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What to import?

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I have a long time close friend and car buddy that will be overseas for the next two years (Lt.Col J.A.G) that is looking to import an old car or two to the US while there and was wondering what he should look for.

Here is the criteria: ~$25K US max each, "rare" and highly desirable here but fairly inexpensive and plentiful there (Naples Italy area most likely) AND above all NO legal pitfalls (read no Fed crushing chances). Make/style not really important, just something worth all the trouble and expense of importing. His missus will sign off on expanding his collection IF....and ONLY if he can make money if and when he decides to sell it state side. Whatever the car of choice may be, it needs to have a market on this side of the pond. This isn't a "wish list" of rare quirkly "cool to have" cars, rather more of, "What would be the smart thing to import?" Any suggestions? Thanks.
 
Avoid Land Rovers.
 
A Citroen DS. they are kind of hard to come by in good shape over here. Tatras are rare. Trebant (Junky little things but have a cult following) Vintage Euro bikes AKA Moto Guzzi, BMW, Ducati. Speaking of BMW, there are some really nice Euro spec Bimmers to be found. Alpina, M3 s and such especially in the E30 body style.
If he wants rare, he should be thinking Eastern European/Russian. or how about a Ford Escort Cosworth! total sleeper over here. the Honda kids dont know what they are, those that do know spend years trying to find one to buy. Our Escorts are econoboxes. Euro Escorts are race cars.
Also, the VW Bus market is exploding! There are fantastic busses to be had over there. Rare versions the US never saw. The single and double cab trucks are worth their weight in gold!
 
Ben said:
Ford Escort Cosworth!
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OH yeah!

And any Alfa drop-top prior to 1968 in good condition.
 
Banjo said:
If he wants rare, he should be thinking Eastern European/Russian. or how about a Ford Escort Cosworth! total sleeper over here. the Honda kids dont know what they are, those that do know spend years trying to find one to buy. !
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Gotta be easy to sell in an ebay type setting.
 
Fiat Multipla 600
 
just needs to check with his insurance co as ours in Canada don't like RHD cars
 
weewillie said:
just needs to check with his insurance co as ours in Canada don't like RHD cars
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Even in British Columbia? It even has British in the name.:rolleyes:

Billy could say he's thinking of becoming a rural postal carrier and needs practice.
 
Politicians. I read a while back where some wag decided more accidents happened per capita with RHD than LHD, so no more importing of them...not sure if that applies to OLD stuff...but done to stop the yuppies bringing in higher performance RHD Japanese cars, if I recall the news reports.
 
Very cool! and, IIRC, you have showcased these guys before.
 
kellysguy said:
Around what year?
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The desirable model is the Escort RS Cosworth made between 92-96. They are very hard to find in the US. They came stock all wheel drive, with a 2.0 turbo engine putting out 220 HP, but can easily be tuned much higher, and can even be pushed over 1000 horse with some effort. They're not all over the place over in Europe either. They only produced about 7100 of them total. It would take some doing to get it imported legally, but well worth it if he can do it.
Once all legal in the US they can bring over $50K
 
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