3 used cars that used to be banned from importing into the US, but now you can
If you're a sports car fan, these 3 options, now legally accepted for import, might interest you.
The Vehicle Safety Enforcement Act of 1988 makes it illegal to import vehicles that were not originally sold in the United States until they are 25 years old.
This means that every year a batch of quarter-century-old cars finally becomes a candidate for import, providing consumers with a whole new world of cars to buy.
We all have car brands we're loyal to, but that doesn't mean flashy new options don't grab our attention. If you're looking for an imported car, here are the top three sports cars you can import into the United States this year.
1. Lotus Eliza S1
Lotus Elise takes its name from Elisa Artioli, Romano Artioli's granddaughter. While it may not matter much at first, it is important to note that Romano was the president of Lotus and . The very name of the car Lotus Elise evokes images of luxury and incredible speed.
A flashy name can also seem vaguely familiar. By a strange coincidence, the S1 will not be the first Elise to hit the US market. American consumers were able to own 2 Series 2000 or 3 Series 2011 models while the S1 remained illegal.
Changes in European crash tolerance requirements meant that the S1 could no longer be built on the continent, so Lotus approached us for a partnership.
Despite having access to later models, it's no surprise that many are hoping to get a chance to see the original release. Constructed from materials such as aluminum and fiberglass, the beloved British sports car weighs less than 1,600 pounds. In such a light car, its 1.8-litre engine makes an impression.
2. Renault Sport Spider
The Lotus Elise isn't the only small car making waves. Between 1996 and 1999, he aimed to create a car that had the speed and class of a racing car, as well as the day-to-day functionality of a road vehicle. The result is the Sport Spider: an incredibly light, low-slung car that can hit 60 mph in less than six seconds.
This is the kind of super cool car that you'll want to drive all the time, but it's probably not a good idea. Some of the vehicle's iconic design features, such as the complete lack of a roof, mean the Sport Spider performs best under sunny skies. Early models even lacked a windshield, opting instead for a spray screen or wind deflector. Drivers would have to wear a full race car and wear helmets if their version was equipped with the latter.
Less than 2000 of this car were built, and stocks drop even further if you're picky about left-hand drive or right-hand drive or want a windshield.
Yosse Car Indigo 3
Jösse Car's Indigo 3000 gives the Sport Spider a run for its money in terms of exclusivity. Only 44 working models were produced! Despite the minuscule number, the Indigo 3000 remains Jösse's greatest legacy, mainly because it was the only car they produced before the manufacturer folded in 2000.
Despite the sad history, this car is an impressive little roadster. Its designer, Hans Philip Zackau, also worked with , resulting in many of the car's components recalling the more prosperous manufacturer.
It is powered by a Volvo 3-litre aluminum inline-six engine. With a manual transmission and rear-wheel drive, it can propel two passengers to 60 mph in just over six seconds.
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