Would you buy a rebuild 355 for 40k??

I think once they are 15 years old or older, the process is not difficult to export/import.

 

Yes, but do it the way porcupines make love, verrry carefully. And don't do it unless you can afford some unexpected bills down the line.

Before the latest run-up in prices, the Porsche community used to say that all 911s were $30K cars. Whether you initially paid $10/20 or $30K made no difference in the final cost.

 

Not correct. Regardless, he will need a letter from FNA stating the car meets EPA/DOT specs and he will need to replace the speedo with one that reads in MPH (unless the existing ones reads MPH in lower case). (I imported a BMW once)

But bottom line, I would not buy the car.....you can find examples without the rebuilt for probably not much more... though we have no details on this car, such as miles, condition and service history, which play equally into the equation. Canadian cars take a hit on resale in the USA too, even though they are essentially the same...it just adds a "story" that most buyers are not comfortable with

 

I imported my 95B from Canada. All was good after getting the importation letter from FNA.

Speedo is only in KM and no one asked about it so I'm keeping it original.

As to the OP's question, personally no, I would not.

If it was an older extremely rare car yes. I would buy a rebuilt Lusso. But when I know I can find a non-rebuilt 355 that's the route I would go.

 

The speedo is a crap shoot...most times they check, occasionally they do not. You were lucky my friend. When I arrived at the border, the Customs agent had a checklist on a clip board and ran through everything with me....he was lazy and didn't want to physically walk out to my car, but asked for the receipt for the conversion...which I had from the BMW dealer in Vancouver. I have a friend that has brought in multiple cars, he was checked each time...

 

I just brought in a car from Canada about a month ago. It is a surprisingly easy process... Well, with these conditions.

1. If the car was a "U.S." car, then it is easy. If not, stay away! You need DOT and EPA waivers, which are by no means guaranteed. My car was in the U.S., sold, brought to Canada, and I brought it back. This only required me to fill out three forms at the local Customs House in Philly (no fee). I was done in 10 minutes. MUCH harder dealing with Pennsylvania, and getting it Titled, but not too hard. The State required 9 documents, registration and title fee, and 6% sales tax, opposed to Customs 3 forms and no fee or tax...

Customs Form# CBP 7501
DOT Form# HS7
EPA Form# 3520-1

2. If it was a U.S. car, you do not need to pay the import tax, as it was already paid when it first came into the country. If it was not, then you have pay 2.5% import tax, on top of your States sales tax. You will have to prove it was in the U.S. (copy of old Title worked for me)

Bottom line, a car that was not made to U.S. DOT & EPA standards can be a real pain in A$$. Remember if it is a U.S. car, it will have the DOT stamp on the drivers side door jam stating it meets all U.S. safety, bumper, and theft prevention standards. That data plate is key.

 

I'm pretty sure I know the car you are talking about. It is local to me and I have been considering checking it out but haven't had time. Has zero service records and owner has no idea when last belt servicing was. If I have time I am going to be checking out beginning of next week.

Steve

 

where is the car post pics and contact