Has anyone imported an American Car?

[ltd]

Hi Guys, just wondering if anyone has imported a car from the USA, or if they know of anyone who's done it. The reason I ask is that I am looking at importing a 2002 Town Car as a project, and whilst I have a customs broker and connections to get the thing here I'd like to find out about any issues getting the vehicle a compliance plate. I believe the engine is Euro3 compliant but I would have to double check that, especially since it is the same engine in the 4.6l Ford Explorer.

Also, the ADR's will have a big impact on the total cost of the vehicle so if anyone has any information I would be much obliged.

[xf pano]

Dumb question, but whats a town car?

[ltd]

Its a Lincoln Town Car, like our LTD's and Fairlanes except a bit more stylish, and more Luxo Barge centred. You can check them out here.
http://www.lincoln.com/towncar/home.asp

[OzJavelin]

I'd say a 2002 model is bit too late for what MOST people are importing ; ie. 30+ year stuff not needing RHD conversion ...

Is the Town Car related to the old Crown Vic? If so, have you actually driven one? The Crown Vics I drove in during a stay in the USA were like driving about in an EA .. except an EA was nicer ..

My (useless) two cents ..

Rod.

[Outbackjack]

I work with peolple that import cars from the US on a weekly basis. All years and makes. Last was a awsome 65 mustang...... But you wouldn't want to talk to me because its dark in here and johnny wont come and change the light bulb.... :

[ronwest]

I used to import old English motorcycles from the US. In those days (20 years ago) there was a rolling 15 year age increment which allowed unrestricted import.

There is a Fed govt website which gives some detail. I'll see if I can find it later.

My bil took delivery of a late model Dodge Ram a couple of months ago. I forget the details now but there were major problems at the conversion stage. Had to go to Melbourne and took forever down there.

I think it was more a Govt approval problem than a mechanical "hard to do" problem.

There is a Fed govt website which gives some detail. I'll see if I can find it later.

edit: found it easier than I thought...
http://www.dotars.gov.au/transreg/vsb/vsb_10.aspx

[Fairlane]

Ive seen town cars around in limo form around, so it cant be that hard, but i would expect any change from $70,000. Hey the ways things are going with all the Fairlane doom and gloom me might end up getting town cars anyway. Sure the thing will drive like a boat, but thats what its meant to do.

If it does prove to difficult to do, and you still want a US project, you could get yourself a nice clean 1980s Cadillac Fleetwood for pretty cheap, already converted or better yet you could do up an old Australian deliverd 74 Galaxie.

[Thunder]

Originally Posted by ltd

Its a Lincoln Town Car, like our LTD's and Fairlanes except a bit more stylish, and more Luxo Barge centred. You can check them out here.
http://www.lincoln.com/towncar/home.asp

Are you serious?..................they look as stylish as a old Toyota Crown :

[ltd]

Thanks guys, I'll have to investigate a little further.
Thunder, you made me laugh.

[Mack 6]

http://www.americanmusclecars.com.au

I met these guys at gazzanats and were good blokes. Apart from selling imports, they also arrange the full shipping and customs stuff if you want to import a car that you have already bought. I'm sure he'll be able to answer any questions (as would other importer)

By the way Thunder, I considered the early Toyota Crown as the platform for a V8 transplant as my next project, but only because of limited numbers am I looking elsewhere.

[chevypower]

It's funny how people comment about how cars drive when they havent driven them... hope the Town Car does ya good, they are way more luxurious than a Fairlane, and they drive very smoothly, the engine is very quiet etc and ride feels very smooth - would be better with a 5.4, but I am sure the 4.6 is fine - true they are no sports car, but you already know that.