Hello,

I am looking to buy a classic Mini in the near future, and after doing my research, I've narrowed down my requirements to the following:

Year: 1992-1999 (so it has the 1,275cc engine)
Steering: RHD
Transmission: Manual
Color: British Racing Green (white roof w/ Union Jack flag optional)

It does not matter to me if the car is a Mini Cooper or not. But I want it to look as English as possible, hence the color scheme and the RHD. Even if it had everything except the white roof and Union Jack, I would be willing to have those painted on afterwards.

I've looked on ebay and all through the internet for Minis here in the U.S., but the most current Minis I can find are from the late 70's, early 80's. I've gone through all the threads on this page and have read up about the 25-year rule when it comes to importing foreign cars, because of the emissions regulations.

I've looked at car auctions in the UK, and I see tons of classic Minis listed there, many of which are in my exact specification. One one website alone, I saw three BRG Minis, two of which had a white roof, and one of which had the Union Jack flag painted on the roof already. Best of all, that last car (a genuine Mini Cooper) was selling for about 4,200GBP, which is ridiculously affordable compared to the comparable Minis in the U.S. that are selling for $10k-$15k.

So basically, importing a car from the UK would allow me to get the exact car that I want, to my specifications, and all for a very reasonable price. The only question that remains of course, is the legalities...

So what do I need to do to get one of these UK Minis into the U.S.? Thanks!

- Angel Face

 

The car must be registered as being 25 years old.

If you bring in an illegal car you assume the risk of seizure and possible destruction of your car.


http://www.miniobsession.com/forsale.htm
http://www.riverhousemini.com/

 

What's the deal with this car ad?

http://www.miniobsession.com/car13.html

I could be wrong, but this looks like a late model Mini. The bumpers, wheel arch flares, color-keyed mirrors are a dead giveaway, never mind the 1,275cc engine. So how did they get this car into the US?

 

When the car arrives it will have a serial number indicating that it is an older model than it really is. Look at some Ebay auctions and you'll see Minis described as a "1977 upgraded to 1994 specs." It's basically a '94 with a '77 VIN. I notice that the car you mentioned is still in the UK.

 

Yeah, it says the car is ready to ship, and that it also has a clear Pennsylvania title. Interesting.

So will having the VIN altered to an earlier model year put me in a position where the car could be impounded, and possibly destroyed?

 

If the guy is going to give you a good US title, you're in the clear. The importer took all the chances and dealt with the customs hassles. Once it's been registered in the US, it's legal.

 

a bunch of people will import newer mins as older ones . Just get one that is already titled in the US and you will be fine. There are plenty of classics in the US that are "up to more recent specs" already in the US of A

 

There are a bunch of private sellers and dealers/importers here, http://www.minimania.com/ClassDealers.cfm
You CAN find what you want already here in the states, I did but it was much more expensive than bringing one here myself, the negative is not being able to drive and check it out completely, a big gamble.

When I bought mine I was told horror stories about cars being crushed, and fines and penalties, my car arrived on a Tuesday, by Thursday it had cleared Customs, DEA, Homeland Security and the Agriculture Department, I have yet to hear a first hand account of any troubles, only "a friend of someone I knew that lived next door to..."

Take your time, you'll find your car.

 

Angel Face,

I've imported from Europe myself. Go the 25 year old EPA/DOT exemption route, or you will be in for an expensive, long and frustrating journey. Find a good original Cooper/Cooper S from the mid to late 60's. Fewer creature comforts, but high on performance. Other option is to find an already imported newer Mini with legitimate paperwork.

Good Luck with your hunt.