[v6alfa]

164s newer than 1995 that have been imported without crash tests, because they are similar enough to the previous models
Best regards,

That is correct, if a 96 or 97 have minor modifications but is similiar to a model year like the 95 which did meet the standard you could work with an RI to petition to have it imported. But you would never be able to bring in a 166 as it is not simiiliar and has never been federal approved.

Here is a good link for anyone interested in starting research:
http://www.foreignborn.com/visas_imm/entering_us/7importingyourcar.htm

 

[v6alfa]

164s newer than 1995 that have been imported without crash tests, because they are similar enough to the previous models
Best regards,

duplicate, posted twice

 

[Erik]

Probably doesn't help, but since a certain date in the 90'ties all car in Europe have been crash tested for EU approval, probably in compliance with US test - lots of EU car makers export lots of car to US. All newer Alfas have tru the tests.
Will the US authorities recognise these approvals?
Erik

 

[v6alfa]

Another idea is to see if it qualifies as a kit car. One can remove the engine from a new production European car

..hhmmm kit cars

10. Importing a disassembled vehicle.

A disassembled vehicle that is shipped without an engine and transmission is treated for importation purposes not as a motor vehicle, but instead as an assemblage of motor vehicle equipment items. Such an assemblage can lawfully be imported into the U.S., provided any equipment included in the assemblage that is subject to FMVSS, but was not originally manufactured to comply with that FMVSS or was not so certified by its original manufacturer, is removed from the assemblage prior to entry into the U.S. Equipment items that are subject to the FMVSS include tires, rims, brake hoses, brake fluid, seat belt assemblies, glazing materials, and lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.


http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/import/FAQ Site/pages/page2.html#Anchor-10-55977

 

[v6alfa]

Probably doesn't help, but since a certain date in the 90'ties all car in Europe have been crash tested for EU approval, probably in compliance with US test - lots of EU car makers export lots of car to US. All newer Alfas have tru the tests.
Will the US authorities recognise these approvals?
Erik

The problem is with the manufacture will not provide this info. Its like an un written agreement between all of them not to encourage a grey market. It hurts their dealers.

I believe the RI would have to provide a label or compliance letter that it has met the federal requirements, I am not sure about that. If crash test data is required for conformance, unless the manufacures provide, an approved independent tester can perform the tests.

From the DOT website:

Motor vehicle manufacturers are not required to submit to NHTSA, and do not submit to NHTSA, information on whether any particular vehicle they manufacture has been manufactured to comply with all applicable Federal motor vehicle safety (and, where applicable, bumper and theft prevention) standards. Moreover, there is no way for NHTSA to discern, from the VIN that has been assigned to a vehicle, or from any other identifying characteristic, whether the vehicle was originally manufactured to comply with all applicable standards. The only way that NHTSA could tell whether a given vehicle has been so manufactured is if the manufacturer has affixed a label to the vehicle certifying its compliance with all applicable standards. If you are unable to find a certification label on a particular vehicle, and are interested in learning whether the vehicle was originally manufactured to comply with all applicable standards, you should contact the vehicle's manufacturer.

I personally like the part that states that the VIN number does not indicate compliance, gives hope.

 

[Seinista]

But EuroNCAP crash test results, given in specifics and in a star rating are freely available. Are these acceptable in the US?

 

[everso]

But EuroNCAP crash test results, given in specifics and in a star rating are freely available. Are these acceptable in the US?

i don't think those mean anything here....

the tests MUST be done here, under their own rules/equipment/regulations/and monitoring.

lame...but true.

 

[jamiealfa]

Here is what we know Alfa Romeo arrives in the USA in early 2009

 

[sjmst]

..you would not have the ICI papers and they will sieze your car or send it back to the import country.

Then they would kick you in the nuts and call you names!...

Mmm..sounds like it would not be worth it...what names?