I have a line on a Mini that I'm sure is a revin. Aside from the moral issue in buying it, what other things should be considered? Have you ever heard of a properly titled (PA) Mini being seized, crushed, or any of the other dreaded things that are threatened when they are first imported? I haven't seen this one yet, but it's supposed to being stunning, low mileage, and $$$. Thanks for any advice you can offer.

 

I'm surprised you can't find a suitable Mini already titled in the US that meets your specs...and eliminate the risk...
here's a couple PA dealers who can help eliminate it...
www.westpaminis.com
http://www.miniobsession.com/

 

Mine was thousands less than anything I found already here in equal shape, arrived in port on a Monday, all cleared by Thursday morning, (customs, DEA, Agriculture Dept; and Homeland security) shipping was cheaper than trucking one from San Francisco that I was considering, I heard all the horror stories, but could not find anyone on any of the forums who had firsthand knowledge of the bad stuff actually happening, It was always "a friend of my mechanics ex brother-in law heard that....."
And my racer has NO vin at all,
Manuel

 

This is one of those topics that can bring out some rather heated opinions from the "Classic" communitee. My take is two fold. If you are talking about bringing in a grey-market car then I believe you are taking maybe more than a little risk in having something "bad" happen to your car at the hands of the Feds. But buying a car that is aready here.... I have to think (hope) that the government has better things to due with our tax dollars than to hunt down private owners of lower end grey-market cars already Titled here in the states. I know there are the "my-cousen's neighbor's brother had his car crushed" stories out there but I have yet to hear of a first hand account of someone being hassled about a car already here and titled. (and even if I had I'm not sure if my opinion would change.) My thought is that for a car already here, if you like the car and it seems a good deal... I wouldn't give it's "real" build date another thought other than in the context of insuring I am getting the right parts for it. I would just enjoy the heck out of it.

 

Just out of curiosity, how could it get past all that and get registered without a VIN?

 

I'm sorry I ran that together, I have TWO classics, my retro street car, and a vintage race Mini,
Manuel
Kristen with Miss Blue, MKI/MKV


And Mr. Green, with no birth certificate.

 

Hey Manuel B,

I like all three. But are titles/registrations (and Vins) exempt on track only cars?

It's encouraging to hear that you had a great experience sourcing yours abroad. That could actually make for an interesting adventure and excuse to examine the UK (or elsewhere) more closely while playing in Europe.

 

A full race car is exempt so there should have been no problem regardless of the year. A car to be registered on the street is another story and has different requirements. Not that it isn't done. A novice should find the appropriate dealer to help out.

 

Just say no!

 

There's a guy in pittstop mini that has an 87 that has to be a revin. I can't think of his name at the moment but I bet he could tell you about any problems in PA.

When I bought mine the dealer in Florida took care of getting me a PA title. The title I have is clear and none of the special boxes are marked for the right hand drive/ out of country production car. It even doesn't have the mileage exempt box checked so I don't think PA is tough in that sense.

If you get an out of state title and registration when you buy it you have to have an inspection mechanic verify the vin. I had this done before on a different vehicle and all they check was the main vin plate. I don't know if they are supposed to look for signs of re-vin but the guy that did mine didn't seem to care about it.

By the way there's been a couple for sale on craigslist right in Pittsburgh these last couple of weeks.

 

not a Mini

but an example

http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread/344322

 

Great thread! Thanks Capt. People think just because it is here means it is clear and free. Anyone buying a re-VIN is taking a huge risk of losing their investment, plus there is the possibility of jail time. I think the practice is absolutely crazy. I would be a nervous wreck every timed I drove it and I surely would not post pictures of it online, or take it to meets and shows.

 

Just saw this old thread I started in '07. I actually ended up buying a Mini titled as a '79 but it's actually more like a '75. It hasn't even been on the road yet as I wait...and wait for the engine and tranny rebuilds to get finished. It should be quite a machine when finished- will post some photos when the day finally arrives.

 

Sweet.. look forward to seeing pictures.

 

Wow this is a year old thread. I didn't even look at the date of the first post. oops


Hopefully mine and yours for that matter will be done for next years pittsburgh vintage grand prix.