alfista1

I have an old alfa romeo from 1988 and may be interested in importing it into Texas from overseas.

The DOT states this:

Is it pretty simple to import a 25 year old car into Texas? has anyone had experiences of doing this?
Does it not need to comply to all the emission/safety standards etc?

Thanks

alfista1

Looks like I just need to complete the forms Hs-7 and EPA forms proving its more than 25 years old.

Bob

A few threads on this, think Ottothebear? something like that, has talked about it a fair bit as has Harrythespider?

Insurance on a right hand drive might be a issue though, might not be, but something to consider.

alfista1

Thanks I'll have a look. btw its LHD

Bob

Then you're probably all set on the insurance front, good luck

alfista1

Cheers.

I think the most difficult part will be finding a shipping company here who knows how to comply with the import regulations of classic cars into USA (cleaning the car etc prior to shipping)

ottotheboar

It is very simple, try calling Wallenius Willhelmson or Shumacher International, if they do not ship to Texas they can maybe refer you to another shipping line.
The car needs to be power washed and no items inside it.
RORO is usually cheaper than a container.
Shumacher have their own customs people but any broker can clear the car for you.
They have been getting more strict on the car being exactly 25 years old.
Around $2500 including brokerage should be a price guide.

Bob

Bear, boar, close enough....I knew you'd see the thread in time though

Arizona Wurzel

Insurance for your classic go to Hagerty Ins Co. They specialize in classic cars.I have just finished restoring a 1959 El Camino,body off, been right through it and Hagerty has it insured for $245 a year valued at $35000

ottotheboar

Would strongly suggest RORO, I have a vehicle in Norfolk VA which was flagged for VACIS (an X ray) then an intensive inspection.
As it was Roll on Roll off there were no extra charges.
Had it been in a container there would have been a charge of at least $150 for the X ray then another $900 to move the container to the US Customs warehouse for the intensive inspection.

100weight

Provided of course you have "normal" cars for everyone in the household who has a drivers license.

CWT

S Folinsky

I'd double check CAREFULLY. The last time I looked, the cut-off date was January 1, 19-SIXTY-8 for nothing at all to apply. There have since been changes. Here is the CBP web-link on the subject. Note that the car has to meet the US bumber and theft-prevention standards to be imported. Alfas have not been imported to the US since the mid-1970's so it may be expensive to modify the car to comply. [If the car had been a model sold in the US, modification may have been relatively easy].

BTW, parts will not be easily available and it might be a bitch to maintain the thing.

[I must be getting old -- I don't think of 1988 as "classic"].

ottotheboar

The rules did change it is a rolling 25 years at present. I just had a 1987 released by Customs on Friday.
Any work to make a newer model sold in the USA comply to NHSTA standards must be carried out by a Registered Importer.
The last time I checked there were 12 in the USA and very expensive.

S Folinsky

Any problems with the bumper and theft prevention mods? Were they needed, even?

Also, the OP should check to see if there are any additional STATE requirements, it would be a bitch to allow CBP to all the car in then being unable to register the vehicle.

ottotheboar

No over 25 years nothing needed.
The only state I have heard isuues were California and that was a with an orginally petrol engined car having a diesel engine fitted.