How to import Smart Roadster?

[jwight]

Roadsters were produced from 2003 to 2006 - they're long gone. There are some registered in the US but how that happened is another story. As pointed out in other threads, chances of doing this legally are slim to none. It would be possible to bring one in as a tourist or someone on government/military assignment, but the car would have to be exported at the end of those timeframes.

[jimvw57]

Been doing a little digging into the Smart Roadsters past. The rights to manufacture were acquired by "Project Kimber" who had plans to build them under the AC name (think AC Cobra) in Wales. last I can find, their financing didn't work out. I'd like to find out specs on the cars made by Smart and see what it would take to import one and get it licensed. ( I know, it is impossible, needs to be a kit, etc) but since nobody knows firsthand, Thought I'd do some searching.

The car needs to meet the safety standards (US) for the year it was built, Bumpers, emissions, safety, and such. Then it needs the blessing of th EPA, and DOT before it gets to customs. That's what I got so far.

[Old smart]

Until few years ago I had a technically “not-for-U.S.” car – a Caterham Seven - fully factory completed and engined in the UK in 1992. It was subsequently dis-assembled at the works for shipment. I don’t know what its original intent was as its frame was built with a one-off mix of Reynolds light alloy steel bicycle tubing. Whereas Caterhams come into the U.S. as “kit” cars with the engines separately procured here, this one came in complete, with an odd VIN (SADLF0000000##### vs. the normal SKDLN1234…, with the last digits of my VIN being the engine serial number). Before I got it in 1994 (with 46 original miles), it had acquired an additional NC state-assigned VIN and title. I subsequently re-titled it, insured it, and registered it in VA as a ’92 using the Caterham VIN. I road-drove it and clubman-raced it for 11 years with no regulatory problems. Fortunately this part of VA does not have to do emissions testing, so carbs, no cat, no bumpers, no sweat. It is still on the road in another part of the country.

There well could have been some intrigue between the works, the wealthy recipient in NC, and my delivering “facilitator.”

[jimvw57]

I am guessing it was dis-assembled at the factory it was built at?? part of the import requirements is a statement as to if it meets US EPA and safety standards for that year. With no motor, I would think it could be brought in as parts or something and the rules may not apply. I think they closed up that loophole now.

Sounds like a fun machine tho!!

[Neonspinnazz]

OOOOOHH Me wants roadster! There has got to be a way. The government finds loopholes everywhere (like going to war without declaring war) so why can't we dig into some books and get some roadsters here!

P.S. I saw a weird 3 wheeled Tata looking vehicle 2 weeks ago, its top was only 30 yet it traveled on high speed roads... I'm looking for pics...

[tonimurray]

Can't do that cube!

[jwight]

Thought we'd covered this before: Importing Smart from Europe?

[rfernatt]

Didn't someone post recently about successfully importing a cdi from Canada and went through the steps to do it? I think it was going to Texas, but I can't find the post. It must've been in the last two weeks or so...

[jwight]

Yes, it's on Club Smart Car. I put a post on there asking how his importer got around the EPA regulations, haven't heard anything back.

Found another one, registered in Mississippi. Not sure how this happens; seller does say it may not be register-able (if that's a word) in all 50 states - no kidding! Still confused as to how they get around the federal requirements.

http://clubsmartcar.com/index.php?showtopic=18462

[rgaus]

One of the first "state titled" diesel smarts was titled in Mississippi as well. Hmm. Do you think they are more lenient down there? Be careful on any state titled car if it went around federal import laws to get here. Still, if you have an illegal car and you live in, or want to move to, Mississippi...