6 replies to this topic

[Tremelune]

I've always wanted a classic Mini, but have never found a way to work it into the fleet. They are much harder to come by in the US. I currently have a '65 Austin-Healey Sprite that is occupying the spot of "great when it runs--oh, don't go on the highway ever, and only ever drive anywhere on nice days, and only on that one day," so I'm not particularly interested in picking up a true classic example. If I could get one with a dead-reliable motor and some modern comforts, I could definitely find a place for one. You can park 'em damn-near anywhere.

 

There is a place in Georgia that has become very good at putting modern Honda motors in classic Minis on a custom subframe. They've been doing it for a decade and have the setup very well sorted. It nets you a Sportpack Mini with something like 140-180 hp with an Acura LSD, strong electronics, and actual AC that has the reliability of your average Civic. The downside is that you'll be out $20k by the end of it, and you have a car that has custom bits that would need to be fabricated or replaced by a single shop that may disappear. I rode in a more elaborate 280hp, midi-engined, RWD example that they had at the shop and it was simply amazing.

 

Another option I stumbled upon is the late-model Rover Mini, which has a fuel-injected motor, 65 amp alternator, AC, and highway-capable horsepower (defined by me as well above 60mph/100kph). The upside to these is that they would be bone stock and there is a ton of info should any issue need to be addressed. The down side is that the MPi parts and mechanics are hard to find Stateside, and the nice examples that I've seen start at $10k. It is also guaranteed to be quasi-legal. I won't bother importing myself, but if an example has a valid US title and registration, I would purchase it with the idea of registering it in CT or NY. At the end, I'd be out less money, but would have (arguably) much less car.

 

I'm mostly thinking out loud, but figured I'd do it here among other folk who might actually want to discuss it, instead of my friends who really couldn't care less.

[Tremelune]

In my mind, I learned a lot since my last post over a year ago, but I find myself asking similar questions again:

 

http://www.theminifo...mini-in-the-us/

 

I more or less gave up on the idea of a Classic Mini until seeing some VTEC Minis in the flesh (and talking to their salesman, which I probably shouldn't lean on). I guess my main question now is, how do most US residents by recent imports? I would ask on MiniMania, but it hurts mein eyes...

[mab01uk]

"It is not easy for US citizens wanting to bring a Mini into the US. Depending on the specific situation, can range from a mild hassle, to hard, to very difficult, to impossible. You will have to deal with Environmental Protection Agency emission issues and Department of Transportation requirements for safety equipment and standards. Of course, you will have to pay duty on the vehicle as well, 2.5% for a car.
This page provides information for importing a vehicle into the U.S. , including requirements of the U.S. Customs Service and those of other agencies. Since requirements are subject to frequent changes, contact information has been provided for the agencies mentioned. Be sure to contact these agencies (particularly EPA and DOT) before importing your vehicle.

As a general rule all motor vehicles imported into the United States that are less than 25 years old must comply with all applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards (FMVSS), or be brought into compliance with the FMVSS by a Registered Importer."

 

Full Details on NAM Mini Forum in USA:

http://www.northamer...d-contacts.html

 

If you search the Classic Mini Forum on NAM below there is much info on the common practice of imported Re-VIN Mini's........basically an earlier 25+ year old ID from a scrapped Mini is used to import a later /younger Mini into the US....not strictly legal but to most US officials all classic Mini's are just an old British small car built way back in the 1960's......

http://www.northamer...c-mini-talk-48/

Edited by mab01uk, 01 March 2014 - 08:51 PM.

[xrocketengineer]

This might not be too far from your neck of the woods. One of his was delivered to my door with "paper work" 5 years ago.

 

http://www.ebay.com/...=US_Cars_Trucks

[Tremelune]

I have little interest in doing any importing myself. I'm hoping to purchase a car that is actively registered and insured in the United States, such that someone else went through the importation (if it was necessary).

 

Is there any kind of reputable dealer that does this in the US or UK? I don't want to buy someone's stolen car or VIN.

[zinzan]

I imported my '93 out of the UK into Canada and it was somewhat of a hassle but not too bad.  Granted, Canada goes with a 15 year rule instead of 25.  Biggest issues were around the Service Ontario office (our version of DVLA) being able to enter it into the system...I ended up making 11 separate trips to the office before they granted me an Ontario ownership.

[mab01uk]

As said also searching or asking on the NAM or MiniMania forums about USA Mini imports and dealers should help:-

 

http://www.northamer...y-rhd-mini.html

 

http://djminis.com/

 

http://www.minimania.../msgthreads.cfm

Edited by mab01uk, 03 March 2014 - 07:43 AM.