Maserati SHAMAL--Import for Show or Display?

[fossey]

All,

Own a gorgeous black '91 Shamal with 22k miles. Wondering if I could take it back with me to the States under the show or display importation exception. Fulfills all the criteria except perhaps the and/or 'significance' clause, although its extreme rarity might meet the 'historical significance' test. What are your opinions? Has anyone ever done this before with any marque?

I also want to stress that I would do this so that I can drive the car. I feel that there's enough parts commonality with the other Biturbos and (please correct me if I"m wrong) with the 3200GT that this would not be a mad proposition.

Thanks,

R.F. Foss

'91 Maserati Shamal
'95 BMW 325is

[QPIE003]

[QUOTE=fossey;22056]All,

Own a gorgeous black '91 Shamal with 22k miles. Wondering if I could take it back with me to the States under the show or display importation exception. Fulfills all the criteria except perhaps the and/or 'significance' clause, although its extreme rarity might meet the 'historical significance' test. What are your opinions? Has anyone ever done this before with any marque?

I also want to stress that I would do this so that I can drive the car. I feel that there's enough parts commonality with the other Biturbos and (please correct me if I"m wrong) with the 3200GT that this would not be a mad proposition.


I was under the impression that the display importation comes with restrictions as to how many miles you can drive a year. I would check that out more. If you are planning on living in the US there ought to be a way to bring that vehicle in, just as you do with your furniture. Has the Shamal ever been sold in the US? Sorry I don't know if it did but if it did sell here importing it shouldn't be a problem. Talk to a good and honest vehicle export place they will know. A business partner of mine went through the same thing with his Porsche 911 S4 Cab. Wasn't all that bad, took about 4 weeks.
Maybe even Maserati can help? Porsche in Germany was helpful back than.

Good Luck!

[fossey]

No, the Shamal never came to the U.S. That's one of the requirements for the show and display exception--that the car has no analog already here. I remember when it first came out, Maserati expected to ship a few examples over here, but I believe 1990 or 1991 was the last year that Maserati imported to the U.S., and none ever came.

With the show and display exception, 2500 miles per year are allowed, supposedly to get to and from shows and meets. I think it's enough driving to make it worth it. Also, the only requirement is that it meet emissions restrictions, which I'm pretty sure it will...

R

[Andrew]

No, the Shamal never came to the U.S. That's one of the requirements for the show and display exception--that the car has no analog already here. I remember when it first came out, Maserati expected to ship a few examples over here, but I believe 1990 or 1991 was the last year that Maserati imported to the U.S., and none ever came.

With the show and display exception, 2500 miles per year are allowed, supposedly to get to and from shows and meets. I think it's enough driving to make it worth it. Also, the only requirement is that it meet emissions restrictions, which I'm pretty sure it will...

R
Correct, I don't think you will not have a problem. However, don't take my word for it. I would check with the DOT as they will be able to tell you for sure.