I haven't been on here in ahile due to the fact that I had to sell my MINI due to a new baby and financial reason.

I am buying a 1990 Austin mini. it is german spec so I probably won't be able to bring it back to the states. I would like to. I was wondering if anybody knew if I could and how I could go about getting. I waas told it has to be atleast 25 years old first. The other option would to registor it has a show car and then I could drive it more than a 1000miles a year. Then when it turns 25 years I would be able to registor it as a classic. I am looking for help on who I should ask and also if I change it to make it US specs what all needs to be changed.

Thanks,

Dan

 

Dan:

I think that's going to vary from state to state. Check with your state DMV. If you tell us where you live, you might find someone here who's research the laws for your state.

 

I am currently located in germany for another year. I would be regeristring the car in tennessee.

 

Titled/registered as a 1990, you cannot bring the car to the US even as a "show" car. Check here:
http://www.minimania.com/web/SCatago...3/ArticleV.cfm

 

Concur

from the web link he posted, you catually want to look at this form...it is the key one: http://http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars...hs799short.pdf

note the first 'exemption' block - car is 25 years old.... That's the golden rule...

The milage thing usually kicks in when you try to register it, and insure it....antique/collector plates and similar insurance typically have milage restrictions to prevent your exploiting the special rates and rules for what is actually a daily driver.

Bottom line - unless you want to play 'fake VIN roulette' I think you are SOL on a 1990

 

bring it into canada.......they have a 15 year rule.

 

He still would need to bring it thru US customs from Canada and faces the same issues. Enjoy your Mini while overseas. Before returning, sell it and buy the best legal car you can afford and ship it back.

 

...or join the countless 73/90+ Minis in the country. The problem is that it's a roulette game. If they catch you they're probably going to sieze your car and smoosh it.

I agree with Minimad - find the best 25+ year old car you can and bring that back. I'd cry like a little girl if they crushed my Mini. :(