Hooniverse Asks- What 25+ Year-Old Vehicle Would You Seriously Consider Importing?
They say absence makes the heart grow fonder, or at least that’s the modern iteration of the Roman poet, Sextus Propertius’ opinion from his poem, Elegies. Alternatively, they also say Absinthe makes the fart grow stronger. Either way, over the decades, American safety and emissions regulations have kept many a desirable auto out of our wanting grasp, and of course that time just makes our ardor all the more unquenchable.
But there is a possible out – a way to finally be together – if only you are willing to bide your time. Any car over 25 years old may be brought into the country without having to comply with Federal motor vehicle safety standards (FMVSS) as long as they have been bonded at the dock, and have the appropriate HS-7 (PDF) forms. Those under 25 will have to be brought into full Federal Safety compliance, and would probably have to meet your particular state’s emissions standards. Muy Expensivo! Also, like a marriage, it’s supposed to be for life – you bring it in, you keep it – no selling the car to someone else once the new has worn off.
And for those of you living in California, don’t even bother unless the car you want is a pre-1976 model, as that’s the cut-off for smog tests on the left coast. Still, that gives one a lot of leeway and is much more flexible than what was possible back in the dark ages of the ’70s and ’80s. Since you have that new-found freedom, there must be some forbidden fruit that you have always wanted to grab, but couldn’t because of THE MAN, but now might be considering. What car – 25 or older – might you think worth a boat ride from across the sea?
Image: [Wikipedia]
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Honda Accord Aerodeck!
Good one! Along the same lines, just a few days back I was looking for a Volvo 480. That just slips under the 25 year rule. The Honda Beat is also tantalizingly close, about four more years only.
The first comment and first response were my first thoughts, so my work here has been done.
I've been meaning to do a write up on this little car.
Good pick. I didn't realize the Aerodeck was not available in the US. Very sleek design and good ride. (Plus pop-up headlights. I just couldn't leave this out.)
I'd love to rock one of these here in the states.
<img src="http://pictures.topspeed.com/IMG/crop/200511/1962-ford-capri-1_1600x0w.jpg" width="500">
No need to import one. They were sold here. I go to a big Ford show every year and there are few super clean examples that show up.
However, we didn't get the improved Capri III – a nice last-series 280 wouldn't be a bad thing.
<img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3064/2614721074_87ef41776a.jpg" width=500>
I know where there is one of those in California that has been imported. Dunno how he did it.
<img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5260/5397899208_57b1aac507.jpg"width=500/>
For my fellow OCDers, the raised letter sign reads: CENTRE COMMERCIAL (the French for "mall")…
I wouldn't be opposed to its older brother, either
<img src="http://www.autoold.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/11AGA572302189AA-610×439.jpg">
Basically the Aussie version of my car on crack. XD Ford Fairmont ESP Phase 5, with the 351 Cleveland. Dressed up like an Aussie touring car for the street.
<img src="http://www.fordcortina.net/pix/All-Ford-Day-Perth-2007/X-Series/Phase5-Red1.jpg" width="500/">
My dad had an XD Fairmont Ghia when we lived over there. I think it's what got me stuck on boxy Fords.
Alternately, I could go with an XE Fairmont Ghia ESP with the 351 Cleveland. A bit more "Euro" flavor.
<img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/56/Ford_Fairmont_Ghia_XE_Sedan.jpg/1024px-Ford_Fairmont_Ghia_XE_Sedan.jpg" width=500>
Hey that reminds me, our landlady in Austria had a Ford Granada when I was a kid. I liked that car a whole bunch. I wouldn't mind an early coupe
Navy kid?
Dick Johnsons Tru-Blu Falcon. Obligatory post when dealing with that generation.
<img src="http://members.optusnet.com.au/woobley/falcon.jpg" width="500">
Don't forget about the Greens Tuff XE – the one that he ran into the trees exiting Forest Elbow during the qualifying for the 1983 Bathurst race.
<img src="http://www.touringcartimes.com/news/v8sc09021803.jpg">
For those who don't know the story, yes he did walk away from that, and was racing the next day. Of course, he completed the race in a different car – he is quoted as saying the only parts salvaged from the crashed car were the engine, the diff centre and the ignition key. So that he could race, he bought a competitors car and had it prepared and painted overnight – the signwriting on the sides of the car was reportedly still wet during the warm-up lap before the race.
Was that the same accident with the rock that some "fan" threw on the track? Fantastic cars none the less.
No the rock incident was in 1980, in an XD (probably the one in your post).
Since my last post, I discovered that there are Youtube videos for both incidents. Google "Dick Johnson 1983 crash" if you want to see them. I also found out that the XE was equipped with Racecam, but it wasn't switched on at the time of the crash.
I would probably turn to Japan over Yurp, though the continent probably has flashier options. Anyway, I would seriously (read: not serious at all, remember) consider a Skyline:
<img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f5/GT-RC110.jpg" width=550>
I'm pretty sure that's an NSX dude.
That is, hands down, my favorite version of the Skyline. I'm perfectly ok with it being overshadowed by it's older brother the Hakosuka (see pj134 below).
Lancia Thema 8.32, anyone?
<img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TRE-G_hIQvI/AAAAAAADwxM/eR2LXaJ1yH4/s800/Lancia-Thema-8-32-01.jpg" width=500>
Just convert a SAAB 9000. How hard could it be?
It would never be the same. Plus that it's far away from a bolt-on. AFAIK most of the mechanics are completely different, and the leather'n'wood interior and that all are part of the package. BTW, there was a Saab 9000 V8. I think 5 or so examples were built. That engine had nothing to do with Lancia or Ferrari, though.
I hear a Ferrari, but I can't see it… Strange…
Hey, quiet, I'm listening to that, uh, Fiat?
Realistically, Land Rover Defender or Mini Cooper S (original one). The Land Rovers appear to be cheap enough in the UK to justify the expense of importing one.
Yes… but you're still looking at well over $30k for something similar, but more mainstream, to this: http://hooniverse.com/2011/10/13/truck-thursday-l…
I'm thinking more like this one http://www.autoweb.co.uk/used/car/land_rover/defe… for 2,750 GBP = ~ $4,300. Add $2k-$3k for shipping and import stuff. That works out to a pretty cheap Defender.
I wonder exactly how craptastic they are for that money. Still… a Landy for $10k sounds nice.
That one had recently passed the fairly strict MoT test. The synchro was going on 5th gear. The body had been resprayed, don't know the quality of the respray. It is more like $7k for a Landy. Can't find anything better than a crapped out Series II here for that money.
ANYTHING Group B homologated street cars so I'd have do decide…
<img src="http://bringatrailer.com/wp-content/plugins/PostviaEmail/images/1986_Ford_RS200_Evolution_For_Sale_in_USA_Rear_resize.jpg" width="450">
or
<img src="http://www.4ringblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/audi_sport_quattro_angle_front_tilt-540×313.jpg" width="450">
And my lust for A2 VWs…
<img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5b/RallyeGolf.jpg/800px-RallyeGolf.jpg" width="450">
<img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/37/VW_Golf_Country.jpg/800px-VW_Golf_Country.jpg" width="450">
I realized all these cars are AWD… maybe it has something to do with me getting ma drift on while exiting 635 to Miller this morning in the Mustang?
I know it would be just asking for trouble, but a Citroen CX Gti Turbo 2 would be a cool ride.
<img src="http://www.topgear.ro/pictures/blog/2010/09/citroen-cx-25-110kw-11480.jpg" width=500>
You beat me to it. The CX would be high on my list, however, being in California, I would have to get a very early one with all its associated "challenges".
There are two alternatives:
1. get an "early one" via some creative part and paper work swap.
2. buy one of the 1000 or so that were imported by independent companies and thus legally registered.
COME ON DOWN TO HANZELS HOUSE OF CITROENS WHERE FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY WE HAVE A 1989 CX Prestige, complete with automatic, dual air conditioning and Michelin TRX tires.
Seriously. Dad has a customer with a CX Prestige for sale. Who knows, it might still be around March 10th for the first Seconds Saturdays.
Nice, low key way, to announce the next Seconds Saturday…
Weren't those sold (with a weird construction) in the USA as the CXA???
<img src="http://www.citroen-andre.com/salescat/cxa01.jpg">
Yes, but they were third-party conversions with a messy kludge of modifications to meet the then-current US safety, impact bumper, and emission laws. I'd much rather hunt down a nice European version and bring it over.
If you are outside of California, I agree, it's the way to go.
i see these once in a while here, living in germany. fugly.
I don't think many are going to rush to agree with you here.
<img src="http://www.misterw.com/MadMax/Interceptor01.jpg">
Obligatory "Thats not a car! This is a car!"
Yeah, but does it have a switch to controller the supercharger? Yes? Awesome.
I have no idea how that would work, but that would be incredibly bad ass. It would also satisfy my fascination with toggle switches
Air flow would have to consist of two separate throttle bodies and a valve separating them. The pully on the engine for the belt would need a clutch much like the ones used on AC compressors and fuel is the major problem but with modern injection and a relay to change computer maps it's all perfectly possible.
/Yes I've spent some time pondering this.
City bus A/C clutch between the pulley and the engine, make it electric.
Cool, but not 'cause of the A/C parts.
Well, you took my answer in the main picture and to be honest, most of my other import desires are filled with the Nissan Stagea and Eunos Cosmo. I even have a while to wait for the Pulsar GTi-R. Of course, there is always this:
<img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/cc/C10GT-R.jpg" width=500>
I'm sure I'll see a lot more that I lust for shortly, as is usually the case for these questions.
Come to Canada, we have your GTi-R's here already.
I don't fully comprehend my affinity for these guys, but I would love to have one.
<img src="http://www.ridelust.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Ford_Escort_RS2000_MkI-600×394.jpg" width=450>
With no need to import I also want an Alfa 2000 GTV, so maybe I am just drawn to hard-to-find-parts small sporting coupes…
<img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3200/3152037184_a5563af0d0_z.jpg?zz=1" width="640" height="425" alt="Ford-Escort-RS2000-Oran Park">
What's to comprehend? MK1 Escorts are simple, light weight, cleanly styled, with a glorious history of hooning.
No, It's clear that i love them, but everyday it seems like I find another subconscious motive in my love. But if you asked for one item, or even a few items, i don't think I could point to a specific thing.
Fantastic little cars though.
I know why, I've had 2 when I still lived in Europa, although one was only a 1.1 L and the other a 1.3 L, even the less powered are a hoot to drive. It is THE car to learn how to steer with your throttle. Sliding through corners is a garantee for a smile on your face.
Drive one and you're smitten. They give you the same massive stupid grin that an original Mini Cooper brings, but with the added bonus of being rear-drive and very oversteericious.
Since I'm in Canada where we only have to worry about a 15-year rule, can I cheat?
<img src="http://honda-beat.info/history/photos/Honda-Beat-pic.jpg">
<img src="http://images.autoexposure.co.uk/AETA20090/AETV42928747_1b.jpg">
<img src="http://f00.inventorspot.com/images/PICT0920.jpg">
No? Okay, I always liked these Falcons from a distance.
<img src="http://www.shannons.com.au/library/images/auctions/GT7ED6027A247T86_medium.jpg">
And I know having an old Hongqi CA770 would make me stand out.
<img src="http://s2.mojalbum.com/4219952_11803055_12543768/kitajci-4/12543768.jpg" width="500">
There's a Hongqi here in the Bay Area at the Blackhawk Museum.
As a white guy in Oakland I would rock a Hongqi just to see the confused looks on folks faces when I told them what it is.
Vented Hongqi headlight surrounds! Gotta keep those headlights ice-cold!
Is this what happens when a Paseo, a Delorean, and a 928 have a 3-way?!
<img src="http://f00.inventorspot.com/images/PICT0920.jpg" width="300">
You're thinking of this:
<img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/52/Sera.jpg/250px-Sera.jpg">
Which, incidentally, is also a car I want.
The Autozam AZ-1 is much smaller than any Paseo. Here's one parked next to a GMC Yukon:
<img src="http://img375.imageshack.us/img375/8620/gmcyukonxlcomparison.jpg" width="500">
Toyotas unintentionally acclerate to 88 mph?
Or was that a rhetorical question.
<img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7164/6771038287_501bf440bc.jpg" width="350">
"…worth a boat ride from across the sea?"
I've got three cars that were brought here under the 25+ rule, but this is the only one I've imported myself. It's a 1978 KV from the collection of the Bubble Car Museum in Great Britain. I bought it via remote bid at their auction three years ago as a parts car for my other KV. The photo shows it at the museum just after it had crossed (i.e. been pushed across) the auction block. It's got racing stripes!
It didn't come by boat, however. To my surprise, a car weighing 400 pounds can more cheaply be brought from London to Seattle as air freight. So, have I ever been to Europe? No. Indeed, have I ever flown internationally at all? No. I have, however, paid to have a parts car take a plane ride from across the sea. Totally worth it.
IF you don't mind me asking, how much was the air freight? I'm guessing about the same as a first class ticket.
I don't have the paperwork handy, but I believe it was something like $1800 for the flight. This was considerably less expensive than having it trucked to a port, placed on a ship, then either (a) unloaded on the East Coast and trucked across the US or (b) sent the long way around. I would have had to pay for at least half of a shipping container to do that, whereas this way all I bought was the space occupied by the wooden box which the museum was kind enough to construct around it. The car's a bit less than seven feet long and just under four feet wide, after all.
It is about 400 pounds, so he had to buy an extra seat for it.
Have you been to the Microcar Museum in Georgia?
No, not yet. My other KV used to be one of their exhibits, however:
http://www.microcarmuseum.com/tour/kvs.html
Regrettably they've got several things wrong on that page, starting with the year. I've never been able to get them to make the corrections.
Buying a car sight unseen and shipping it home as air freight should be enough to award you a title like "Hoon of the Most Excellent Order".
Thanks! I'm not sure whether it makes matters better or worse that it was a parts car.
Better.
I just realized I'm pretty sure I know a person who weighs more than a KV.
Do you know what Rob was alluding to there about not being able to sell it once you get it in USA? I never knew there was any such trouble. Anyone know what to watch out for buy and selling a car brought over via 25 year exception?
I believe he just imposed that for the purposes of discussion, to get people to think in terms of cars they'd want for themselves instead of cars that would be worth a quick buck. There's no Federal restriction on resale for the 25+ stuff. It gets somewhat trickier for newer vehicles brought in under the show-or-display rules, but I've never done that.
The main thing is to make sure the car really is old enough. Fake paperwork or iffy "restorations" involving recent specimens of long-lived models (e.g. the Mini and 2CV) can obviously lead to all sorts of trouble.
Thanks!
Actually, now that I re-read Rob's words, he's referring to the under-25 stuff which isn't show-or-display, but instead has been modified and certified to bring it into compliance. I'm really not up on that aspect of things. The only essentially absolute prohibitions on resale with which I'm familiar are on temporarily-imported noncompliant vehicles brought in by a qualifying non-resident (such as an ambassador).
The show-or-display vehicles can be transferred, but only to someone who also agrees to be bound by the restrictions, recordkeeping, and other oversight inherent in the category.
My family is friends with a Czech fellow that brought over and federalized an MB in the '80s, he did sell it eventually. I don't think he had any trouble in particular selling it later here in USA. The biggest issues he had were when bringing it over to get hit with as few taxes/duties as possible along the way.
Someone already posted, but I love it enough to post it, again.
<img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RJubUv3ez0Q/S6xu_D1us2I/AAAAAAAAAQc/KIZNxpWbm7g/s400/98053_mad_max_2.jpg" width="400">
*nods in approval*
There is one running around DFW… Pretty awesome.
That's amazing. I'm keeping my eyes peeled, though, if I saw it, I may have to visit a body shop immediately afterward, due to being distracted by awesomeness.
Tatra 613 is the newest I can get under the 25 rule. Still a few more years for the 700.
<img src="http://bringatrailer.com/wp-content/plugins/PostviaEmail/images/1990_Tatra_T613_For_Sale_Front_0_resize.jpg" width="600">
$2000-ish shipped to my door.
<img src="http://hooniverse.com/wp-content/gallery/fso-polonez/polonez-rally.jpg"/>
My FIL has been looking for a not abused non rusty one for me with little success.
With all the go-fast bits?
That's assuming an estimate of $1,970 for shipping, yes?
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/NGAWUl.jpg" alt="LOTUS" />
One of the early 4th generation Esprit.
Hey, you found my doorstop!
Hey Charger!
<img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2438/3727694070_54135745b6_o.jpg" width="600" height="450" alt="beck chivas valiant charger @ bathurst 72">
or, failing that, a Hemi 6 and a clean, A-body based, fastback Plymouth Barracuda.
Make mine a Jensen FF. It was the first GT (or any non-offroad production car, actually) to drive all four wheels.
<img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fd/Jensen_FF_Mark_II.jpg" width=500>
Just make sure you have the parts and expertise to keep one going. FFs were notoriously troublesome.
I have to wait one more year.
<img src="http://www.tanshanomi.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/TDR-250-blue.jpg">
Just one. More. Year.
I'm pretty sure we got these briefly in Canada. I got to ride one in exchange for the owner riding my Suzuki RG250.
In addition to the CX I mentioned already, I have my eyes on a FIAT 500, or a pre-1976 kei van.
Yay for Canada! It's only 15 years for us here which means our doors are open to alot of way newer cars. Of course that means I still have two more years to wait till I can get the Nissan I lust after.
<img src="http://www.autospecsltd.com/Blue_S15_Side.jpg" width="500">
Do we have to take Japanese examples or is there anywhere we can get LHD versions from?
You could always do an S13.5 with a hatch…
They look good.
These were only produced for RHD markets. They made the decision to stop producing LHD Silvias after the s14 due to slow sales in North America. Japan and Australia would be the countries I would consider sourcing them from.
Ah, sososo desu ne…
I have heard of LHD conversions being done so it might not be too awful hard to do and there may be reproduction LHD dashes out there. I know a ton of the S14 parts are carry overs so I'm sure that simplifies the process.
When I was stationed in Italy, I met a guy from Germany at the beach, who had an Opel Diplomat, with a 327. It reminded me of a mini four door Riviera. Pretty cool.
<img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/42/Opel_Diplomat_E_1972_1.jpg/800px-Opel_Diplomat_E_1972_1.jpg" width="600">
That is a cool ride indeed, I've had an Admiral 2.8 L, very nice and not European sized at all, how that car felt big in the Netherlands.
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1N84SPB1Wy4/TyLvhiPeeVI/AAAAAAAAC-o/nF92XBygToQ/w550-h237-k/Admiral.jpg">
A young BЯдΖǐL-ЯЄРΘЯΤЄЯ with his Admiral
I don't know why I love it, but I do…
<img src="http://www.autickar.cz/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/037-Stradale_1.jpg">
… What's not to love about it?
I know why: cuz it's awesome.
It's a Lancia from the 80's how can you not love it?!
One more for the "taking advantage of being Canadian" set. I picked mine up 6 days ago. So far I love everything about it, other than the fact I can't get it in my garage:
<img src="http://i480.photobucket.com/albums/rr161/DrKool/Delica/inthewild.jpg" border="0" alt="It's the ROYAL exceed pal." width=500>
Where did you import it through, and do they have any Beats just lying around?
http://bonsairides.com/ Based out of London.
And no. No Beats lying around that I know of. Definitely some Pajeros, maybe a Figaro, and there is a Legnum VR4 wagon on the way.
It's not often that someone says a car model and I have know clue whatsoever…
Thanks for teaching me a new Mitsubishi model!
Why hello there Fiat Barchetta…
I also spot a Cappuccino, but it appears to be sold.
Glad to read you are enjoying it! Did you use some company to help you buy one in Japan and ship it to you? Any recommendations? I'm interested in a Beat when they become legal here.
I keep telling myself I am going to do a writeup on the thing, but those odds are getting longer and longer…
I used an importer (linked above) to get it here, registered, and plated. It was easy peasy, as I just let him know what I wanted, reviewed the ones he sent me, and otherwise just waited.
There are other importers who will do a full overhaul when it lands, and ones that offer warranties, but since I own a full compliment of tools, and have alternative ways to get to work in a pinch, I went with Bonsai and kept ~$3k in my pocket to do any unexpected work myself.
My recommendations are to get knowledgeable, then pick your level of service. You want major service done when it lands, or the piece of mind of a warranty, no problem, you'll pay for it though. The market here is mature enough that the importers of poor quality vehicles are either well known, or out of business.
My only hangup in the whole process has been insurance. Ontario companies have been closing their doors to daily driven right-hand-drives for a while. I had a couple providers lined up before I imported, but they stopped insuring before it landed. As it sits, I am currently with Facility ("last chance" insurer in Ontario) at some exorbitant rate. Eventually it will open up again, and I'll switch coverage.
Thanks, Bonsai seems to specialize in Canada, will have to find some place for US instead. I was hoping to insure as a third car with Haggerty, so the insurance will be something to consider. Here is another random thing, sorry, but I noticed that in Japan a lot of people smoke. Do they do anything to make sure the cars do not smell bad?
If I lived in the USA, I would get some Peugeot 205's.
I wouldn't even have to go to Europe to get them…
I'll get them while I'm in Mexico on holiday!
<img src="http://www.auto-buzz.com/photos/peugeot/peugeot-205-rallye-1988-1992/peugeot-205-rally-05-580×435.jpg">
Is that El Car?
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!
Okay, a couple somebodies already posted the RS 200, and 2012 minus 1986 equals 26, so given an unlimited hypothetical amount of play money and free time, plus an already-existent love of slightly obscure cars (though not to this crowd), I shall import me a Sierra Cosworth.
<img src="http://www.comp.co.uk/gallery/pics/FORD%20SIERRA%20COSWORTH%207.5X17%209X17%20CXN%203PC.jpg" width=400>
Oh yeah–also a Renault R5.
<img src="http://www.wired.com/images_blogs/autopia/2010/04/renault-r5-turbo.jpg" width=400>
I would love to have a black one!
<img src="http://www.motorvision.de/images/588.8×920+586×330+0+0/30764/v6-clio-renault.jpg">
Lucky you. No importation issues.
I'd like the airplane, also.
But sadly no moneys either!
In fact I do not care much in what color it comes, all are welcome, but I do like em in blue
<img src="http://www.mario-sequeira.supermano.com/Competicao/R5%20Turbo/R5%20TURBO%201980%20-%20Imagens/1981-Renault-R5-Turbo1%20(azul)_lateral%20frente.jpg" width="550">
For me it's the usual fantasies of 959s and RoW spec Porsches, but also for some reason this kept popping into my head:
<img src="http://www.alma.it/vanzettip/fulvia/img/monte72.jpg" width=500 />
<img src="http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j129/hoopd87/bf3a7bb6.jpg" width = 500 >
My first choice.
<img src="http://www.automobile-catalog.com/img/pictosm/lynx/eventer22.jpg">
<img src="http://www.bmwmregistry.com/faq/E12_M535istripes.jpg">
I would have either the E12 or E28 version
New enough to be reliable, old enough to be timeless? I love the R32.
<img src="http://www.japanesesportcars.com/galleries/data/media/45/1990-nissan-skyline-r32.jpg" width="600">
"New enough to be reliable". My friend would disagree with you, he had one that was a nightmare car. He got sick of fixing it and just sold it.
I still have to wait a good while, but…
<img src="http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/Gallery/Honda%20XRV750%2098%20%206.jpg" width="400">
I had its baby brother, the XL600V, a 1989 Transalp…still miss that machine.
^That^
I've considered a Transalp, there's one I used to see on my commute, but the Africa Twin is what I really want.
Call me the friend of the friendless, but I've always had a thing for Allegros. Perhaps because it was my parents' rental on my first trip to the UK in 1979.
<img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8b/Austin_Allegro_estate_reg_1981_1275_cc.JPG/800px-Austin_Allegro_estate_reg_1981_1275_cc.JPG">
<img src="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRg3dEgidGMhfxbpcK71s80ez_1ufKUIjZf9A0cyhUkI8DUDIyCNpJzKCBG" />
It's hard to pick something as most of my more obvious choices have already been said. Therefore, I will go with a few of my more wacky automotive lusts.
<img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/44/UAZ-469.jpg/800px-UAZ-469.jpg" width="600">
First on my list would of course be the UAZ 469. What can I say? I love Soviet military equipment for it's simplicity and ruggedness. The UAZ is the AK-47 of light military vehicles and so I would absolutely love to have one in my collection.
<img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/04/Saporoshez_ZAZ_965_A.JPG/786px-Saporoshez_ZAZ_965_A.JPG" width="600">
Next up is the Soviet Beetle, otherwise known as the ZAZ 965. I have always wanted to examine one and see just how similar it is under the skin. Plus, it would likely be one of the only ones in the country.
<img src="http://www.auto-retro-museum.ru/_upload/shop_goods_photo/img_large_142.JPG" width="600">
I'd also love to have a GAZ M72. It's the 4 wheel drive version of the Poebda (translates to "Victory" in English. The name celebrates the victory of the Soviet Union in the Great Patriotic War.). This was actually the first 4 wheel drive production vehicle in the world to use unibody construction. The 4 wheel drive components came from the GAZ 69, which was the USSR's first clean sheet attempt at a Jeep like vehicle.
Uhh… I've seen just too many UAZes while in military and travelled in them too, but not driven one myself. Maybe real hoons don't mind if a door drops off while driving, which is my #1 recollection of UAZ. Anyway I could think of some more trustworthy things to drive. And now that you brought up Soviet iron, my choice for an import would definitely be Chaika. Any model will do as long as it's black and comes with window blinds, but the GAZ 14 is my favourite:
<img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/70/GAZ-14_Czajka.JPG/640px-GAZ-14_Czajka.JPG">
Does the ZAZ 965 really have that much positive camber?
I think that ZAZ is missing the engine.
Don't think of it as losing a door. You see, Soviet engineers knew what was needed and what was not, so they made the UAZ in such a way that it performed automatic weight reduction to give you more acceleration!
As for the positive camber, I have seen pictures of several of them with similar alignment, so I think it is normal for that model. They may have fixed it with the later models 966 and 968 though as I don't remember seeing those with that pronounced camber.
Speaking of UAZ, I will never forget the UAZ Simbir!
I once sat in one at the Paris Motorshow and tried to pull down the sunvisor.
It went very very reluctantly and then suddenly I had the whole thing in my hand!
Russian cars have so much potential, but sadly it's always proper funds that are lacking…
<img src="http://img.mota.ru/upload/wallpapers/2009/07/15/15/04/8735/uaz_002-preview.jpg">
I would rock a Lada Niva though!
<img src="http://images.forum-auto.com/mesimages/572242/vaz-1073-1.jpg">
There's gotta be some way around that CA smog deal. My old mechanic in North Hollywood had a Renault 5 Turbo in their parking lot. When did the rest of the world start requiring catalytic converters?
I'd love to know if you could import something 1976 or newer and drop in a same-year-or-newer CA legal engine with all the cats, EGR and other bits it came with like you can with vehicles that were sold here new.
If so, I'd love me an Accord Aerodeck with a Cali-spec LX-i drivetrain, a Y31 Nissan Cedric/Gloria 4-door hardtop with a VQ35, or a WB Statesman de Ville with an LS2.
In Europe it became mandatory on the first of january 1993
In Australia, catalytic converters became mandatory at the beginning of 1986, with the local introduction of unleaded fuel.
I'll have to go with the Toyota Hiace:
<img src="http://kiatleegroup.com/images/DSCF0923-1.JPG" width="400/">
Why? Where I grew up we had a ton of these crawling all around the city (in the same crusty condition, too), and I'm all nostalgic for them. If I lived in the states I guess I'll have to make do with the older one:
<img src="http://sondosmotors.com/images/thumbs/1307804942_LH61V-0088023%201987%20MT%205D.JPG" width="400/">
I've just spent the last 20 minutes blowing off work to mull this over, trying to get close to the 1987 cutoff, and I've decided that my car is a Marcos Mantula– they made them 84-93.
<img src="http://www.autoviva.com/img/photos/653/marcos_mantula_injection_img_29653.jpg" width="600">
Runner up: Alpine GTA. Maybe a TVR wedge. Or a pre-Atlantique Venturi. Nah, I'll stick with the Mantula.
Easy! A 1980 Saab 96, one of the last 300 with metallic blue paint and Ronal ten-spoke wheels. Here I am with the very last one at the Saab Car Museum in 2007.
<img src="http://www.saabfans.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=1324&g2_serialNumber=2">
Believe it or not there are actually two of these 1980 models, each within a couple of hours drive of where I live in Kentucky.
I've also liked these Dutch Volvos…
<img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/ee/Volvo480_TwoTone.JPG/800px-Volvo480_TwoTone.JPG" \>
Love the 480.. Want the Turbo version
How about a Toyota Century?
<img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c8/Toyota_century%28VG40%29.jpg/800px-Toyota_century%28VG40%29.jpg" width=500>
VIP style, right?
<img src="http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/3600/creepindodgespec038av9.jpg" \>
Okay,
How about a Lancia Delta, any number for vintage SAABs, and for grinds & giggles, a Lada Nivia 4×4.
Just about every vintage Saab was available in the US other than the post-1970 96. Even the European models of the 99 and 900 had US-style impact bumpers for 1973 and beyond.
Saab or Lancia, Lancia or Saab… what if you're allowed just one car? Take Saab 600. It's essentially a badge-engineered Lancia Delta. The what-the-heck-is-that effect should be guaranteed.
That’s easy. I’ve always wanted an e30 Touring.
<img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2f/BMW_E30_Touring_CIMG5253.JPG/640px-BMW_E30_Touring_CIMG5253.JPG" width="600">
Side note: even though this is my first comment here, I have been lurking (over there – in the dark corner) since [Redacted] made their big change. And I want to say that I love the commenters here. It’s so cool to see how many of the people from that other place made the move to here.
When you get to Hooniverse U, you tend to run into people you remember from [Redacted] High.
This is my new favorite comment.
Welcome to the Land of Misfit Toys!
interesting, I did not know that.
My father got out of the Navy after 16 years. Had he stayed in, our next home would've most likely been Sydney.
Well, I was first going to say Taunus Coupe, but ultimately it's a rather conventional car that just happens to look like a shrunk down Torino. Then I thought of Renault Alpine GTA which will now clear the 25 year rule, but that's too flashy for me… and then it hit me! Volvo 363 CS!! PRV power! Yes, yes, they only made like 3 of them, but who's counting.. and a regular 360 would be pretty neat too, with a boosted red block up front and transmission in the back:
<img src="http://www.volvo300.dk/363_1.jpg" width="500">
It would have to be either a Talbot Sunbeam Lotus
<img src="http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/01426/Sunbeam-Lotus_1426392c.jpg">
or a Sunbeam Stiletto 998
<img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3579/3676133731_fd54bec76e.jpg">
Two words: Enter. Sandman.
<img src="http://static.cargurus.com/images/site/2008/02/28/06/40/1978_holden_sandman-pic-10624.jpeg" width="500">
Also: Opel Diplomat A Coupe, even if I might get tired of hearing "Nice Che…velle?" after a while.
<img src="http://i.auto-bild.de/ir_img/5/2/3/2/2/2/Opel-Diplomat-V8-560×373-b78527d995599565.jpg" width="500" />
The Soviet cars and Hongqis have already been covered, along with the Toyota Century. We need some wagons too. How about this one with the gender-confused name Prince Gloria, and looks that will lead people to say "Nice Rambler": <img src="http://i484.photobucket.com/albums/rr206/Nakazoto_japan/Laguna%20Meet/DSC02242.jpg">Or a Brazilian Nomad, the Chevy Opala Caravan:<img src="http://www.interney.net/blogs/media/blogs/saloma/OpalaCaravan250S8401.jpg">Or, if you can find one, the Brazilian Maverick wagon: <img src="http://stationwagonforums.com/forums/gallery/files/1/mavsw1.jpg">