Reply to "Sale Pantera Neuvo, 200, GTSi No. 16 of 38"

Having carefully researched import rules, and having had discussions with both DOT and EPA there are some facts that need to be understood. First, no DeTomaso car ever made will qualify for grey market import or under the "show and display" exception. The Feds have determined that there is nothing of unique world trend setting technological innovation in the cars. End of story.

Second, there is no extraordinary historical basis (owned by very famous person such as a king or queen, a world record setter)or other factor that make them of compelling historical interest to the automotive world or the DOT. In essence the cars are viewed a being manufactured by a two bit player and put together with other peoples engines and parts technology. We know that is exactly what DeTomaso did.

Third, even if you could convince the DOT committee of the above and qualify for "show and display", the car must still pass complete EPA testing for year of manufacture which would require major engine system reconfiguration and an registered importer and or ICI agreeing to do the work ahead of time. I have contacted ten and none will touch a DeTomaso.

The last option is the simplest. Buy the car in Europe, remove the engine/trans. Sell the engine overseas. Ship the roller to the US as "parts." Buy a new engine here and system, take your receipt for the roller, engine down to DMV and get a title and off you go. Assuming you can pass your states emissions if any! Of course if the windshield glass isn't AS1 and AS2 for side windows, and seatbelts, headlights, and everything else aren't up to DOT spec and DOT looks at the car somehow, you will have thirty days to bring it into compliance or ship it overseas or DOT will have it crushed.

I'd guess, between flying over to Europe and back, hotels, rental cars, finding mechanics over there, over here and parts you'd best plan for an extra fifteen thousand over the cost of the car, registration fees extra. So, we shall see which Pantera guy really wants the only SI in the US and is willing to gamble 80 to 110k to have it.


[This message has been edited by phill1 (edited 09-30-2003).]