Grey market cars?

[Daniel Hussey <GY3WSX@VM.SC.EDU>]

      I was wondering, with all this talk about all these great Audi models ava
ilable in Europe, why no one has bothered to import them into the US as "grey
market" cars.  I remember back in the 80's that was the big thing to do.  I had
several neighbors import high-performance euro model cars into the US from Germ
any.  And, if I remember correctly, it was even cheaper than buying one here.
One neighbor of mine brought over a BMW M6 euro model and my uncle brought over
a euro model Mercedes 500SEC coupe.  Companies like Mercedes and Porsche even
had programs to fly to europe on vacation, pick up your car, go on a factory to
ur, and some even had scheduled laps to take on the Nuberbring.  Drive on the A
utobahn, and then they'd send it back for you.  The whole package may have cost
ed you a little more, but it was still relatively about the same as buying one
new in the US.  I figure these programs died in the late 80's when hard times
struck the US economy and the luxury car market.  But, I am wondering why now,
when things have recovered, that no one imports cars anymore?

       It seems that no one does this any more.  But, I was thinking, if Audi
adopted such a program, or allowed special shipment of certian model cars upon
request (with deposit), they could provide people in North America with these h
igh-end cars while not loosing any money.  I am just wondering why this isn't
done anymore, while 10 years ago, it was very common?  Is it just too expensive
nowadays with import duties, and US emmissions conversions, etc?  I'd think a
euro-model car would be pretty much ready for the US roads, with a US speedomet
er and some emissions controls, unless the US Government has cracked down and m
ade it harder to do this (safety bumbers, etc?).  Well, I am just wondering abo
ut how hard it would be to import an Audi RS2 or S6 plus into the US.  If anyno
ne can explain this process and it's costs, it would be much appreciated.


                                                              Later,
                                                              Dan
                                                              5kTQ w/ mods