There is a process that must be used in order to import a non-historic car into the U.S.A. If the car is already on "the list" of cars already imported into the U.S., then it won't be much trouble, although it won't be cheap either. It is a U.S. government requirement to use a licensed registered importer, as in licensed by the government agency. (The importer must have a legitimate place of business and be able to perform the conversion. No matter how fancy your home garage is, it won't qualify.) I investigated this extensively in 2004, and contacted a legitimate registered importer of modern European vehicles. At that time, the process to import a modern Alfa, not on the list of vehicles previously imported, would have cost between $15k and $20k. (This does not include any expenses for the vehicle itself, or transport of such.) This cost is despite the fact that Alfa's vehicles are already in many ways compliant with U.S. regulations. The registered importer, by the way, no longer provides this service, in part because the process of dealing with DOT, EPA and U.S. regulations regarding conversion was too arduous for him, and while he did experience great satisfaction from some transactions, the majority were anything but fun, in spite of being financially profitable for him. I would suggest that you take a look at the U.S. web site: Vehicle Importation Regulations (It's an extensive site, so take your time perusing through it. Here's the link to the list of vehicles previously imported: http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/...LIG010906.html)
A 164 Q4 is essentially the same as a 164 Q, so I can't see why it wouldn't qualify. I too remember a black '95 Q4 from an AROC Florida member. (Being a '95 would also make it easier to import, since regular Qs where imported by Alfa until that year.) The AROC does keep a roster of members and their cars, so you could contact them and see if you could locate the owner. Their web site is Alfa Romeo Owners Club USA | Home.
At a very high level, and this is by no means intended to summarize the many pages of information on the U.S. government web site, here are some points that I investigated, and which you may find useful.
A 164 Q4 is essentially the same as a 164 Q, so I can't see why it wouldn't qualify. I too remember a black '95 Q4 from an AROC Florida member. (Being a '95 would also make it easier to import, since regular Qs where imported by Alfa until that year.) The AROC does keep a roster of members and their cars, so you could contact them and see if you could locate the owner. Their web site is Alfa Romeo Owners Club USA | Home.
At a very high level, and this is by no means intended to summarize the many pages of information on the U.S. government web site, here are some points that I investigated, and which you may find useful.
Conversion process:
1) Remove and replace the speedometer
2) Install a warning light with the word "BRAKE" into the speedometer
3) Replace headlight assemblies with DOT certified lights
4) Install a high mounting, third brake light
5) Modify/Replace door locks with US certified door locks
6) Install a tire information label
7) Replace the passenger side mirror to reflect "OBJECTS IN MIRROR ARE CLOSER THAN THEY APPEAR"
8) Install a seat belt & key warning buzzer
9) Install door beams into the doors to comply with side impact protection regulations (FMVSS-214)
10) Install a rollover valve
11) Install engraved VIN (vehicle identification number) plate
12) Install VIN location label
13) Install a certification label
14) Remove and document bumpers
15) If necessary, modify and reinforce bumpers to comply with US federal bumper standards (FMVSS-581)
16) Determine if there are any outstanding recalls on this vehicle
17) Remedy all outstanding recalls
18) Submit a compliance package to the DOT, documenting with photographs all the modifications performed to bring the vehicle into compliance with all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
The EPA part of the conversion deals mainly with emissions of the vehicle. In general to certify the vehicle with the EPA, the catalytic converters are replaced along with the O2 sensors. Also a massive tune up might be necessary for older vehicles. After all the emission parts have been replaced, the vehicle goes into an EPA Certified Laboratory and gets tested. After the vehicle gets a passing result from the laboratory, the paperwork gets submitted to the EPA and the vehicle awaits a brief hold period, until cleared by the EPA.
Best regards,1) Remove and replace the speedometer
2) Install a warning light with the word "BRAKE" into the speedometer
3) Replace headlight assemblies with DOT certified lights
4) Install a high mounting, third brake light
5) Modify/Replace door locks with US certified door locks
6) Install a tire information label
7) Replace the passenger side mirror to reflect "OBJECTS IN MIRROR ARE CLOSER THAN THEY APPEAR"
8) Install a seat belt & key warning buzzer
9) Install door beams into the doors to comply with side impact protection regulations (FMVSS-214)
10) Install a rollover valve
11) Install engraved VIN (vehicle identification number) plate
12) Install VIN location label
13) Install a certification label
14) Remove and document bumpers
15) If necessary, modify and reinforce bumpers to comply with US federal bumper standards (FMVSS-581)
16) Determine if there are any outstanding recalls on this vehicle
17) Remedy all outstanding recalls
18) Submit a compliance package to the DOT, documenting with photographs all the modifications performed to bring the vehicle into compliance with all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
The EPA part of the conversion deals mainly with emissions of the vehicle. In general to certify the vehicle with the EPA, the catalytic converters are replaced along with the O2 sensors. Also a massive tune up might be necessary for older vehicles. After all the emission parts have been replaced, the vehicle goes into an EPA Certified Laboratory and gets tested. After the vehicle gets a passing result from the laboratory, the paperwork gets submitted to the EPA and the vehicle awaits a brief hold period, until cleared by the EPA.
