The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has a law that prohibits any car that was not sold in the United States from being imported and registered in the country unless it is 25 years old or older. You’re pretty much out of luck unless you can purchase one of the few exotics on the exemption list.
The rule isn’t our favourite, but it does give us something to look forward to in the form of a slew of newly-aged 25-year-old cars that will be legal to import. Here are some of our top picks for 2022.
Cars Eligible to Import
1. Toyota Century V-12
While V-8 versions of Toyota’s Japan-only ultra-luxury sedan have been accessible for import for a few years, the V-12-powered Century will be eligible for the first time in 2022. Because this Century was the only Japanese production car with a V-12 engine, we expect prices to rise once Americans get their hands on one.
2. Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution
The coolest Mitsubishi automobile ever isn’t a Lancer Evolution or an Eclipse. The Pajero Evolution, to be precise. It’s easily one of the coolest pieces of JDM rare candy on the globe, a hopped-up version of the company’s Pajero SUV with widebody fenders and a powerful V-6 engine.
3. Honda Civic Type R
While the Civic Type R is currently available in the United States, it wasn’t always so. The first Civic Type R, based on the sixth-generation EK9 hatchback, was never sold in the United States. (Xanax UK) It has finally reached the age when it may be brought over. Honda enthusiasts, rejoice.
4. Nissan R390
The Nissan R390 is a late-nineties homologation special supercar created to meet requirements for participation into the 24 Hours of Le Mans. There are just two cases. One is in Nissan’s possession, while the other is in the possession of a private collector. You can now import your car into the United States if you chance to be that private collector. Congrats!
5. Mitsuoka Type F
The Type F is an evolution of Japanese brand Mitsuoka’s Zero1, which was essentially just a Caterham Seven ripoff. It’s easy to see the resemblance. Considering how small this thing is, we’re sure it would be fun to drive. And you’d be hard-pressed to ever run into another one on the road.
6. Mercedes-Benz A-Class
Mercedes never sold the first-generation A-Class in America, but thanks to the power of aging, you can now import them. The quirky hatch probably isn’t for everyone, but considering the upright styling and three-pronged star in the grille, we sure love it.
7. Kia Elan
After Lotus finished production of its front-wheel drive Elan convertible in the Nineties, it sold the rights and tooling to Kia, which built a near-identical car for four years. Sure, you could go out and buy a Lotus version, but if you really want to impress your local Lotus club, you import the Kia-badged car.
8. TVR Cerbera Speed 12
The Cerbera Speed 12 was built to be the foundation for a GT1 race vehicle, with a massive 7.7-liter V-12 producing an astonishing 800 horsepower. Only one car is known to exist today, as it was deemed too risky to sell to the general public. If you own it, you can now lawfully import it into the United States.