Can I export a Tuscan to the USA?

[hughesie]

Well, i've done it I'm off to the US of A, unfortunatly i currently have a Tuscan on Order !!!!!!!!!! Argggghhhhhhh !!!!!!!!! Any one have any ideas of how to export my currently in Build Tuscan, any know the Pitfalls (emissions etc etc etc), Approx cost of exportation, any relevant info and how do i get the bloody thing serviced out there, what happens if bits start falling off it !!!!!! Any info hugely appreciated !! Hughesie

[PetrolTed]

I'm no expert, but I can tell you it's almost impossible but not quite. Many people have looked into it and given up on the idea. The only successful import was Faisal's (ex) Cerbera which he got in by the skin of his teeth. I believe it partly depends which state you're trying to import to, your nationality and what you intend to use the car for (i.e. on road or not). If TVR are truly heading to the USA as reported last week then the first call should be to them. If you can get them to import one legitimately for you then it will save you endless hassle.

[hughesie]

I am British, Going to be living in Dallas Txs, and will be using it a a run around (Mwuhahaha) Cheers Ted, I'll try TVR Direct !! Hughesie

[graham]

whats with the (ex)cerbera bit,

[hughesie]

I was wondering about the (ex) bit too !!

[MikeE]

quote:whats with the (ex)cerbera bit,

it's as in recently written off.....

[paul]

quote:Any one have any ideas of how to export my currently in Build Tuscan, any know the Pitfalls (emissions etc etc etc), Approx cost of exportation, any relevant info and how do i get the bloody thing serviced out there, what happens if bits start falling off it !!!!!!

A few points for consideration: * Current regulation allows for a non-US passport holder to register a non-US vehicle in the states for up to a year (with some state-variations on the law). Depending on the state, you may have to modify the vehicle to meet local law (emmissions, crash protection etc.) * After the year is up, you cannot re-register the car - you will have to find another non-US passport holder who is prepared to buy it off you, or ship it back to the UK. (Faisal was going to take his car to Canada and effect some transaction where he ended up keeping the car - I'm not sure how it would work - you'd have to ask Faisal) On a practical level: * Texas is chuffing hot - good aircon is a must - the aircon in my Chimp was crap. I'm told its better in the Tuscan, it will need to be. * Spare parts will have to be fedex'ed from the factory (time and cost) * Insurance will be a hit-and-miss affair, especially depending on the visa you are coming over here on and how long you are planning on staying for (H1B is best) I've been here in NYC for 18 months & I looked quite seriously at bringing an old LHD griff over. The advantage of the Rover V8 is that there are lots of LandRover specialists who have 1/2 a chance of being able to fix it (I've found a LR mechanic in Westchester who used to live in the UK and had a 390 Wedge). Corvette specialist are v. familiar with mending composite bodied cars (& the Borg Warner gearbox). I'm still trying to work out the costs, but in all honesty, I'll probably end up putting a deposit down on the new Nissan Z, it'll work out cheaper, be almost as exclusive and a lot easier to sell on. Edited by paul on Tuesday 6th March 15:36

[hughesie]

does anyone have Faisal's e-mail addy or Site link ??? Hughesie I also have the pics of Faisals car if anyone wants them please mail me !! Aircon is ordered, and yes it is bloody hot there, i have no plans to come back so can i just Import the car once i'm there and keep it there ? bit like the Grey Imports over here from Jap land ??? Edited by hughesie on Tuesday 6th March 16:17 Edited by hughesie on Tuesday 6th March 16:20

[graham]

Are they pics before or after it became ex.... what did he do to it, did he ex himself at teh same time?

[PetrolTed]

Faisal's still in one piece. Can't remember how he did it, but knowing him I suspect over-exhuberance was involved

[graham]

Are you sure this isnt a scam, write the car off then rebuild it as a kit car? would that get around the rules..???

[hughesie]

Graham, it may be a scam, but i dont think i'll be doing that to the Tuscan !!

[faisalkhan]

Bastards, all of you! No, it was not deliberate. Yes, I was being over-exuberant. Yes, I am ok. Is it worth the trouble to bring a TVR in to the US? Yes, if you can get away with it. But it's a huge risk. Hughesie, I believe we have already talked.

[hughesie]

quote: Hughesie, I believe we have already talked.

Yes we have, very Informative too, thanks for all your help mate !! Hughesie

[graham]

So is the Cerby completly dead, no chance of putting her back together?

[faisalkhan]

Sorry for the delayed reply Graham (and Rosie), I usually lurk on egroups. No, the Cerbie is not dead. It requires some tlc. Question is, do I want to fix it, or do I want to sell it for parts or to someone else who wants to fix it and get a new one/used one. If I fix it, should I ship the parts in and have it done here or ship the car out to the UK where people have actually worked on this type of car before? Or, if I sell it, where should I do so...here or back in the UK. A bunch of choices, and I am making my way down the decision tree. Stay tuned...more within a month! Edited by faisalkhan on Friday 16th March 08:37

[Graham and Rosie]

Er, no, Graham is Graham, Graham and Rosie is me, different people, just with the same first name and love of TVRs You aint the first and I'm sure you wont be the last to confuse us, I even got some abuse of 1 poster due to something Graham put!!! Hope you get the Cerbera fixed and back running, it is good to think that at least some Americans can see what they are missing out on by not being able to buy new TVRs over there.... ================ Graham and Rosie

[graham]

>>>>I even got some abuse of 1 poster due to something Graham put!!!<<< Er yeh sorry bout that... Graham