saw a classic mini yesterday - it looked absolutely great and sounded magnificent! got me dreaming about one day trying to get one.

my question is: it was clearly a '90's model, but I thought classics had to be at least 25 years old in order to bypass emissions and safety standards? so do the sellers/importers just assign older VIN numbers, if so, is that legal etc? I find it hard to believe that they're rebuilds of older cars as is often claimed.

been confused about this for a while, any answers appreciated! :smile:

 

This is an issue that is handled better via PM! Check your message box.

 

The short answer is any circumvention of the DOT/NHTSA or EPA regulations whether it is changing the VIN, disassembling the car into compponents, etc, is ILLEGAL. In the case the car is seized by customs, it will HAVE to be exported back to where it came from. Otherwise it will be crushed.

Can it be done? Well, seeing is believing.
Would I risk MY money importing an illegal car? NO.
Would I purchase one already in the states? Probably.

 

I suppose the answer is to go with someone really reputable who has been in business for a while or go with an obviously older car. makes me wonder whether some I've seen being sold with newer internals (air bags etc) haven't just had a few older badges, grills, etc thrown on to pass as earlier models claiming to have been updated.

I noticed good example genuine early cars fetch pretty large money. not like england where you can get them for next to nothing.

 

It is no secret than in the last ten years there has been an almost epidemic growth in the import of illegal Minis into the USA. Mostly because it was very easy to do. Documentation from wrecking yards overseas was 'switched' out with the vin plates and paperwork of later model Minis in order that they are allowed entry and registration in the USA. Due to the fact that 'most' people cannot distinguish the differences between a Mk1 Mini and a Cooper Sport 500! Also it has helped that there are title companies here in the USA that will also provide documentation for your vehicle "if it has been lost".

Most everyone in the Classic Mini community are aware that this goes on but keep quiet. This is always a touchy subject to bring up because it leads to more questions, "why does my 66 Cooper S have the radiator in the front?"

The best thing to do is be educated about Minis. Read the books, talk to members in the local Mini club and ask questions.