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Importing a Gallardo

Discussion in 'LamborghiniChat.com' started by 2k8SB, Jul 6, 2010.

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  1. 2k8SB

    2k8SB Karting

    Oct 20, 2004
    168
    Central Florida
    Full Name:
    Nathan
    #1 2k8SB, Jul 6, 2010
    Hi all, long time lurker here and finally decided to put up a post. I moved to Southern California from the UK about 2 years ago on a temporary basis. It now seems like I'm going to be staying here so I'm going through the process of selling up stuff in the UK. Which gets me to the point of this post, I've got an 04 Gallardo in the UK which I imported from Belgium (so it is already LHD), and I'm trying to work out if it will be better to sell the car in Europe and buy another car here or go through the process of trying to get it imported into California with all the DOT / EPA hurdles I hear about.

    So, has anyone here gone through the import process? Is it really that much of a pain and does anyone know someone who does this as a business? I know I'm going to need new parts but need to get an idea of costs to work out which is the best route to go.

    I guess the other question is if I do import will I have a difficult time getting the car insured due to the VIN not being of US origin?

    Thanks,

    Nathan
     
  2. JamesSimpson

    JamesSimpson F1 Rookie

    Jun 29, 2005
    3,629
    Toronto,CANADA
    Full Name:
    James Simpson
    #2 JamesSimpson, Jul 6, 2010
    Generally euro cars are NOT admissable into the states unless 25 years or older(15 for canada) and the costs involved are usually quite high and usually don't make financial sense.

    What could you sell yours for today? convert the euros or pounds to u.s and buy yourself a 05-06!

    Good luck!
     
  3. speedy

    speedy Formula Junior

    Oct 18, 2005
    625
    Plano, TX
    Full Name:
    James Gardner
    #3 speedy, Jul 6, 2010
    +1

    A Euro Gallardo is not worth converting to US spec.
     
  4. 2k8SB

    2k8SB Karting

    Oct 20, 2004
    168
    Central Florida
    Full Name:
    Nathan
    #4 2k8SB, Jul 6, 2010
    Thanks for the input guys, that's what I thought.

    James, I only wish that the exchange rate was where it was 2 years ago and then I could have been shopping for something even nicer :)

    Will probably sell in the UK or Europe and then get something stateside.
     
  5. Ingenere

    Ingenere F1 Veteran
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Dec 11, 2001
    6,449
    On the Limit
    Full Name:
    Dino
    #5 Ingenere, Jul 7, 2010
    I am not sure about Gallardos, but 360s as with most cars these days are pretty much 'world cars'. I would give Dick Meritt at the DOT in DC a call and he will give you the real scoop about the realities of doing what you are thinking.

    He is well known in the Ferrari community (he helped found the FCA back in the 60s), and is very helpful.
     

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