Import rules & regulations query

[Dimis]

Hi guys,

I just saw this ad on CC classifieds.
PhotoPost Classifieds - ERA for sale - Powered by PhotoPost Classifieds

Am I correct in concluding that since this car was built & registered in 1987, that I would be able to import here to Aus, & register & drive here under the 30 year rule & thus also predating the 1987 ADR rules?

If so, this ERA would make a killer pick up!

Or, I have I missed something?

Thx,
Anth

[sjelby]

Hi Dimis.
1987 + 30 = 2017
Not sure on the 30 yr rule but i was thinking the car would have to be over 30 yrs old.
Nice car though and i wonder how much it will go for.
Stan.

[Dimis]

That did cross my mind, but I figured the 5 years is well worth the wait.
It would take me till at least 2017 to order/purchase, build & then register a local kit.
...and even then it wouldn't be an ERA or a big block 427

Plus it doesn't stop you tracking the thing in the mean time.

[Merv and Sharon]

I think that Don (Donunder) on this Forum imported his Arntz in that way. It is a great car. He might chime in.

[750hp]

Provided the owner can supply documentation to prove the car was registered in 87, you should be able to get import approval to bring it in now. To apply for the approval, you must show proof of purchase. There's never an iron clad guarantee that import approval will be given, which leads to a pretty worrying time between when you purchase a car and when you are given import approval.

"Chassis vintage 1987" as noted in the advertisement makes me wonder if it might be a more recent build of a previously unfinished project. If it was first registered in 1989 or more recently, it's all bad news...

If it was reg'd in 87 and you get import approval, to register the car (at least in Queensland) you would need to work your way through the ADR requirements and convert the car to RHD. Anything's possible, it just depends how much you want to spend.

Or...get import approval for it and use it as a track car until 2017 then you can register it as a LHD 30 year old car!

[Tenrocca]

They could change the rules in the next 5 years though......

Just a thought

[400TT]

Dimi, nice find that is tidy ERA.

As 750HP mentioned the age of the vehicle goes on the first year of registration.

The regulations vary slightly between the states, but generally you will need to comply with all ADR's for year of manufacture for the vehicle, including certifying all main fabricated components i.e. non-OEM components. You will also need to fit anti-intrusion bars, certified seatbelt and seat anchorages etc.

You do get a break on emissions, but that engine would be a tough ask to get past requied emissions level. No factory Ford FE big block was produced to the required emissions standards. CATS were also mandatory by 1987.

Also ERA have an offset tunnel so that the passenger footwell would be too small to convert to RHD.

But this is all doable, I've done it before, so have others, just not a cheap and simple process even if it was 30+ years old.

[macloft]

Interesting comment 400TT about the ERAs off set tunnel therefore RHD conversion would take alot of work.
I am wondering what other kits would also be the same.
What about a Hurricane or a Shell Valley, Evert Morrision, Contempory, Butler etc
I believe the Superformance, Backdraft and Factory Five can be converted with a bit of work to steering and pedal box but having an off set tunnel i would consider a major mod to convert.
Bruce

[400TT]

Bruce, you will find a lot of USA kits have some sort of difference in size of footbox from left side to the right side. To me that can be clever design idea to get some extra room for the driver, especially foot room.

But makes a satisfactory RHD conversion difficult.

If they can be proved to be old enough they can be kept as LHD. Personally I love driving left hookers here as it adds to the whole driving experience with a classic car, but they are more difficult to drive when it comes to visibility in some situations.

[Aussie Mike]

This is something that interests me at the moment. I just got back from the US on Saturday. While I was there I found an older Contemporary Cobra complete with 427 FE motor etc. It was a little rough but it was all ther and has potential.

I'm now looking into how old the chassis is and whether it will fall under the rules to import it.

Cheers

[750hp]

Mike, it might be worth checking with Craig W about the cockpit space available in Contemporary Cobras. I wasn't able to operate the clutch pedal on Craig's car while the door was closed (and I prefer doors to be closed on any car that I'm driving!). With the way my right leg was bent, my shin was hard up against the trans tunnel while the heel of my foot was brushing the brake pedal.

Obviously, you have the fabrication skills to make any necessary mods and I didn't look underneath to see the extent of the work involved. Just something to keep in mind.

I love the shape of the Contemporarys. If you can find one with clear proof of first registration pre-89 and if you can make yourself comfortable in the drivers seat, go for it!

[kyleb]

I was in Cape Town S.A over christmas and spotted this Backdraft in a car yard.
It looked in pretty good shape with a Lexus V8 fitted. Already RH drive. And around $40,000 Aus.
2007 COBRA BACKDRAFT v8 R 330,000 for sale in CAPE TOWN | Auto Trader

[400TT]

Mike, yeah, Contemporary's are cool, especially with 427. Don't even worry about chassis date at the moment. Just ask about the registration certificates and the oldest you can obtain for it. Without proof of early registration there is no chance of import approval regardless of chassis date.

Craig, I remember hearing you commented it was too small. It is just setup short, you've got to remember my wife usual drives it. Move the seat back and it would make a lot of difference. Seat can also be mounted lower. But it does run an original spec 16" wheel and pedal box which does limit cockpit space.