[MikeinAlexandria]

Sadly, the US government has antiquated ideas when it comes to importing cars. They say it is a safety and emissions issue, but if that were really true, why are so many people driving thirty year old, oil-dripping, grey smoke blowing junkers? These are not restored classic mind you, but $300 pieces of junk that should have been taken off the road years ago.

Let's face it, the government will stop a person who can afford to import a nice car, that is unique, but they do nothing about the person who can't afford a new car (and should really be walking and taking the bus) so drives a complete junker. Most of the '70s and '80s cars built in the US were crap, and look absolutely awful. But, they are old enough that the emissions and safety rules are reduced for them. The whole system is bs, and should be abolished. We don't need federal requirements for vehicles, let the states decide what works. Afterall, most cars one would want to import are safe and reasonably clean burning. It's not like everyone is trying to import Trabants.

I have heard about Feds impounding and crushing illegally imported cars though. It would be a shame for any Lotus to meet that fate.