Rod Handsfield

What are the weak points, pitfalls, things to look for, ask about with this particular model? Any difficulty licensing in California? Thanks in advance.

Peter Zimmermann

I discuss the Gray Market cars on pages 131 - 133 of my book, but, basically, if the car does not have certification documents, both DOT & EPA, and a BAR sticker on the door post, don't bother going further. You will need all of that information, and you will have to endure an inspection/certification process to register the car in CA - which can be very difficult. Where is the car registered now?

Rod Handsfield

Oklahoma

Peter Zimmermann

Ouch! Without documentation it'll cost you a small fortune (for DOT/EPA re-cert, inspections, etc.) to get the car into CA. If the car is documented, and passes a PPI done by someone who really knows the cars, and is cheap enough to buy, it might be worth taking a chance. Tough call!

Kurt RSF

Have 911's always been 50 state cars for emission purposes? Or were there years when the 911 had to be built and equipped for California emissions, which would make a not-so-equipped car unable to be registered in California today?

Makmov

No a Grey Market car is a completely different animal. Its basically a Euro car built to Euro specs and standards and was a special import. The Euro Grey Market cars, unless you get them really cheap are usually not worth it. Yes they had a little more HP, but try to find the correct parts for a Grey Market car... and when you can find them you will pay premium dollars for part... And there is a surprisingly large number of parts that are different on a Grey Market car than a US imported car.

Not sure you could even get a Grey Market can in California back then.

There were also some California emission cars and the rest of the union cars back around in that vintage, but a Grey Market car doesn't adhere to either. It is under its own set of rules, which California may not agree with.

TheMystro

I had a 1985 Carrera grey market 911. It ran like a raped ape in its Euro spec. It was noticeable faster and had a better stance than the same USA spec car. It all about what was modified in the car when it was brought over. Mine wasnt modded that much at all.

rsnodgrass

I thought EPA & DOT certification was no longer necessary for cars that are 25 years old (for DOT/NHTSA) and 21 years old (for EPA)? What would be difficult about registering this car today...except ensuring it meets smog?

911Dave

As another poster indicated, this is a completely different question. But to answer your question, California emissions (option C03) existed for 1975 and 1976 model years only. As of 77, all Porsches were the same for all 50 states in terms of equipment fitted. There is the issue of the infamous "brown wire", however....

rusnak

no brown wire, no passy Cali smoggy....probably wrapped in electrical tape?