Digging this up for posterity. Who bought that car? Whoever did got a good deal. -F Image Unavailable, Please Login
That Canadian car has run across the block many times unsold. Nobody in Canada is going to buy it in the middle of winter. And nobody in the USA is going to pay the BIN price for a Canadian car with all of the associated border hassles. My prediction is that if it sells, it will sell for under $50K. And my guess is that it's due for a major.
Yes, 25 years meets EPA and DOT exemptions. Besides...being a previous US vehicle means it already has EPA and DOT certifications, so it would not even need to meet the age exemption. Also, being a previous US vehicle means there is no import duty. Bringing this car over would be simple.
In theory you are right. Be prepared to deal with overzealous USCBP though. Been there done that. "Where's the manufacturer's letter"? "Where's the proof of original export". "Has the engine or emissions system been modified?" "I am sorry sir you will have to leave the car with us while you find the necessary documents"
I imported a 78 308gts from Toronto, so yes it met the 25 year exemption. It was an original Canadian car so I did have to pay duty (had it originated from the US there would be no duty). I personally trailered the car and it was a very simple process. Was probably at the border for 30 minutes to pay duty and show paperwork...and then on my way. I think I've had more trouble bringing in a couple cases of beer!
Not too hard, one just needs to ask. My Canadian 348 was imported this year. . Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
FNA charges several hundred $ for that letter. Regardless of the letter, you have to pay gas guzzler tax on top of import duty on top of any customs broker fees on top of transportation charges (you can't drive it across the border without first paying Canadian sales tax and registration). And then you have to get the speedo changed to MPH and the odo to miles (this has to be done before it crosses the border). So unless you absolutely have to have that particular car you can save yourself a lot of hassle and expense by buying a US car preferably already in the USA> Bottom line, the government pervades every aspect of our lives and then sends us the bill for their work.
Oh don't you worry! Exactly the same here in Europe or even worse - as some EU members have their own rules and pay extra tax on top of those taxes.. for certain countries, for a 328 it can go as high as $50k in duties and taxes of imported from outside EU... outrageous.. And people want further duties.. why can't we just have an open market overall and let her free market speak for itself??
If there's a will... and if it's the car you want. Mine still has it's kilometer speedo and it's FL registration is in kilometers as well. Plus I have documents for DHS/US Customs (entry summary), DOT (checked for 2B) and EPA (checked for code E). . Image Unavailable, Please Login
So what is a not so perfect 328 worth today. Say your average mid mileage over 50k 86-88 with a needed service or other issues... I ask cause I would be in the market for the right car...
You have to differentiate between a GTB and a GTS. The Berlinettas have pulled away dramatically and while askings may be overenthusiastic, they do bring a significant premium. GTS on the other hand not so much, there are plenty around. Many sellers think their car has gone up commensurately but the reality is GTS cars over $60K sit on the market for a long time. Particularly those in Canada. Find a good car that has not been moving due to an inflated asking, bid conservatively, and if the seller is really motivated you may be surprised.
Euro (Swiss?) 328 GTB for sale by a dealer in Missouri. (Why are there so many exotic car dealers in the middle of nowhere Missouri?). You have to call for the price but based on the $125,000 308 GTB I'm guessing they're asking more than that. -F Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
As said by Bertrand, Sweden got Swiss-market version of the car (VIN starts by ZFFCA19S. .) but with two Small outlets for headlight washers in front of each headlight pod peculiar to Sweden alone. Rgds
Thanks Nero, What Euro version has the least amount of smog equipment and crash protection (highest HP, lightest weight)? Italian version? -F
The "standard continental Europe" version was the same all over Europe, even in the UK except RHD There of course. Thèse cars have their VIN spelled ZFFWA19B0000xxxxx for GTBs (ZFFWA20B0000xxxxx for GTSs). UK cars ZFFWA19C0000xxxxx. The "W" in fourth position meaning "non cat engine". Starting mid-1987, a catalysator variant appeared for Switzerland and Sweden, ("C" in fourth position, 255 hp vs 270hp for non-cat "standard euros"). If You did not order Air Conditioning, which was an option, your car was about 30 lbs lighter... Rgds
