Selling a Canadian registered kit car into the US...problems.

[Jacques]

I'm selling a 1987 Caterham Seven Cosworth in Vancouver.  An Arizona buyer wants it.  My ICBC registration (provincial insurance company) states the car is a replikit because Caterham didn't' put a VIN on it, they sold it as a kit to a Dutch company that assembled it.  Dutch guy builds it, it's eventually imported to BC, now I'm selling it as a provincially registered car.  Arizona buyer's broker says even being over 25 it can't come across.  Another broker says it may work if I can prove the Cosworth is over 25 too.  Anyone see if we're missing something here?  thanks

[MV8]

Overview letter: https://www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/elig120115_v2.pdf

Eligible but non-conforming Lists: https://www.nhtsa.gov/importing-vehicle

 

 

[Jacques]

I've passed that along to potential buyer down south.  That material is slow reading and I'm not particularly familiar with the different US agencies.  Are you able to explain your understanding of how these regs might apply to the situation I've described?  thanks

[Marek]

I know of a parts bin Defender which was successfully imported from Canada to the US a few years ago.  The chassis, body, and engine were all of different years and not in a combination which ever left the factory.  (and in this case also assembled in The Netherlands)  The advice given the buyer and seller in the case of the Defender was to leave the complicated cases to a vehicle specialist broker.  I believe the one they used is in the Vancouver area.

[MV8]

I didn't drill down fully and just looked to provide an arrow to references. In my opinion, importation of a 1987 vehicle is allowed under 49USC § 30112 (b) 9. I don't know a higher authority than that in this case and would inquire at the border in advance short of using a broker. I'm only discussing bringing it in. An email reply is better than a phone conversation. Always be polite, ask for names and be prepared to get it done ASAP if the word is GO. 

The State it goes to will have a say about equipment and possibly emission in order to be registered to operate on public roads. Some States may accept transfer from another State but not first time registration after importation of the same, unaltered vehicle.