WARNING!!!!

Before you buy something that is too good to be true contact this Gentleman.


I received a VIN for the F430 and viewed several pictures of it. Preliminarily, the vehicle does not appear to conform to all Federal motor vehicle safety standards (FMVSS). Additionally, the VIN does not comport to the requirements of 49 CFR 565 (i.e. check digit, etc.). This is a good indictor that it was manufactured for a market other than North America. Second, the pictures show that the vehicle lacks side marker/side reflex reflectors required by FMVSS No. 108. I have asked the manufacturer for the history of the vehicle and expect a return soon. If it was not certified by its manufacturer as meeting all applicable FMVSS and does not have a certification label affixed to it by the manufacturer, the only way it may be imported into the United States for resale is through a Registered Importer (RI) pursuant to an eligibility determination by NHTSA. The agency makes these decisions on the basis of petitions from RIs. Import eligibility decisions are made on a make, model, and model year basis. NHTSA has not determined the Ferrari F430 to be eligible for importation. The vehicle could therefore not have been lawfully imported unless it was originally manufactured to comply with all applicable FMVSS and was so certified by its original manufacturer.



My opinion is that the F430 was imported in violation of the laws and regulations that NHTSA administers. It is also a violation of 49 U.S.C. 30112(a) to offer for sale in the United States a non-conforming motor vehicle. As such the vehicle, if it is in the United States and being offered for sale, is subject to seizure by the U.S. Government.



Please also keep in mind that if this vehicle is not certified by its manufacturer as conforming to the emissions requirements of the U.S., an Independent Commercial Importer (ICI) must make modifications and seek EPA’s approval. You may wish to contact the EPA for assistance in this area.



Please advise your readers not to be duped into purchasing non-conforming vehicles that were smuggled into the United States. Ask the seller to show you the manufacturer’s certification label affixed to the vehicle, generally in the driver’s door area. The certification label will display the VIN, the date of production, and language that reads: “This vehicle conforms to all applicable Federal motor vehicle safety and bumper standards in effect on the date of manufacture shown above.” If it was imported by an RI and satisfactorily modified it will have affixed to it an RI certification label with the same statement.



For vehicles certified by an RI, ask the seller to show you the NHTSA bond release letter. NHTSA, when satisfied with the RIs evidence of FMVSS conformance modifications will release the bond under which the vehicle was imported by issuing a bond release letter.



NHTSA personnel can determine whether individual non-conforming vehicles were properly imported and modified by RIs. Just have the VIN ready and contact the Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance, Import and Certification Division for further assistance at 202-366-5291.


Clint Lindsay
Investigator, Import and Certification Division
Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
U.S. Department of Transportation
400 7th Street, SW, Room 6111
Washington, D.C. 20590-0001
Voice: (202) 366-5288
Fax: (202) 366-7092
Email: [email protected]

 

I'm sure they are investigating it.
Best