Thought maybe someone here can please advise...

I'm located on the SF Peninsula and been toying with the idea of getting an older classic Mini...

However, from browsing the Classic Mini forum section and some other websites today including the CA DMV, BAR, and ARB sites it seems that all older cars must pass smog checks, no more 30 year rolling exemptions....Rules say that all cars must pass smog upon change of ownership, every 2 years, and registering car from outside CA, etc...

Therefore, concerned whether it's really possible to buy an old Mini and pass a smog check?

Has anyone dealt with this recently??

Appreciate any and all input!

Mark

 

I'm not sure if I can answer all of your questions but we are currently in the process of registering a 1967 Morris Minor Traveller that we just picked up at the port yesterday. We also have a 71' Traveller and a 58 MGA - neither one needed smog checks when we registered them. They are both exempt..

To register the current Traveller - we need a Bill of Sale, the UK Registration (which will then allow us to get a US Title), the vehicle must be "Verified" by the DMV or at the local police station. Both forms needed for this are on the DMV web site - the "Application for Title or Registration" and the "Verification of Vehicle".

If you call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 - they "should" be able to answer any other questions you might have.

Donna

 

If I'm reading it right & my Sgt isn't telling me bs 1975 & older do not have to be smoged on transfer (4000.1 cvc), they may have to have NOX on them. You can always talk to a SMOG Ref to get the info, they should know.

 

Thanks, Donna and yumhaggis for all your input!

Every bit helps a lot!!

Sounds pretty positive....

 

One other thing - if the car you are bringing in is valued at more than $2K - you will need to hire a "Customs Broker" to do all the paperwork. There are all kinds of fees to get it through Customs including a $100 Port fee - to be paid in cash when you pick the car up.

Ours came in at Port Hueneme with a ton of MINIs You can get up on the Port web site for any Port and listed are names of Customs Brokers. We asked the person at the Port what Broker they deal with the most and they were kind enough to give us the information. It all went as smooth as silk....

Donna

 

This really isn't the best place to get info. I suggest you visit http://moasf.com and do a search thru their BBS forums. The question is answered there at least twice per month.

 

1975 and older don't need smog check. pick up a smog and registeration brochure from dmv and it'll say so

 

Thanks for that tip, zied!!

 

Forgot to ask before Donna, did you buy your Morris from a private party overseas or a company? If a company, can you let me know if you're happy with the transaction and which company??

Thanks!

Mark

 

there are currently 2 locally CA registered Minis in excellent condition in the Bay area that I know of... there is info and links on the MOASF site. Both bay area cars are listed on a Vancouver site: http://www.vancouverminiclub.ca/forsale/ads4.html (#7 & #33). There are also many classic MINIs for sale listed on Mini Mania's site. You would save yourself a bunch of trouble if you buy one with current CA registration.