Legality, practicality of '83 Euro 308 in Texas... | FerrariChat
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Legality, practicality of '83 Euro 308 in Texas...

Discussion in '308/328' started by greg328, Nov 15, 2004.

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  1. greg328

    greg328 F1 Rookie

    Nov 17, 2003
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    Austin, TX USA
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    Greg
    #1 greg328, Nov 15, 2004
    Hi everybody. I'm considering an '83 Euro 308. The owner has a copy (not original docs) of the EPA/DOT papers from when the car was originally imported from Germany to Oregon, back in the early '80's.
    Apparently, the car doesn't have any of the EPA emissions gear, so it probably won't pass an emissions test here in Texas.
    My question is--does anybody have any experience with Euro spec Ferraris, especially older ones in Texas? At what age do they become exempt from emissions testing, if ever? Does Texas require it? How difficult will it be for me to register and insure this car, with a European VIN#?
    Also, the car has 34,000 miles, asking price is $35,000. Does this sound fair? I like the idea of lighter weight and more power, but if going "euro" is problematic, I'll probably avoid this one. My other choice would be an older, high-mile 328 for about the same money.
    Any comments/suggestions?
     
  2. PaulC

    PaulC Formula 3

    Feb 11, 2003
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    #2 PaulC, Nov 15, 2004
  3. spider348

    spider348 Formula 3

    Nov 3, 2003
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    #3 spider348, Nov 15, 2004
    Texas residents can give you better advice but, reviewed the Texas emission requirements on their website. All vehicles 2~24 years old are subject to emissions testing. You may be able to prepare the Ferrari for relatively low dollars by adding cats for the emissions test time only, replace with the stock exhaust when done. Not sure how long cats will last without O2 sensor feedback etc.
    Here in Mass. The cutoff is 1984, not so bad. Surprised Texas is more stringent than The Peoples Republic of Mass.!!
    Have owned several Euro Porsches and Ferraris. 308, TR and Porsche 930’s(2). All were without a doubt better cars than the US versions. Lighter, faster, better looking and simpler. Little hassle with registration because the DMV kicks the VIN back due to “incorrect” digits. Mass. Has a form to confirm the VIN, completed and no further issues. Never financed the cars so I cannot comment on bank concerns etc.
    Good luck, John.
     
  4. GrigioGuy

    GrigioGuy Splenda Daddy
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    #4 GrigioGuy, Nov 15, 2004
    Only certain counties require rolling emission testing, all others are a visual check for emissions equipment only. The 83 isn't exempt from the emission testing for another 5 or 6 years.

    It's not unknown for people to get aftermarket cats and electric air pumps installed to pass emissions tests -- talk to Norwoods, they do this for their turbo conversions.
     
  5. Oengus

    Oengus F1 World Champ
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    #5 Oengus, Nov 15, 2004
    Greg,

    I just purchased an 85 308 Euro spec car in Ohio........I did pay significantly less than 35k. My car isn't perfect but it's pretty close to it. I do have about 10k more miles on th clock though. The euro 308 is a blast to drive, good luck with the search.

    PS. we don't have emmissions check in my part of Ohio, therefore I can't help with that part of the question. I do think that the age cut off is 25 years.
     
  6. greg328

    greg328 F1 Rookie

    Nov 17, 2003
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    #6 greg328, Nov 15, 2004
    Thanks everybody..

    What about insurance for a Euro 308? Do insurers even care about US-Euro status? If I supply the VIN, will that be enough?


    Anybody care to comment how a QV Euro 308 compares to a 328? Power/reliabilty.....
     
  7. Texas Forever

    Texas Forever Eight Time F1 World Champ
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    Apr 28, 2003
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    #7 Texas Forever, Nov 15, 2004
    Until they are 25 years old, cars driven in Texas are subject to the overall emissions standards, which vary by county. In the counties around Houston, these tests are getting to be a bear to pass. This is true even for brand new Ferraris.

    Dale
     
  8. ralfabco

    ralfabco Two Time F1 World Champ
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    #8 ralfabco, Nov 15, 2004
    Andrew Jackson can help
     
  9. greg328

    greg328 F1 Rookie

    Nov 17, 2003
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    #9 greg328, Nov 15, 2004
    gotcha. A simple bribe can go a long way.....!


    what about the euro 308/US 328 comparo...?
     

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