Ok, so I've been searching and searching, calling places and researching the RIs listed on NHTSA's website.
List of Registered Importers

I've gotten "number no longer in service" or found the RI online and saw they only import European vehicles.

I'm trying to find someone that can import and legalize for street use a 84-85 Sprinter Trueno.. (Go ahead and post Initial D jokes I'm sure they're coming haha) I just love the car, and I won't mind building a USDM version, but if I'm going to spend 10-15K on one, why not get one that has 100,000km or less on it in original condition?

Also, I know that model year of Corolla/Trueno is not listed on the list of NONCONFORMING MOTOR VEHICLES THAT ARE ELIGIBLE FOR IMPORTATION except for 87-88MY:
http://www.nhtsa.gov/cars/rules/import/elig010807.pdf

But there has to be a way to get one legalized, even if it's just a Sunday driver; either through a petition with a RI, or the modification performed by a RI. Or someone can shed light on my confusion.

I know there are a few members here that have RHD vehicles that were imported as Grey Market, so someone should know someone that can help me. ANYTHING will be helpful to some degree.

I understand that if I really only wanted a RHD car, to just get a front clip and perform the necessary modifications to make it work. But my idea is to get a low mileage, mostly original as possible car; that is impossible to find here in the states.

I'll edit this post if I think of anything else, but if any of you can help, this i-clubber will appreciate it. Thanks

Kyle

 

Hav you talked to Bruce Canepa?
Canepa Design
He's in Scott's Valley. Mostly does Porsche stuff, but I bet he can help

 

I can call and see I guess.. Seems like they don't deal with Japanese market stuff, but the Trueno/Levin can be considered a "collector" in some cases. Thanks for the link.

 

From DOT website:

Safety, Bumper, and Theft Prevention Standards
Importers of motor vehicles must file form HS-7 at the time of vehicle is imported to declare whether the vehicle complies with DOT requirements. As a general rule, motor vehicles less than 25 years old must comply with all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) in order to be imported permanently into the United States. Vehicles manufactured after September 1, 1978, must also meet the bumper standard, and vehicles beginning with model year 1987 must meet the theft-prevention standard.

From the EPA's website:

1. Vehicles 21 Years Old Or Older

If the vehicle is at least 21 years old, there are no EPA compliance requirements upon importation. The age of the vehicle is determined by subtracting the calendar year of manufacture from the calendar year of importation. If the calendar year of manufacture is unavailable, the importer may substitute the model year or year of first registration. For instance, to qualify in 2001, the vehicle must have been manufactured in 1980 or earlier. The vehicle must be in its original unmodified configuration. Vehicles at least 21 years old with replacement engines are not eligible for this exemption unless they contain equivalent or newer EPA certified engines.





So it seems (from what I figure) is that the only problem I might run into is the bumper standard from 1978.. Everything else it's too old to have to comply with..

 

So on the EPA's list of ICI (Independant Commercial Importer) I found Northern CA Diagnostic Laboratories, Inc. which happen to be located in my town of Napa. I know they do Euro supercars like Bugatti, Ferrari, Lamborghini, etc. And the other promising one is Auto Boutique Ltd in Socal.. Their website looks good and they talk about importing from Japan.

I've emailed(2 weeks ago) and called Right Hand Japan, which is also located in Socal, to which I received no email response and their phone line is disconnected. So despite their site claiming importation and legalization, I see it as delusional and a shell of a company..

 

try MotoRex.......

 

too soon!

 

MotoRex tried their best I guess. They got away with their blanketed petition for a few years. Just sucks for the people that bought Skylines outside of the 96-98 window. But at least you can import those year R33 still.