Pre 1989 Import

[Linden]

This is my first post so hi everyone.

Has anyone imported a pre 1989 cobra from UK or US and had it registered in NSW? I understand the import shouldnt be too much drama, just need advice on what will be needed to get it registered.

Thanks,
Linden

[400TT]

Welcome Linden.

A few of us have done what you are talking about.

Some good advice here:

Import rules & regulations query

It is not a simple or cheap process both for import approval, import costs and modifications/testing required for registration. But can be worthwhile if you find something special overseas.

Good luck with it.

[Linden]

Thanks craig, at least trying to pass pre 89 ADR's should be easier than 2012.

[400TT]

Linden, just a heads up with emissions, if import is late 80's, it is only one emission level earlier than the current emissions requirement for kit cars. ADR 37/00 compared to ADR 37/01. But there is a fair difference between the two emissions level.

Unless you are looking for something special, I expect you will be able to find some good buys 2nd hand locally. And it is not hard to find a Cobra registered early enough here to be in the ADR 37/00 period. Which means a carby car.

[Linden]

With the local cars is it true that when you get one from interstate it needs to be re-engineered to 2012 rules?

[750hp]

Good move joining the forum, Linden. Searching through all the posts on this site will keep you reading for hours! Craig from Absolute Pace has a good point about the type of car that you're looking for. There are some great local deals available if you keep your eyes out for them.

If you're looking overseas for any reason, you need to be careful about the year showing on the vehicle title. UK cars might have a 1974 registration for example, but that can be tied back to the vintage of the mechanical parts used in the build rather than the actual date of first registration. Without clear, documented evidence of registration prior to 1989, you won't have much (if any) chance of getting import approval.

[400TT]

Originally Posted by Linden

With the local cars is it true that when you get one from interstate it needs to be re-engineered to 2012 rules?

As far I know it is only transferring cars into NSW and QLD where you require re-engineering. By co-incidence the states with the toughest registration criteria.

If you live in either of these two states, either buy local or get advice before purchasing an interstate kit, depending on the kit purchase it can be very straight forward as in the engineer checks the original paperwork and condition the car is currently in, so much less work than engineering for a new kit car. And the extra fees to do so.

If you let me know the state you are in I can give you some general guidance for that state. But as always it is best to speak to the transport department that will be involved.

[400TT]

Originally Posted by 750hp

UK cars might have a 1974 registration for example, but that can be tied back to the vintage of the mechanical parts used in the build rather than the actual date of first registration.

Great point there 750HP, this is very common in the UK due to the registration options there.

The title year shown on the USA Title Certificate is also ignored as many states in the USA allow historic titles for recent kit car builds.

[750hp]

Originally Posted by 400TT

If you let me know the state you are in I can give you some general guidance for that state. But as always it is best to speak to the transport department that will be involved.

Originally Posted by Linden

Has anyone imported a pre 1989 cobra from UK or US and had it registered in NSW?

Craig

[Linden]

Unfortunately im in nsw which seems to be the hardest of states. Does the rta take in to account the first date of registration for interstate cars or must you comply to 2012 standards?

[400TT]

Year of compliance is taken into account, so you don't need to comply with current standards.

There are also some low volume complianced Cobra's, most Robnell's, small batch of Coke DRB's etc. These are obviously treated exactly same as any other production vehicle when transferring interstate.

What are you looking for in a Cobra, plenty of knowledge on this forum, collectively you could get some good advice and tips on what to look for in terms of kit brands, year of manufacture etc.

[Linden]

I'm looking for an older entry level car. Something that needs work to get it back up to scratch.

[boxhead]

I would suggest to join the NSW club and get to a meeting, get the word out what your looking for, I am sure there will be cars in people's garages.

[400TT]

Linden, sounds like you are looking for an early to mid 90's RMC or DRB.

Older examples can be very well priced, ripe for restoration and complied under early regulations, including emissions.

I've owned both RMC and DRB from this period. Both are solid cars with different strengths and weaknesses.

The DRB's will be more prolific as the RMC's were more difficult and expensive to build at the time.

They have different body shapes, see if there is a body shape you prefer.

In my opinion the early DRB's drive and perform very well, the RMC's of that era need some enhancement. But these enhancements are well known.

DRB has a bonded body to chassis, RMC has a removable body from chassis.

As boxhead suggested the NSW Cobra Club is a great start and great bunch of people.

[Linden]

thanks for all the help guys. I prefer the RMC body as it has the lower bullet shape tail, but honestly anything would make me more than happy.

[justcobra]

Originally Posted by Linden

This is my first post so hi everyone.

Has anyone imported a pre 1989 cobra from UK or US and had it registered in NSW? I understand the import shouldnt be too much drama, just need advice on what will be needed to get it registered.

Thanks,
Linden

Check out the CC Forum topic by 750hp "Another New Arntz Owner" and it appears that with a bucket full of information and with proof of first registration should allow your dream ride to come to Australia.
Import Approval should be granted.

[soulman]

Originally Posted by justcobra

Check out the CC Forum topic by 750hp "Another New Arntz Owner" and it appears that with a bucket full of information and with proof of first registration should allow your dream ride to come to Australia.
Import Approval should be granted.

OR.....

you could buy a 1968 Victorian legally registered Arntz ,titled as an AC Cobra with CSX numbers off me !

And never worry about rego issues again.

Just a thought !

Soul.

[Tengu]

Linden, I imported a cobra from the US last Xmas, under the pre 89 import scheme. If my car was 1 year older I would have had it on the road straight off, but being manufactured in 1983, I must wait until January 2013, because I am leaving it left hand drive ( has to be 30 years old in NSW). It will be registered in 2 weeks no problems. Also if I had imported the car as RHD from the UK, it would be on the road now.
PM me if you like and I can maybe offer some relevant advice. If you want to go with an Aussie kit, I'm not the one to help, the other guys are the experts.

[Tengu]

And if Soul's Arntz is really for sale....I would write a cheque tomorrow...damn...if only I was cashed up.