch of companies in Japan (both reputable and, err, less so) who will help you out for a fee, but for something like an import from Europe or the UK, it's a bit more DIY and legwork. I don't think there's a developed network for sourcing cars in Europe (other than really high dollar cars) like there is in Japan.
I want a LHD Defender 90. From what I've researched, I would want it from Spain or Italy due to the dry climate.
I like that, a lot.
Unfortunately, don't have that much spare cash or a third garage spot.
In reply to dyintorace :
We have an article over at Classic Motorsports that might answer some questions: How to minimize risks when buying or selling overseas.
If you really want that engine, you can get a 94 or 95 164 that has the same motor as this 156- the 24V version. The earlier Busso V6 was in the GTV6, Milano, and early 164s.
As for Busso personally, I honestly don't think he had that much to do with the 24v compared to the earlier 12V version. We actually met him at the museum in 1995, and he was old and retired then.
dyintorace said:BoxheadTim said:dyintorace said:Kreb (Forum Supporter) said:On another note, has there been a thread about the 25-year rule? How does that work? How is it managed? And is it universal, or do some states not allow it?
In addition to those items, it would be great to have a thread that discussed reputable on the ground resources, shippers, import services, etc. I have a strong desire to import a particular model but have no clue who to reach out to in order to locate the vehicle, inspect it, get it to a port, and on and on.
The ground work at the other end is really the main headache. For JDM imports, there's a bunch of companies in Japan (both reputable and, err, less so) who will help you out for a fee, but for something like an import from Europe or the UK, it's a bit more DIY and legwork. I don't think there's a developed network for sourcing cars in Europe (other than really high dollar cars) like there is in Japan.
I want a LHD Defender 90. From what I've researched, I would want it from Spain or Italy due to the dry climate.
Probably Spain, as they were license built there as Santanas for quite a while. So easier to find and definitely a lot less rust prone than say, one from Central Europe like Germany or Switzerland.
amg_rx7 (Forum Supporter) said:Beautiful cars. Too bad they are wrong wheel drive
I've owned both the four banger version and the six pot when I lived in the UK. Yeah, I know, what a surprise...
They still drive and handle very well, but I'd give the four banger the edge for handling - or at least being more lightfooted - as one notices the added heft of the Busso. But sound wise, it's no comparison.
I've daydreamed about this and then the 159 since about 2004 when I found a WI dealer that imports Alfa Romeo's.
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