6 Cars You Should Import (That Still Obey The Insane US 25-Year Rule)

"Blake Noble" (blake-noble) 12/13/2014 at 15:40 • Filed to: Lists, Imports, US 25-Year Rule

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It's no secret that !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! on cars !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! and !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! . Sure, maybe there's hope our idiotic import rule will change someday, but until we !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! , we're stuck with it. But thankfully, however, there are still a few cool non-US market cars we can legally bring home.

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Now before I continue, I have just one simple disclaimer to make: I'm writing this in the middle of December 2014. Most of the cars listed below are already good to import, but a few of them are still a couple of months out, because !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! with the 25-year rule. I'll be sure to try and make note of this for you, that way your newly imported non-US car won't get a date with the assholes at US Customs and Border Protection agency.

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6.) Opel Calibra

What is this?

You are looking at the Opel Calibra, the sporty and handsome replacement for the Opel Manta based on the first Opel Vectra. I know what you're thinking and the answer is: yes, it drove like a Vectra. Or at least it did until 1992, when Opel introduced an improved version with all-wheel drive and a turbo... Oh, goddammit.

Well, at least the non-turbo car was still better than the Ford Probe. Way better. So there's that.

Is it OK to bring it to the US?

First introduced for 1989, it appears early Calibras have actually been US 25-year rule kosher for about a year now.

Photo Credit: GM

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5.) BMW Z1

What is this?

This is the BMW Z1, the great-great-great granddaddy to today's BMW Z4. But unlike its modern descendant, the Z1's body panels are made from plastic, and the doors roll down into the lower half of the body. That's right: they don't open up or swing out, they roll down. If that doesn't make you want to import one, you need to check for a pulse.

Is it OK to bring it to the US?

Yes. The Z1 has been OK to bring stateside since March 2014.

Photo Credit: BMW

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4.) Renault Alpine GTA

What is this?

Is it rear-engined and powered by the same — cough — terrible — cough — V6 engine from the original DeLorean? It is it maybe sort of styled like a plastic Batmobile? It is, like, some sort of weird French Subaru SVX, man? Why, yes. The Renault Alpine GTA is all of those things, and it is lovely.

Is it OK to bring it to the US?

The Alpine GTA has been US 25-year-approved since at least 2009, considering it first debuted in 1985. That's five years . I'm surprised an Alpine GTA owners club hasn't formed here already.

Photo Credit: Renault

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3.) Toyota Sera

What is this?

The Sera is quite possibly one of the most seductive and yet totally batshit crazy cars Toyota has ever produced. Based on the same platform that gave us the Paseo and Tercel, this small Toyota coupe has two dihedral butterfly doors that inspired !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! . The air-con also has a built in air-freshener, too. Pretty cool, huh?

Is it OK to bring it to the US?

Starting February 1, 2015 and on, you should be able bring your own 1990 Toyota Sera to the US and not worry about US Customs crushing your car. (The Sera was first introduced in February 1990.)

Photo Credit: Toyota

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2.) Nissan Skyline GT-R R32

What is this?

This car really doesn't need an introduction. That's why I'm not going to introduce it.

...Ugh. Fine. It's the Nissan Skyline GT-R R32, the first of the modern Skyline GT-Rs, the first Godzilla, etc., etc., etc. Alright, has anyone seriously not played the "Gran Turismo" franchise or watched "The Fast and the Furious?" Is there really anyone out there not aware of the hype surrounding this car? Really? Seriously?

Is it OK to bring it to the US?

Although !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! , his car technically wasn't right with the 25-year rule until just this August (R32 GT-R production started in August 1989). So in other words: yes, the R32 is finally OK to bring stateside. Rev up those checkbooks.

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Photo Credit: Nissan

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1.) Mazda Eunos Cosmo

What is this?

My friend, you are looking at possibly one of the greatest Japanese cars of all time. !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! , and powered by an optional twin-turbo, triple rotor Wankel rotary engine good for 300 angry ponies, the Mazda Eunos Cosmo was and !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! .

Is it OK to bring it to the US?

Not just yet, but almost. Starting next month, on January 1, 2015, this car should be OK to bring to America. (Eunos Cosmo production started in 1990. I couldn't find a specific month, although it should be noted model years run the same as calendar years in Japan.)

Photo credit top and above: Mazda

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You can contact and follow the author on Twitter: !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!

SlickMcRick > Blake Noble 12/13/2014 at 15:43

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Did the Z1 make it past the concept stage?

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Blake Noble 12/13/2014 at 15:43

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I saw a Cosmo at a car show a few years back, and while it's an interesting car, it looks too much like a coachbuilt 240SX.

Blake Noble > SlickMcRick 12/13/2014 at 15:43

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You could say it never left it, but Z1 production ran between 1989 and 1991.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Blake Noble 12/13/2014 at 15:47

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At the risk of sounding ignorant...why would one import a Calibra?

Blake Noble > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 12/13/2014 at 15:49

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It's better than a Ford Probe. :P

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Blake Noble 12/13/2014 at 15:51

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Anything beyond that?

Schaefft > Blake Noble 12/13/2014 at 15:58

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This!

The Gray Adder > Blake Noble 12/13/2014 at 16:05

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If you really want to get rid of the 25 year rule once and for all, we should all find the most ridiculous late-80s shitboxes we can and import them. Talbot Horizon. My old Opel Kadett-C. That kind of shitbox. The crummier the better. Drive them around the EPA building in Washington until someone takes notice.

 > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 12/13/2014 at 16:10

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Easy. You would import one so you could experience how it feels to get stranded on the side of the road and having to import replacement parts from Europe. Or you could just buy a Ford Probe.

Goshen, formerly Darkcode > Blake Noble 12/13/2014 at 16:12

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Debatable.

Goshen, formerly Darkcode > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 12/13/2014 at 16:13

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When the turbo cars become legal in Burgerland, the C20LET engine should be enough of a good reason. 201 hp is not a joke when you're talking about a car from 1992.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? >  12/13/2014 at 16:15

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That's what I thought But if I wanted that, I could also buy a Saab 900 from here.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Goshen, formerly Darkcode 12/13/2014 at 16:16

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What about the non-turbo non-AWD version. Is there anything I don't know about them, or is it just kind of an Opel Accord Coupe?

carcrasher88 > Blake Noble 12/13/2014 at 16:17

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2015 should be an interesting year for importing cars into the US legally.

There's a pretty good variety of cars introduced in 1990 that will be eligible, including the aforementioned Sera, Cosmo, and R32.

My top 5 of the other cars that will be legal are:

5. Autozam Revue - Like the AMC Pacer before it, Jellybean was a common nickname for the Revue, also known as the Mazda 121 and Mazda Revue. This cute little sedan was also available with an optional canvas sunroof, but those weren't introduced until '91.

4. Holden Caprice VQ - Before the US got the Opel Omega as the Cadillac Catera, Australia had a model that was closely related to earlier Omegas. But, whereas the VN Commodore has been legal since '13, those who want a VQ Caprice have to wait until March of '15 to be able to bring them here. Still, a big Aussie saloon is always worth the wait.

3. HSV Maloo - One of the two Aussie power Utes, the Maloo was introduced in October of 1990, meaning you've still got a few months to wait before they're legal, but just knowing that they'll be legal next year should make it worth waiting a little longer.

2. Renault Clio - The first Clios went on sale in June of 1990, except in the UK, where they had to wait until the March of '91. Still, one of the most recognizable names in compact hatches will finally be able to make it to the US in the summer.

1. Mitsubishi Minica Toppo - What?! You're picking a Toppo over the Lotus Omega/Carlton?! Well, technically, that's already been brought here, apparently. So, I decided to choose something different. The Minica Toppo was a strange little car. Based on the Minica of which it shares it's namesake, the Toppo had a tall roof, and only two doors. One could say, it would have made a pretty fantastic postal car in the southern US at the time of it's release, and with optional AWD, maybe in the north as well. Plus, it's a kei car, and it's awesome when another one becomes legal to import.

 > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 12/13/2014 at 16:19

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But then you would be stuck on the side of the road like every other Saab owner. Instead you could be stuck on the side of the road like an Opel owner. Just imaging yourself standing on the side of the road, freezing your ass off as people drive by in their reliable cars. They will point and laugh, "oh look another Saa...oh wait no, that's one of those fancy European cars'.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? >  12/13/2014 at 16:21

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True.

Wait what about a 155?

Goshen, formerly Darkcode > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 12/13/2014 at 16:22

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It's an Opel Vectra Coupι. Apart from the design, there's nothing special about these cars.

Goshen, formerly Darkcode > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 12/13/2014 at 16:22

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Alfa 155?

 > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 12/13/2014 at 16:25

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Now you are just being silly. Everyone knows that all 155s are long rusted away.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Goshen, formerly Darkcode 12/13/2014 at 16:26

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Yeah

44444444444 > Blake Noble 12/13/2014 at 16:44

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No Land Rover Defender?

MultiplaOrgasms > Blake Noble 12/13/2014 at 17:01

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Why this when the even more turbocharged A610 will become importable in just a couple months?

The World of Vee > Blake Noble 12/13/2014 at 17:22

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You forgot the single best Japanese car to import!

The Toyota AE-90, on the states it was the Geo Prizm, but in Japan you could get the 5 door with 5 speed AND 4WD. The FWD was no slouch, and 160hp was a rocket engine in a car that weighs almost nothing. I had one much like that grey one above and it was a ROCKET, so much fun to drive. I still plan on getting another one, putting fat 13s on it, dropping it down on fender flares and supercharging the 4AGE, oh yeah... it has a legendary 4AGE in it

Pabuuu, JDM car enthusiast & Italian parts hoarder > SlickMcRick 12/13/2014 at 17:27

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Yes. There was one parked on the streets near me.

NJAnon > Blake Noble 12/13/2014 at 17:33

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*want the Renault Clio Sport V6 24V* wth? I have to wait until the year 2027 to get the car? good job US carmakers.

PyramidHat > Blake Noble 12/13/2014 at 18:02

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Picking up some Buick Regatta on this..

Blake Noble > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 12/13/2014 at 18:08

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It looks good and takes up the spot where I intended to put the Autozam AZ-1. ;)

415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) > PyramidHat 12/13/2014 at 18:09

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Crazy back seat

Blake Noble > MultiplaOrgasms 12/13/2014 at 18:11

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The GTA is less of a hassle to import, and can be done now.

That's not to say the A610 wouldn't be worth the wait.

Blake Noble > 44444444444 12/13/2014 at 18:11

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We're still a ways away from bringing the nicer, updated models here.

Blake Noble > The Gray Adder 12/13/2014 at 18:12

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I'm okay with this. It would be the rustiest peaceful protest in history.

Blake Noble > The World of Vee 12/13/2014 at 18:13

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Good suggestion!

In a Mini; let them mock me as My Mini Countryman is higher than you > Blake Noble 12/13/2014 at 18:30

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The Cosmo is a Type E II

There was a "base model" (that cost 25K in 1990 dollars) the Type E which features the 13B (YES, THAT 13B).

The Type E II was the "Cadillac XTS Platinum V-Sport" of the Cosmo. It has a softer suspension and rides a bit higher. But still has the power.

The Type S (and S II) feature BBS wheels, lowered suspension (I forget it was adjustable) and better tires along with a wing and some more goodies. S II was the "Premier Group" of the S type line and added some luxury features. S IIs are very rare as they commanded a price of $35,000 (around $70,000). The Cosmo Pic in my post is a Type S or S II:

Type E II and all Type S models had the 3 Rotor 20B REW. All Eunos Cosmos had the famous touch screen. Only Type E II and S II had the GPS as standard (Some E's and S types had them as options or standard, depending on the year).

Yes the rumor is true. If you can into coding and programming, you can play SNES and some early PC (Super Mario, Metroid, and even CONTRA!!!) games on it.

This has been DISSERTATIONS BY IN A MINI!!

In a Mini; let them mock me as My Mini Countryman is higher than you > carcrasher88 12/13/2014 at 18:38

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You also forgot MERCI TWINGO!!

NoIDontDriftmy240 > Blake Noble 12/13/2014 at 18:43

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Live in California? Forget about importing any unless the car is pre '75

PyramidHat > 415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) 12/13/2014 at 18:47

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Very Jacuzzi-esque...

Mike > MultiplaOrgasms 12/13/2014 at 19:08

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I actually REALLY want one of those things. It's like someone took a Porsche 993 and made it...Frencher.

KentWynne > The Gray Adder 12/13/2014 at 19:24

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Importing the Zastava Koral, a native Yugo, would be the type of massively stupid undertaking I could endorse, if any haven't completely oxidized yet.....

FKA-RacecaR > PyramidHat 12/13/2014 at 20:10

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glad I'm not the only one who thought that

TheHondaBro > Blake Noble 12/13/2014 at 21:26

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My friend, you are looking at possibly one of the greatest Japanese cars of all time

Even the original Cosmo:

Sorry, but I'm a stickler about what's called "the greatest Japanese car." :P

Chris Clarke > Blake Noble 12/13/2014 at 21:55

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One similar exception to the rule that most people don't realize is the Audi B5 RS4 can be imported even though it wasn't sold in the US and it hasn't been 25 years yet.

http://oppositelock.jalopnik.com/fyi-you-can-le…

Sn210 > Blake Noble 12/13/2014 at 22:16

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I've been obsessed with Toyota Sera's for the past few weeks, I have no idea why

Blake Noble > Chris Clarke 12/13/2014 at 22:29

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Hmmm... I'd really like to know how the petition that resulted in the RS4's exception gained traction.

There are a few other cars that could come stateside without having to wait 25 years, if NHTSA would give them exempt status like the RS4. The more extreme versions of the Holden VE Commodore and Holden Monaro immediately come to mind.

Blake Noble > Sn210 12/13/2014 at 22:34

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I don't know why I like the Sera. But I do. I think it looks handsome and surprisingly modern. The crazy doors are just icing on the cake.

Blake Noble > TheHondaBro 12/13/2014 at 22:36

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That's why I left myself some leeway by saying "one of." ;P

Jonee > NoIDontDriftmy240 12/13/2014 at 23:37

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There are problems even with that:

1968 model year to 1974 model year vehicles:

California does not recommend the purchase or importation of these years of NON-USA vehicles, even if currently registered in another state. These vehicles require compliance with USEPA requirements in effect on the specific date of 11/15/1972. This provision when written, was considered by the California legislature as a gradual phase-out of very dirty "non-collectable" types of imports, as this specific requirement was understood to become increasingly difficult to meet. Today, this requirement, while not impossible to meet, would require testing expenses and modifications that far exceed most vehicles value and would make little sense from a collectors standpoint to attempt. Some limited exemptions apply to individuals moving to California with vehicles of these years registered in their home state for at least a year before moving to California. Contact us for more information.

The Gray Adder > KentWynne 12/14/2014 at 22:08

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Well, the Trabant 601*was made out of plastic. It also had a two stroke engine that spewed more crap into the air than 100 EPA-compliant cars.

Tohru > TheHondaBro 02/12/2015 at 01:39

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The LFA does not belong on this list. It's already starting to look dated.

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > Blake Noble 02/12/2015 at 10:40

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Oh nice late 80's early 90's "this car has a turbo" wheels.

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > Blake Noble 02/12/2015 at 10:42

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It's the flared fenders that do it for me.