I want to buy a classic mini, but here in California there’s seems to be an absolute bureaucratic mess in terms of getting anything newer than a 1975 mini legally registered. The problem is that the older minis don’t have the spec I want, not to mention tend to have extreme miles on the clocks. To complicate it further, I’d like a Japanese import as the spec is ever better.

Has anyone done the impossible and got a newer (1975 to 2000) classic mini successfully registered in CA?

I’ve heard of people getting cops to sign off on the paperwork to get past emissions, and I actually know my local referee so can actually talk to someone but I’m trying to understand the process and if it’s even possible.

Anyone?

 

If you don't get your answer here, maybe try this Forum area of Mini Mania's site: https://www.minimania.com/msgThreads.cfm
You have to join their group to take part in their forum just like you did here.
Or you could also check with these folks, they're out in Cali: https://www.supercoopers.com
Good luck.

 

Any car, Mini or otherwise, newer than 1997 cannot be imported into the USA - let alone California - other than for "show and display" purposes. Seek cars between 1975 and 1996; this will make things a little easier but that is relative as CA is even more difficult.

My wife bought a 1996 Rover Mini Classic 35 (JDM). Full Oregon plates and registration and properly imported into the USA.

For California, you may need to contact an actual car importer that is doing business in California. There are several according to Google. Doing all of it yourself maybe more difficult than paying someone to do it correctly. It will, probably, lower the risk of getting the car seized and crushed by the Feds or the State of California. Though it may add a few thousand to the price, it might be well worth it.

Good luck! I hope you get one!