Keith:
I brought mine in with me from the EU (actually the UK; I think the Brits
still admit to being part of the EU). It was easy because it was already
over 21 years old and as a result did not have to meet EPA requirements.
Mine was imported into Michigan where I was told I would have to have a
safety check. I was not concerned about the safety per se, it had just past
UK MOT, but I thought they might ding me on something like bumper height.
In the event a cop in a cruiser from my city turned up in my driveway, asked
me if it all worked OK and signed me off. I got all the necessary documents
from the state vehicle registration office, but it took some time, this is
not something they do everyday. If you have a friend in the destination
state, get them to visit a Secretary of State's office and inquire on your
behalf on what paper trail you will need.
Rick
----- Original Message -----
From: Plant, Keith <PlantK@nsa.naples.navy.mil>
To: 'Simon Matthews ' <simon_atwork@hotmail.com>; Plant, Keith
<PlantK@nsa.naples.navy.mil>
Cc: <mgs@autox.team.net>
Sent: Friday, December 03, 1999 2:11 PM
Subject: RE: Importing an MGB FROM Italy
> Simon,
>
> Sorry about the confusion, but I believe I titled the subject wrong.
I'm
> looking to bring one FROM Italy TO the US. Sorry for the confusion all!
>
> Keith
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Simon Matthews
> To: PlantK@nsa.naples.navy.mil
> Cc: mgs@autox.team.net
> Sent: 12/3/99 6:46 PM
> Subject: Importing an MGB to Italy
>
> Keith,
>
> In theory, under EU law, this should be easy. However, having lived in
> Italy, I know that theory and practice are very different when it comes
> to
> application of EU law in Italy.
>
> If you have someone who can help you, or some way to do this, you might
> find
> it easier to register the car in another EU country then move it to
> Italy.
>
> When I lived there, I was considering selling my MGB to an Italian, but
> he
> would not touch it without the 'e' markings on the glass. Since then,
> the EU
> has adopted rules which allow equivalent specifications to be accepted
> in
> place of 'E' specs for personal imports.
>
> Cars also have to undergo an inspection -- I know someone who's car
> passed
> inspection with the headlamps dipping the wrong way (it was a RHD car
> from
> Britain). Also, a 'bustino' can help the inspection process, or so I
> have
> heard.
>
> You really need local knowledge. The MG Owner's club in the UK has some
> members in Italy - they might be the best people to help.
>
> Last comment -- can you not run the car on US plates while there? Don't
> import it.
>
> Simon
>
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