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Importing a newish R51 in the USA. Is it possible?

Posted: Fri Apr 24, 2020 10:59 pm
by palmerwmd
The R51 ended in the USA in 2012.
Am currently in Europe but will return soon to the USA.

If I find a R51 with the same 4.0 as in the US.
Is it possible to import it?

Posted: Sat Apr 25, 2020 8:16 am
by smj999smj
I used to work for a company called "Autocar" in Asbury Park, NJ, back in the 80s (they are no longer around). It was a conversion company that took cars from overseas, usually Europe, and converted them to US standards. Even though your Pathy has the same engine, it may not have the proper certification to meet USA standards. The same can go for safety systems; headlights were an issue because US used sealed beams and most European vehicles had scatter beam headlights. All of your exterior lighting must be DOT approved to be street legal in the US. I remember you mentioned Richmond, VA, and there are a couple of places in VA that handle overseas vehicles. The first one to come to my mind is Duncan Imports.

https://www.duncanimports.com/

He has a good reputation but his is in Christianburg, VA, which is all the way on the west side of the state. I'm sure there is one or more companies in the Richmond, VA, area that do this. There is also JK Technologies in Baltimore, MD.

https://jktechnologies.net/

I also have a couple of links from VA DMV and US Customs that should be helpful:

https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/vehicles/# ... ported.asp

https://www.cbp.gov/trade/basic-import- ... orting-car

Posted: Sat Apr 25, 2020 9:15 am
by palmerwmd
Thanks boss that was super helpful..
It would be cool if I could get a '17 R51 or some such :D

(nearly all R51s I see here though are 2.5L Diesel, very few 4.0L gas and none at all in 5.6L.. I know i would only have a chance with a motor also sold in the US)