Alfa SZ

I considered the SZ at multiple occassions, but in CA it is not a 25 year rolling window, but rather, they froze it at MY 1975. Alternatively, it may, _may_, be possible to enter as a vehicle of historic interest due to the limited production status. The chassis is essentially a Milano/GTV6 chassis (with some improvements).
Jes

 

To import to the US, you'll have to wait until it's 25 years old. Trying to import anything newer than that is basically a non starter.

 

I'd like to hear some good replies. I think now we need to wait three more years.

I know that a few are already here. I have no idea how.

Matt (Who got an Ariel Atom street legal in PA)

 

Not true, not 25 years in all states. Some are stricter... So, OP, check your local regulations.

 

But to register it for public road use you need to also meet state requirements. I know of some SZs in Canada (where I think it is 15 years...?).
Jes

 

Do whatever it takes to get the thing called a Milano Verde with a body kit.

 

It is legal for foreigners to import almost any car but they are not allowed to sell it unless it meets all the standard rules. This does not apply to citizens.

 

and can only keep it here a limited time, right? maybe 1 year? Though, that never seems to get enforced, and they get sold on to the "public"...

 

I am not sure about the time but I think it's much longer than that .

 

I believe returning military can bring a car as well.

 

I think you could also bring it in under show & display. You have to make a case for the particular car. But that has restrictions you might not care for. What I don't know is if you bring it in under show and display then can it subsequently be transitioned to "25 years old status"?

This website was kind of fun. I think there's a better one out there though.
Show Or Display

Ah hah! After a bit of reading I discovered this:

"I was just asked for some clarification on this, and while thumbing though the CFR one day recently, I found the correct section. 49 CFR 591.6 (2)

(2) A declaration made pursuant to §591.5(j)(1)(iii) and (j)(2)(i) shall be accompanied by a letter from the Administrator authorizing importation pursuant to §591.5(j)(1)(iii) and (j)(2)(i). Any person seeking to import a motor vehicle or motor vehicle equipment pursuant to those sections shall submit, in advance of such importation, a written request to the Administrator containing a full and complete statement identifying the equipment item or the vehicle and its make, model, model year or date of manufacture, VIN, and mileage at the time the request is made. The importer's written request to the Administrator shall explain why the vehicle or equipment item is of historical or technological interest. The importer shall also provide a statement that, until the vehicle is not less than 25 years old, (s)he shall not sell, or transfer possession of, or title to, the vehicle, and shall not license it for use, or operate it on the public roads, except under such terms and conditions as the Administrator may authorize. If the importer wishes to operate the vehicle on the public roads, the request to the Administrator shall include a description of the purposes for which (s)he wishes to use it on the public roads, a copy of an insurance policy or a contract to acquire an insurance policy, which contains as a condition thereof that the vehicle will not accumulate mileage of more than 2,500 miles in any 12-month period and a statement that the importer shall maintain such policy in effect until the vehicle is not less than 25 years old, a statement that the importer will allow the Administrator to inspect the vehicle at any time after its importation to verify that the accumulated mileage of the vehicle is not more than 2,500 miles in any 12-month period, and a statement that the vehicle will not be used on the public roads unless it is in compliance with the regulations of the Environmental Protection Agency.
As you can see above, Show or Display is in effect until the vehicle is over 25 years old, then it is no longer held to the Show or Display requirements, it is held to the 25 Year Old Vehicle requirements. Which then means the mileage is unlimited."

 

Chasis is a 75/Milano derived, (2510mm wheelbase) ) with some mods directly taken from the Group A Alfa 75 Turbo Evoluzione racers (brakes, whisbones, rear DeDion). Engine is the legendary Busso 3.0 litres with decent Motronic EFI system, hot cams, hi-comp pistons, better gearbox with oilcooler, electronic suspension.... and fiberglas body.

I'm into GTV6 and Milanos, not SZ unfortunately, but rules apply.
The basic rule is USE IT, a lot. These cars suffer more from sitting in the garage than giving them some good trips on a twisty road.

The bible for these cars:
http://home.planet.nl/~evdbeek/monster.html

Regards!

 

There is a swiss member here, Simon, who has an SZ along with his 328 GTB.

 

I love my SZ. Great fun to drive. Not a drag strip car by any means, 0-60 in the high 6s I think. But the handling and dynamics are what Alfas are all about and it handles beautifully.

If you are looking to buy one make sure everything is present and correct and all working. Trim, inside and out is very difficult to get hold. Many parts are from the parts bin of Fiat/Alfa of the period but several parts are also unique to the SZ. These can be very difficult to find and when you do they are rarely cheap. Originality is key IMHO.

Other than that they are pretty robust cars. I've had mine 9 years (I think) and they have been basically trouble free years.

Ed's site (link GTV posted) is a very useful resource for all things SZ.

 

The NHTSA has no position on whether Alfas can be imported for Show & Display.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&cad=rja&ved=0CDMQFjAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nhtsa.gov%2Fcars%2Frules%2Fimport%2Fsdlist040109.pdf&ei=3vrTUvWXJMK-sQSDg4DwBA&usg=AFQjCNEH0Gpby-P6LglOLEjqPrWa3dJuiw&sig2=-dqRx9g3pDxjhnnHXRBPOg&bvm=bv.59026428,d.cWc

The process is:
1) Get a car here
2) Register it according to your state laws

If you can keep a car in Europe for two years, Sean, go ahead and do it. That should be enough time to figure out whether you've picked a reliable and good example. And enough time for the 25 years to expire, when the Show & Display list no longer matters.

Do it!

Matt

 

That's an old list and I've seen a newer on that lists the Maserati Shamal but not the Ghibli Cup. The one you listed from 2011 does list the Ghibli Cup which is strange.

I wonder why the discrepancy?

Here's the 2013 files discrepancy solved.

So bring it in under show or display and after 25 years register it!

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Show or display is tough, almost futile, especially when the car is so close to 25y/o. The Lancia Delta Integrale has been stuck in this loop for a couple years. Now we are just starting to get them here legally anyway.

a) Import it to Canada and get it registered to a friends (or your borrowed) address up there. You can have visitation rights to it and bring it down for extended stays. Import it on its 25th birthday.

b) Import it to Canada and get it licensed in a state that doesn't care. Yes there are still states that either don't issue titles (for cars over 10 years old), or will give you a title for your riding lawnmower. Florida comes to mind on that one (many have BTDT). Once you have the first US title you can go to essentially any other state and get your home state title and registration. OR - have an agent keep it registered in Florida for you, ~couple hundred bucks a year...

The EPA stops caring at 21 years old so the emissions are up to your particular state - the feds no longer care.

At 25 years old, you can import it unconditionally via the NHTSA, check box number one on Form HS799 short.

After that its still up to your individual state for emissions and registration. In Nevada we have a rolling 25 year Classic Vehicle Exemption. You are limited to 5000 miles per year but you no longer are required to have it emissions tested annually. This teamed with my classic vehicle insurance makes for a very reasonable operating cost. I'll never hit 5000 miles on a 'weekend' car anyhow.

 

i've always loved the sz too-is there anyone here who's had one, or driven it? i wonder how they are for reliability, etc..

 

The February Sports Car Market reports a 1991 SZ, 51K kilometers, red over tan, owned by a 'well known European racer', one repaint, condition 2, noted as being 'well bought' at $62,751 at an Artcurial auction in Paris.

 

Phil it's the same as any other HO Alfa Right?