[Ronbo]

Perhaps you can skirt some of the taxes by purchasing "components" and assembling the car there.

I can't see you getting much beyond a clunker with your budget. The boat ride, taxes and import duty leaves a little over $20k.

Also some states here allow the car to be titled by engine date if the car lacks a chassis #. You'd have to check on "home built" cars. If some plans can be had you could have a local welder build the frame.

I feel your pain, our 2nd "tea party" is long over due in the US...