Quote: Originally Posted by U-Boat Commander »
^ But then he can only keep it in the US for one year. With a Show and Display license, he can keep it here forever and just keep the mileage under 2500 per year (wink, wink).
Perhaps that is true, but to achieve that he'll also have to modify the vehicle to conform to current EPA standards as 'Show or Display' exemptions have no bearing on bypassing laws relevant to vehicle emissions. The only exemption is from the DOT's list of safety standards. To go the S/D route would mean finding a company who could convert the car to be ODB-II compliant (very difficult) and pass an emissions test which may or may not prove to be a challenge for the spec of that engine.
With my method, he's free and clear of those extra challenges and can drive the car with no restrictions. Also people have used the box #5 method before and kept the car here longer than one year by exporting the car (I believe Canada is even a possibility) for a short period and then re-importing it using the same method. I've heard there is a limitation on just how many times you can repeat the process with the same car, but it is possible.
I think it says something that of all the Zondas which have been imported to the USA up to this point, not one owner has chosen to go the route of 'Show or Display'. You won't find the Zonda on the approved or disapproved list which to me says no one has ever even attempted to submit an application:
http://www.nhtsa.gov/cars/rules/import/sdlist040109.pdf
>8^)
ER