Re: Euro Quattro's??

[PAUL SOUZA 202-260-6061 <SOUZA.PAUL@epamail.epa.gov>]

          Having actually gone through the hassle of importing cars from 
          europe, I hope I can add to this discussion.  Since I lived there 
          for several years, I had the oppurtunity to talk to many who have 
          done this as well.
          
          What has to be changed/added:
          
          -All glass replaced with US safety glass.
          -Headlights changed.
          -Doors and bumpers reinforced.
          -Third brake light added (if car is later than '85)
          -parking lights added, the euros are completely different.
          -Change of emissions system, though more and more are becoming
           "federalized" (Mostly exotics).
          
          What to expect from a eurospec car:
          
          -German language guages/controls.
          -No A/C.
          -Often, on large cars, no power windows, door locks, etc; none of
           the "nifty" gadgets we in the US have become accustomed to.
          -Stiffer seats in some models.
          -More Horsepower!!
          -Headlight washers & wipers!  Big models usually.
          -Funky colors.
          
          What I've found is if a similar body style for a given year has 
          been crash tested, then it's a little easier for DOT 
          certification.  So if you're interested in an S2 coupe from '93 
          or '94, it'll be difficult because of no Coupe being sold in the 
          US for those years.  
          
          When the cars are delivered to the US, bond will be posted for 
          the value of the car until the it passes all DOT/EPA inspections 
          and releases.  10 years ago with a strong dollar, cars where 
          comparitively cheaper over there.  Now, don't be surprised if you 
          pay the same amount over there as you do here.   There are some 
          conversion shops in Germany (most notably in Bremerhaven or 
          Frankfurt) that'll do the work, and most will say to stay away 
          from 4 door sedans.   911s, 928s, Ferraris, etc are a different 
          story.
          
          If an agent offered eurospec cars for sell in the US, fine.  But, 
          I would want a guarantee that it will be properly certified and 
          not pay until that car is in my driveway, all tagged and titled.
          It's a headache of a process I'll never do again.  I imported a 
          83 930 Turbo back in '86 and THAT was a pain.  It was even one of 
          the "easier" cars to import!  It was worth it though, the car 
          paid for college.  Also trying to sell any car in the US without 
          A/C is a pain, especially here in the DC area.  People buying 
          these cars tend to expect it.  
          
          The only other way around it is if the car is sold as a "kit" or 
          for racing purposes only.  I never done either, but heard it 

          being done.
          
          Sorry for the bandwidth.  I see that I'm beginning to sound like 
          my wife dashing my hopes and dreams............"But honey, that 
          car's a BARGAIN at only $36,000........"
          
          Paul "Cello" Souza
          souza.paul@epamail.epa.gov
          '85 Coupe GT
          '85 5ks-european delivery as a US spec car, not a conversion.
          '68 Triumph Spitfire
          '57 Porsche 356 Euro, presently in boxes......