I have found a 1986 Mini in Canada and I want to buy it and import it to the U.S. It was imported from the UK and is currently registered in Alberta.
I read the posts on the '79 that someone want's to import and realize that there are few differences with what I want to do.
Customs told me that I need a letter or document from the manufacturer of complience with EPA and DOT regulations in addition to the usual title and bill of sale.
How or where do I find such a document? Is it needed? Are there other ways? Does anyone have any information that can help?
Appreciate any answers.
Thanks............

 

Fact is, as the car presently sits there's no legal way to import it. ALL cars must either meet DOT/EPA specifications (which the Mini could never do) or be 25 years old or odler to be exempt from DOT rules (21 years for EPA). Therefore, you need to find a Mini that was originally registered 6/17/1980 or earlier. That is a rolling date, btw. Forms are available for download on the websites. Start with Customs & search for "Importing cars" you'll find the links you need.

I've imported 4 from the UK but all were legal. There are ways around the rules but you risk being caught and having the car confiscated & crushed. There was one such illegal Mini on the Customs auction website last month. You could buy it but it HAD to be shipped OUT of the US after purchase.

I suggest you contact Alistair at westpaminis.com They can locate you a Mini to your specification that you won't have to worry about. Good folks, too. http://www.westpaminis.com/

For Canada contact - http://www.big-al-minimover.com/

Or you can come to Mini Meet East in Dublin OH (7/1-3) where you may find the Mini of your dreams for sale by a private owner. http://www.mme2005.com/

 

I wish there was a true "track event", HPDE with the MME meet in July

 

this form applies
this ain't everything but it is a big part....

http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules.../hs799short.pdf

this dot form is used to certify meeting certain regulations for safety etc. you must check the category that applies for your vehicle's compliance or exemption.

block number one reads: