When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Too new? I would of tried to bring it to the states if you loved the car that much!............ snip.............
Import rules for non-U.S. compliant cars change from time. At the moment I believe that cars over 25 years old are exempt from EPA and DOT conformance rules, but of course that can change at any moment. Making an Italian car conform to both DOT and EPA rules is a lengthy and expensive proposition and sometimes it is close to impossible.
Bill Gates imported a Porsche 959 in the late 80's. Since it was non compliant it was impounded and locked up in Long Beach for THIRTEEN years while Bill used his considerable influence and no doubt a ton of money to get the car released from customs. He was unable to do so.
However, when Bill Clinton got elected, with the help of Bill Gates and his considerable wealth, it wasn't long before Clinton signed a special piece of legislation allowing certain cars to be imported under a "Show and Display" rule, primarily designed for cars to be put on display, as the name of the rule suggests.
Apparently, after 13 years of fighting, Mr. Gates is now able to "show and display" his 959 to us ordinary folks if we're lucky enough to be standing on the road side as he shows and displays his fancy car to the hoi polli.
Since I'm not Bill Gates, nor do I have 13 years to fight, I sold my Ferrari just before leaving Italy. I'm satisfied with my new Cayman as a daily driver and when I want to have some fun, I drive my Fiat 500 Abarth. Besides, while the Ferrari was much admired in Italy, some people here in the U.S. hate the very idea of owning a Ferrari and will damage a nice car just because some elected official told them they deserve "equity", whatever that is.
Besides, while the Ferrari was much admired in Italy, some people here in the U.S. hate the very idea of owning a Ferrari and will damage a nice car just because some elected official told them they deserve "equity", whatever that is.
You mean "equality"?
There's a politics forum for Rennlist members, maybe you should check it out.
And while I know that import rules for foreign market cars are complex to say the least, what's all this about Bill Gates' 959? The 959 wasn't available for sale in the US. The 360 has always been available for sale in the US; there's a black 360 Spyder sitting on a lot down the street as I type this. I don't think I've ever in my life seen a 959 in person.
Maybe it wouldn't have made sense to bring that Italian-market car to the states, but it's not like you can't just go grab another 360 right now. Especially since you apparently despise your Cayman so much.
Originally Posted by manifold danger;[url=tel:17356640
17356640]You mean "equality"?
There's a politics forum for Rennlist members, maybe you should check it out.
And while I know that import rules for foreign market cars are complex to say the least, what's all this about Bill Gates' 959? The 959 wasn't available for sale in the US. The 360 has always been available for sale in the US; there's a black 360 Spyder sitting on a lot down the street as I type this. I don't think I've ever in my life seen a 959 in person.
Maybe it wouldn't have made sense to bring that Italian-market car to the states, but it's not like you can't just go grab another 360 right now. Especially since you apparently despise your Cayman so much.
Wow, I did not know that about the 959 not being legal in the US...
Where others have loved but sold their E46. I've kept mine, and intend to keep it. Bought it used in 2006 and sent it to the real Dinan Engineering in 2008. Came back as a registered Dinan S3R. Have done all the required updates, Vanos, rod bearings, suspension bushings, & replaced the Koni's with full MCS suspension and springs. Running catless so, close to 500HP crank. She is a true juvenile delinquent. If the SMG pump fails , I will do a manny swap at some future date.
Newer BMW's lost me years ago. M badges now adorn almost every BMW so the actual M cars and badges mean nothing. The new G90's are just plain butt ugly.
Would give serious looks at Audi R8, Mercedes GT, and give serious thought at putting a deposit on a C8 -Z06.
Could be tempted by a used McLaren, but the maintenance and operating cost would give me serious pause.
Thank God Porsche does exist!
Not bad for a 17 year old car Full E-46 Dinan intercooled supercharger package.
Where others have loved but sold their E46. I've kept mine, and intend to keep it. Bought it used in 2006 and sent it to the real Dinan Engineering in 2008. Came back as a registered Dinan S3R. Have done all the required updates, Vanos, rod bearings, suspension bushings, & replaced the Koni's with full MCS suspension and springs. Running catless so, close to 500HP crank. She is a true juvenile delinquent. If the SMG pump fails , I will do a manny swap at some future date.
Newer BMW's lost me years ago. M badges now adorn almost every BMW so the actual M cars and badges mean nothing. The new G90's are just plain butt ugly.
Would give serious looks at Audi R8, Mercedes GT, and give serious thought at putting a deposit on a C8 -Z06.
Could be tempted by a used McLaren, but the maintenance and operating cost would give me serious pause.
Thank God Porsche does exist!
Not bad for a 17 year old car Full E-46 Dinan intercooled supercharger package.
Super clean! How many miles on it?
Originally Posted by garfunkle
I'm in a life stage where I need room for rugrats and many runs to the hardware store on a regular basis. Most large SUV's are "sufficient" for that and I find myself looking at cheaper cars - not more expensive. The new BRZ/86, Miata, Nissan 240Z from decades ago... stuff like that. Light, simple, engaging. I have a list of luxury cars like everyone but the likelihood is buying another Patek and a cheap toy since the offspring are coming of age and I want them to have a cool car to learn on.
In a similar boat. I alternate between E92M3 and 911. Wife likes her SUV's so her X5D is more than enough to do everything else in between. I'd love to have her grab a gen 2 Raptor but she wants a Tesla... so well see. With that said, I think a project car is in order, I got a good 4-5 years to decide on this thought. Cant seem to make up my mind, 50's Chevy truck, older Alfa, Older Lotus or older datsun would be high on my list.
[x] agree! former E46 M3 6MT owner here. I just recently found out the SMG to manual conversion is relatively easy (and that lots of CSL owners have done it).
04-10-2021, 10:07 AM
