| Author | Message | ||
| Martin (Miami348ts)
Intermediate Member Username: Miami348ts Post Number: 1749 Registered: 5-2001 |
I am not sure anymore, after you said that about the racing history. Call US COnformance: (561) 747-3311, they can tell you and help you with the import. This is run by Servicio in Jupiter. Nice people. | ||
| Ralph Koslin (Ralfabco)
New member Username: Ralfabco Post Number: 13 Registered: 3-2002 |
Hello: Martin Miami 348ts What is the criteria for importing the car as a track only car? I thought the car had to have a racing pedigree, with some documentation ? I know you can supposedly petition almost anything. However if you lose the petition you had better plan on having that pretty red car sail out of here within 4 months. A 1993 512 TR would make a nice track car. You don't have to park the car at a disco. You can always trailer it to the Disco. Ha Ha. Seriously: Can you import an 87-89 TR/93 512 TR permanently as a track car? BTW: I live in Houston, Texas. There is a major port right here in town. Thanks Ralph | ||
| Martin (Miami348ts)
Intermediate Member Username: Miami348ts Post Number: 1736 Registered: 5-2001 |
...but then he'd ikely have to ship any car from where he buys to his house anyway. On the other hand I know a fellow car dealer that just bought a TR in Boston and is driving the car down to Miami. I told him he is nutz! Besides the unnecessary Miles, it is killing his back and cost him in gas and service the same as shipping it with a gold plated car hauler! | ||
| Martin (Miami348ts)
Intermediate Member Username: Miami348ts Post Number: 1735 Registered: 5-2001 |
gotcha, and you are right, I did not think of that either. | ||
| Cmparrf40 (Cmparrf40)
Junior Member Username: Cmparrf40 Post Number: 131 Registered: 3-2002 |
Martin, I was figuring $1,500 from europe and depending on where in the US Ralph lives, maybe a couple of thousand to get from the docks, to Amerispec or other conversion shop and then shipped to Ralph's home. (I was not very clear on this) thanks, Chris | ||
| Martin (Miami348ts)
Intermediate Member Username: Miami348ts Post Number: 1729 Registered: 5-2001 |
Thanks Magoo, here I am..  I can also not see any advantage of importing an old TR from Europe at this point. The TR prices there are virtually the same as over here. The added HP of the Euro is in no way justifiable to the headack you will have with importing such a car. You are asking for a $40,000 lesson. Now if you want to import the car to be a track only car, now that is a different story. Although I still believe that even then you should look for the TR here in the US. Sorry to burst your bubble. Having imported 500 cars from the US to Germany in the early 90s I can sing a song about import problems. The other way into the US is even worse. DOT and EPA will kill you. Shipping is not quite as high as cmparrf40 thinks but still be at least $1,000 Conversion may be done for a little less but still no difference in the price of the car when everything is done. Besides that the car would be in storage and customs and DOT for more than 2 months. Add the interest to your cost! | ||
| Ralph Koslin (Ralfabco)
New member Username: Ralfabco Post Number: 12 Registered: 3-2002 |
Greetings: I heard today the conversion would cost in the area of around 15k. Assuming a car around 40K. Freight and trip costs. ... and don't forget the paperwork trail with the various fed departments!! I am sure that would be fun. Its a no-brainer - USA VERSION WINS !!!!!!!!!!! CIAO | ||
| Cmparrf40 (Cmparrf40)
Junior Member Username: Cmparrf40 Post Number: 127 Registered: 3-2002 |
Ralph, one correction, Richard Merritt is with DOT and I know he is retiring soon, (he may have already done so) he is FCA's advisior on these issues and is a regular contributor to Forza. I believe you will get the best advice from him regarding import issues. I do not have his number, but you can contact Forza and I am sure they can help, if not let me know, I will get it for you through FCA. I think your choice for a 12 cylinder car is a good one, I will keep my eyes open for one. If I see something interesting I will contact you, again very best of luck on your quest! Chris | ||
| Ralph Koslin (Ralfabco)
New member Username: Ralfabco Post Number: 11 Registered: 3-2002 |
Dear Chris: You are 100% correct when it comes to resale. There are low mile TR's listed for around the 40K range. I do not know what you get for that amount of money though. 40K was the average price. That was NOT for an accident repaired hi milage / kilo's car. The 1990 and 1991 cars were not that much more that the 1988. The Euro dealer mentioned that the post 88 cars could not be imported. You are still on the mark that the most you would possibly save would be 10K. This is after taking into account the current Euro prices. You also would have the cost of the trip to consider. You might lose the 10K or worse when it comes time to sale the car. However quite a few (brokers) who had Euro TR's listed have no more available forsale. I am aware of the cost of ownership of the TR. I know how much major servicing costs at a franchised Ferrari Dealership. The initial savings might not hold well down the road. Well - my 2 cents: In the long run the best situation would be to purchase the best USA, TR with all the documentation, one/two owner, services etc... These cars are real bargains. You get alot of car for the money. Ralph | ||
| Cmparrf40 (Cmparrf40)
Junior Member Username: Cmparrf40 Post Number: 125 Registered: 3-2002 |
Ralph, another thought, if you are dead set on a euro TR, buy one that is already here. It should be cheaper than a US car and you won't have to worry about EPA/DOT. (Although there are none listed in the market letter) I still think the smart money is on a US car, Chris | ||
| Cmparrf40 (Cmparrf40)
Junior Member Username: Cmparrf40 Post Number: 124 Registered: 3-2002 |
Ralph, I must ask what the rational is behind trying to import a euro TR. The Ferrari market letter lists the average asking price of the model years you have listed at 61,242.00. How much cheaper can you buy a TR in europe for? $50,000? A quality epa/dot will run at least $7,500.00, transportation minimum $3,500. I believe you have a false economy on a euro TR. I must add that a TR is one of, if not the most expensive regular production contempory Ferrari's to properly maintain, therefore a lot of them, ecspecially euro cars can eat you alive in repairs. Buy the nicest US car you can, you will save money from day one, with the added bonus you will be able to sell it when you want something else in a few years. You can contact Richard Merritt at the EPA for information on importing a TR or contact Amerispec on EPA/DOT conversions. Good luck, Chris | ||
| magoo (Magoo)
Intermediate Member Username: Magoo Post Number: 2235 Registered: 2-2001 |
Ralph, Martin Miami 348 can best answer your question. I could only hit and miss. Martin where are you? | ||
| Ralph Koslin (Ralfabco)
New member Username: Ralfabco Post Number: 10 Registered: 3-2002 |
Hello again. I am interested in possibly importing a TR from Europe. 1. A Euro dealer told me you can import only the 1985-1988. Are the other Tr years restricted; or just too much $ to convert? I have seen post 88 Euros forsale in the USA. 2. How much does a quality conversion cost in the USA? Approx.. IMHO: I am only looking for a quality original weekend driver. The savings would help to aquire another toy ! She did not say a word about an airplane. I know that the resale on the Euro's is not as desirable. Please comment; if you have (any) imformation on importing any Euro's. I am sure it must be alot of enjoyment dealing with EPA, DOT, and Customs. I love dealing with efficient smart bureaucrats. Sincerely Ralph |