As someone interested in classic Mini's since the 60's, I was always under the impression that they were not legal for importation into the U.S. - obviously wrong.

What years are legal, and what does it take to convert. I know that the classics can't meet bumper requirements, or crash tests. What about emmissions?

In short, is there a list of acceptable Mini's vs unacceptable Mini's? Does any company do conversions?

 

There are different options for getting a street legal classic mini. Many are very old but some are replicas made not long ago.

Take a look at this thread and contact some of the vendors for more info-
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=18105

 

I believe that any that do not have to meet smog requirements can be imported into California, meaning 30 years or older. check out www.miniguy.com Give Michael a call and he will explain it all to you. He has an excellent selection of classics in stock also.

Edit: My classic may be for sale in the near future in the $14,000 to 15,000 range.

 

I have a '67. This was the cut off year model due to US emissions.Yes, ask Mini-Guy he should know the exemptions.

 

http://www.webbmotorsports.com/forum...topic.php?t=37

and start drooling...

 

You can look here also,

http://gomini.com/fs/vtec/vtec.htm

they sell the vtec conversions and classic Minis

 

Street legal depends on what state you're in.

Federal law manadates the car be 25 yrs old or more to be allowed entry and to waive DOT & EPA standards.

States like CA have stricter standards and you must check with them. See www.minimania.com message threads. Do a search on the topic for LOADS of info. Buy in the US if you can. GO inspect the car or have a knowledgeable Mini owner look it over. RUST is the issue. Buy the best body you can find.
There are Minis in the US that have been "reshelled" or "brought up to late model specs, if you want something newish. Just be aware that late model EFI cars may be impossible to get serviced. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...487955426&rd=1

 

My 79 in VA is exempt (in VA) due to its classification as an antique....
While driving today, with no front plate and no safety insp sticker, I saw no less than 4 patrol cars. 3 waved and one stopped to say "cool car".

Imported fm England last May it is right hand drive and every thing remotely connected to pollution control is removed/plugged.

How much pollution can one lil' 'ole 1275 make anyway????

 

You'd be surprised. I overfilled one of mine (an 1100) with oil and drove it. I was very lucky not to destroy the engine. It looked like I was James Bond driving his Aston with the smoke screen button pressed. Clouds of smoke, a totally oil saturated air filter (love that oil rebreather hose!). The most smoke I ever saw out of an engine!

Fun!