Euro conversion work - who does it anymore?

The car is a 91 TR with great sentimental value. (I know that I can find a US spec one with less hassle easily, but FWIW, this car is special to me, it was restored from a basket case and represents a lot of personal effort).

The car is Euro spec, but needs to live in Dallas, Texas. I have tried leaving messages for Amerispec with no response. I have also tried a number of EPA / DOT conversion operations listed on the NHTSA website, but nobody bothers to return my call when they hear about an old 91 TR.

Is there anyone out there who is capable and interested in this type of conversion work anymore? No need to tell me that it may not make economic sense.

Thanks to all.

 

You-as an individual-CANNOT legally import a car directly under what was called the modify and test program which today is what was referred to in the 1980s and early nineties as: "the Grey Market Cars" which include ALL not made for nUSA market Ferraris. The 8th or tenth digit of the 17 digit VIN is the "check USA made for' digit, and identifies all non-conforming cars of that era with, my memory is middle aged and addled-a 0(zero).

Today, the car MUST be imported via an "INDEPENDENT COMMERCIAL IMPORTER"
this will be the entity which, essentially, "owns " the car until the release bonds and certificates of conformity are issued, along with a title, all prior to the bond being satisfied.
The actual testing is listed in the EPAs website....somewhere...
In Baltimore, the ONLY really experienced east coast firm with an EPA approved, certified and licensed testing lab capable of administering an "LA-55 FTP" emission certification test with diurinal SHED for evap.
JK Automotive...

If you are desirous of a registration in California, you will need to do the process a second tiome-yes, as the CARB(California Air Resources Board) requires the entire process to be overseen through a facility registered and inspected and l,iscensed by THEM.

GK Automotive-somewhere in the Los Angeles megalopolis...Long Beach, Huntinmgton Beach, some Beach....beeen there years ago to consult on a small volume certificate of Manufacture reseach vehicle.

They can certify to california only, 50 state, or, 49 state...a California ONLY cert WILL N OT PASS FOR THE OTHER 49 STAE-FEDERAL-AS THE STANDARDS ARE DIFFERENT.
It sounds totally irrational, but this is a little known quirk of the Clean Air Act which only Lab geeks would be familiar with.
My experience in this field is extensive, this is all based on not what I trhink, or heardm, or my friend heard or did-BUT WHAT I HAVE DONE.

The only caveat is that since most mfgs have been making 'WORLD" cars since the EU mandated 1991 unleaded fuels adoption on the continent, and that the dollar valuation reality, as a currency arbitrage insrument, has made the profit motive-combined with the outstanding al be they more strin gent laws and their unbending applivcation UNIFORMLY, made it economically unfeasable. With that quip, all info is based on 1995 being the last conversations with Ethel at DOT or Dick at EPA{i actually think that I have those 2 reveresed, correct me if in error, please-again, addled old age...

good luck
ciao!

 

Considering the TR, in some respects, was designed for the US EPA restrictions in mind. I wouldn't think that there would not be too much work involved in the conversion. I would imagine that most of the work would be in the emissions.

In Texas a car 24 years old or older does not have to pass emissions. Your car is currently at 19 years old so you're 5 years out. I spoke to a gentleman a couple of months ago who imported his BMW M1 to Dallas. He indicated that because of the age of the car, it was just shipped over from London, no big deal. I'm sure it was more involve than that but he made it sound simple.

Also if you are shipping to Dallas, call or e-mail James Patterson at Norwood Performance http://www.norwoodperformance.com/ (a sponsor of this site). Nowood Performance did conversion work on 360 Modenas for an importer based in Dallas in 2000-2001. James would be a valuable resource for this information, especially since it's coming to Dallas.

 

Norwoods is in Dallas......

They can inform you better, but my understanding is the current rules don't allow "conversion" if a US legal version was offered???

We had a thread where someone bought one of the first Euro 599GTBs and landed it in New York....they had to send it back...


But I agree you may be close to the age of the vehicle where it's possible, Norwood would know.....good luck

 

Thanks for the info. I did call Norwood, they gave a number for Amerispec, which no longer exists (or at least they do not answer the phone).

One concern is the idea that if a US spec car was offered, there is no window for getting a grey market car in (I have heard this before regarding F40s). I tend not to believe this as there is a NHTSA/DOT/EPA list of cars on their website which have been granted approval, and a 90 TR made the list even though 1990 model year TRs were for sale in the US, so it has been done (but perhaps a long time ago under different rules).

As for the conversion work, I think it may be pretty extensive, including beams to be added inside the doors, emissions work, safety belts, bumpers, side marker and third brake lights, etc. I hope no air pump is needed to meet emissions.

I did manage to get a name of one place in NY, we shall see.

 

In the UK you can import a car that you have owned in another country, if you are coming back to live in the UK.

You need to have owned the car a period of time (a couple of years or so?) without paying duty, etc.

Does the USA not allow this?? I know other countries that do (OZ)!! Or is this not your situation??

A friend of mine in Dubai has just decided to sell his Testarossa out there, small world.

Regards,
Phil.

 

I'd think our esteemed member Napolis is the most current on importation requirements.....

We should have an entry in Who's Who for Richard Merritt also, IMO.. with some contact info!!!

He's with DOT as well as a long time Ferrari expert.....

 

I think you can, there was a choice for a long time to take Factory Delivery in Europe, drive it on summer vacation and with enough miles, bring it in a "used".....

 

Hi Tex,


But that would be a US spec car, so would not be a problem?

I should say a little prayer that we can still import what we like here, LHD Euro, USA or from anywhere else as long as it meets basic regs.

Regards,
Phil.

 

Call Dick Fritz at 203-312-4440. He should be able to do it or lead you to someone who can...

 

That's correct, Phil it was a US spec car...

 

I know someone who went through this and it's neither quick nor cheap, but it is possible. He imported a '92 Porsche 928GTS and it's still the only one in the US as far as he knows. I'll pm you how to get in touch.

 

You can do that today, but that's using a US-spec car.

I assume that the original poster has verified that his TR is not US-spec in the first place? I suggest that because I believe many cars sold in the middle east are actually US-spec.

I would definitely call Dick Merritt- if I remember correctly, if the car is 20 years old (or 25?) DOT conversion doesn't need to be done. As for Amerispec, I don't think Dick Fritz is still doing conversions.

 

John,

I am the guy Mark mentioned above. I have the only 1992 928 GTS living in the US. I imported it in 2000. I provided almost every part they needed for the conversion and told them to CALL ME if they needed ANYTHING and for the most part they did. I think my final bill on that car was $7800 or so. Had I just given them the car and said make it so, it would have been in excess of $13,000. It took nearly a year for the work to be done, but I was in no hurry and told them so...so they took their time. It was fine with me.

I used Wallace Environmental Testing Labs (WETL) in Houston. They are one of the most experienced Registered Importers in the US (probably Amerispec being the only ones more competent or experienced anyway) and they are in Houston, TX. They are easy to find and great to work with. Tell Les I sent you if you get hold of them. He probably won't remember me but might remember my silver '92 928 GTS from back in 2000.

Incidentally they were the FIRST RI to have a 959 fully street legal in this country! That should give you some idea of the depth and dedication of the work they do. The problem with post '95 Euro cars is OBDII compliance. It is NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE! I think a '95 911 (993) would cost about $25k to import! YOWZA! Your car is early enough NOT to be an OBDII car, but it could still be a VERY difficult proposition getting it on the roads in the US.

Call WETL and they will give you the scoop... 713-956-7705

Les' email: [email protected]

Good luck!

James

 

i dont have much to add to this, but am glad to haev some fo the same advice for the future.

but i can tell you that merritt is retired. he still consults tho.
dick fritz is a very knowledgeable guy but doesnt always answer his phone, as you found out.

but here is a question for the thread opener, and others....why dont you just garage it in dubai fro another 4 years and then bring it in without any issues at all?

a 25 year old car comes in without dot or epa changes. at least for 49 states.

 

http://www.gnkauto.com/

These guys are awesome and george knows his stuff. It is actually an easy process when you got someone who knows what to do and how to do it.