A Guide to the USA 25-Year Import Rule copy

Looking to import a car to the USA? You can, but there is a catch – it must be at least 25 years old if you want it to be classed as street legal. 

Many would assume the USA’s strict import legislation is a result of the Government’s inclination to protect its domestic car industry and jobs from foreign imposters... While there might be some truth in that, the 25-year age rule on so-called ‘grey’ imports arriving on American shores was also about reducing fraud and protecting the safety of its citizens. 

The grey import market boomed in popularity in the USA during the early 1980s, as American motorists were tempted by the cheaper prices of desirable European cars such as the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Around 60,000 grey imports came to the USA in 1985, many of which were discovered to have been fraudulently and unsafely converted to give the appearance of a genuine American import. These vehicles were deceptively sold to buyers, who believed these vehicles complied with American law.   

Later that decade, the US Senate passed the Imported Vehicle Safety Compliance Act of 1988 – otherwise known as the 25-year rule. This federal law meant a ban on any vehicle that wasn’t manufactured for the American market – with the only exceptions being classic or historic vehicles aged 25 years or older. 

This law still stands today, although some individual states also have rules that you’ll need to consider. For example, California mandates emission requirements for cars built after 1975 – which means that some classics could need expensive modifications to comply. 

On the classic car market, a vehicle reaching 25 years old can have a direct impact on its value – the Nissan Skyline R32 experienced huge appreciation when it became eligible for US importation… So, which are the next vehicles expected to crack America? 

Here is a small selection of affordable future classics that were launched in 1998 that will be eligible for importing to the US in 2023. Which is your ‘one to watch’? 

Alfa Romeo 166 

Alfa Romeo is one of the world’s oldest automotive brands, responsible for some of the most beautiful and sporty cars ever built. The Italian marque began importing cars to the US in the 1960s but left in 1995 when sales declined, returning 20 years later - we think the 166 will interest American ‘Alfistas’ who lost out on two decades of progress. A replacement for the 164 and based around the same platform, the pre-facelifted 166 does have marmite styling but gained a less divisive new nose in the 2003 facelift. All versions were great to drive however, and the sound of the 3.0 ‘Busso’ V6 engine is adored by petrol heads. While UK market right-hand drive models were sold from 1998-05, we would advise searching in Europe for a left-hand drive 166, as the model is fairly rare now. They were on sale even longer, from 1996-07, will be more numerous, and have an additional engine choice – a 2.4-litre JTD diesel.  

Fiat Multipla 

We’re almost certain that the styling of the pre-facelift Fiat Multipla will divide opinion even more so than the 166. But besides the US-marketed Pontiac Aztec from the same era, what other family cars from this period stand out more? Few other cars are designed to fit six adults across its two rows of three seats; it even had economical 1.6-litre petrol and 1.9-litre diesel engines to choose from. Fiat decided to dilute the unique original design with a more conservative 2004 facelift that’s unlikely to be as interesting to importers when those models reach 25 years old. We think the pre-facelifted Multipla is already an uncommon sight on the roads of the UK and Europe and could become a very collectable car. 

Rover 75 

While now a defunct marque, Rover will be remembered by a section of American car enthusiasts in the US, as the P6, SD1 and 800 models were sold there (the latter was marketed under the Sterling brand). Given the popularity of the retro-themed 1998 Jaguar S-Type in the US at the time, we think the equally retro Rover 75 would find favour among British car enthusiasts over the pond. The 75 was developed under BMW ownership and was step up in quality over the British-Leyland/Honda co-developed 800 it replaced, particularly the design and quality of the interior. It was also the last ever ‘all-new’ Rover to be developed from the ground-up. The 75 was initially available as a saloon when released on sale in early 1999 or as an estate from 2001. Engine wise, the 75 was available with a BMW diesel 2.0-litre engine, as well as a line-up of petrol engines that would lader include a 4.6-litre V8 pinched from Ford’s Mustang.    

Suzuki Jimny 

Cars built for the Japanese ‘kei car’ class are required to have a small stature and a small engine capacity – allowing drivers across Japan enjoy tax and insurance benefits. Over the years, this has led to many creative, cute, and downright hilarious designs and innovations, including both passenger vehicles and commercial vehicles that qualify for the kei car class. Sometimes however, manufacturers design cars which are suitable for sale in other markets around the world. One of which is the Suzuki Jimny – a small four-wheel drive which has been on sale since 1970. Earlier versions were on sale in the US markets until 1995, but we’re talking about the 1998-18 generation, which was on sale in other markets such as Europe and Asia for 20 years. The JB23 generation of the Jimny might look cute and a car suitable for commuting in cities, but it’s also a credible off-roader. America’s love of large SUVs means that the country has missed out on a diminutive four-wheel drive for too long. Perhaps 2023 is the chance to stand out from the crowd. 

Which one of our Class of 1998 would you choose to take across the pond? Let us know in the comments below.