Buy, register and export a roadster kit car abroad

[Montifas]

Dear Forum Members,

I'm excited to be making my debut on this forum and looking forward to becoming a fellow enthusiast in the quest to build my very own FF Roadster car. Prior to posting, I delved into extensive online research but found no cases quite like mine, prompting me to reach out to this community for guidance.

Firstly, I'm based in Greece (so not a US citizen), and my passion for cars runs deep. My dream is to purchase a roadster kit and assemble it at home. However, before I invest in the kit, I conducted thorough research on the intricate process of registering such a vehicle. To cut to the chase, I discovered that Greece lacks the necessary legal framework to support the registration of homebuilt cars. The only way to do that seems to be establishing a car-making business and providing comprehensive documentation, including crash test reports and frame's welding certifications and more, which even FF couldn't furnish (I've already inquired).

My next step involves exploring the option of registering the vehicle in the United States and exporting it as a complete car, rather than as individual parts. This strategy not only streamlines the license plate procedure but also tackles another significant challenge: engine emissions. In most cases, larger engines are almost certain to fail EU emissions tests. However, they can pass if the car is imported as an antique. To illustrate, designating it as a 1965 Cobra exempts it from emissions testing, whereas a 2023 Cobra would likely fall short of the required standards.

In my pursuit of tagging the car legally, I've explored numerous strategies, such as completing the car in usa and then undergoing inspection and tagging, selecting a state with no inspection requirements, registering it with or without a VIN, forming an LLC and delegating the process to a law firm, among others.

Based on my research and considerations, I've outlined a potential scenario that suits my case:
- Establish an LLC in a state like Montana, known for not mandating inspections.
- The LLC purchases the kit directly from FF.
- Before kit delivery, engage a law firm to initiate the registration process and acquire Montana plates.
- Once the kit and plates are ready, ship everything abroad as a "fully-assembled" car, not as individual parts.
- Import the car into Greece, clear customs, and obtain Greek license plates designating it as an antique car and then build it.

For this plan to work:
- The certificate of origin should specify a 1965 roadster (as confirmed by FF).
- It should be possible to initiate the registration process before the car is fully constructed.
- Issuing a VIN in the United States should be achievable.

I want to emphasize that my intent is to adhere strictly to the law; there's no room for compromise in this regard.

Considering the above information and your collective experience, do you foresee any potential issues with these steps, or can you suggest a more effective approach?

I deeply appreciate your time and assistance in advance. I'm hopeful that with your guidance, I can overcome this hurdle and join your ranks soon!

[CraigS]

I would say the difficulty will be whether the USA state will issue a title and tags to a kit. I am doubtful you can make that happen. I have bought two running FFR in the states, both from a state I did no live in. In both cases, part of the process of getting it titled and tagged in my home state involved a visit by a state official to my house to look at the car. Their only concern was that the car serial number indicated that the car was actually the car that was represented by my paperwork and pictures I had included. A friend built an FFR 33 hotrod, when it was near complete, he sent in his paperwork w/ the MSO, and he also had to wait for a visit from a state official to ascertain the car was as represented. I don't see this happening to an FFR as it comes off the delivery trailer. Maybe there will be other replies from people who have made that happen and it is easier than I think from my experiences. Otherwise there are completed FFRs available that might be easier to get through your country's requirements. You wouldn't get the fun of the build, but I actually enjoyed doing mine that way. I bought two complete but basic cars and got my driving thrills immediately while doing changes and upgrades as I could.

[rich grsc]

As far as I know, you can not title & license an unassembled kit as a car.

[mrmustang]

As far as I know, you can not title & license an unassembled kit as a car.

I can confirm this as a fact.

Bill S.

[Avalanche325]

When I did mine you certainly could do it in Florida. Walk in with the MSO and walk out with the tag in hand. They have changed the rules since I did mine and I don't think they are registered as a 65 any longer.

[Springboro FFR Roadster]

When I did mine you certainly could do it in Florida. Walk in with the MSO and walk out with the tag in hand. They have changed the rules since I did mine and I don't think they are registered as a 65 any longer.

Same as in Ohio - title and tag with just the MSO.

Roy

[CraigS]

Well, FL and Oh are encouraging. Next step would be to see what will happen once the kit reaches your country. Do they just deal w/ paperwork or will they need to see a car? Also I wonder if it would be worth it to have someone in the US assemble the car just enough that it could be rolled on it's own wheels. Thinking that you can't be the only one to bring in a non-running car. I mean basket cases of classic cars sure are not unusual here. Are they in Greece?

[Montifas]

Thank you all for your replies!

Well, FL and Oh are encouraging. Next step would be to see what will happen once the kit reaches your country. Do they just deal w/ paperwork or will they need to see a car? Also I wonder if it would be worth it to have someone in the US assemble the car just enough that it could be rolled on it's own wheels. Thinking that you can't be the only one to bring in a non-running car. I mean basket cases of classic cars sure are not unusual here. Are they in Greece?

This is actually a good idea. I have friends and colleagues in the States who I guess wouldn't mind lending me some space in their shop to assemble it just enough so it rolls on its own wheels. Based on some videos I've seen online, this should not take too much time. Maybe 3-4 days I would guess. So I'll do that and get the local person to inspect it and get it titled.

When I ship it, I don't need to issue the local plates immediately. I will finish the build and then go and convert into local plates. When you do that, you have to pass tech inspection by the Ministry of Transportation so they see that your breaks, suspension, tires, lights, and all basic safety instruments are in place and the car is roadworthy. Then you have to pay customs fees and it's street-legal! I don't worry that much about the process on the Greek side as I have imported a few other cars (from the EU though) in the past.

[IvoGiev]

Thank you all for your replies!



This is actually a good idea. I have friends and colleagues in the States who I guess wouldn't mind lending me some space in their shop to assemble it just enough so it rolls on its own wheels. Based on some videos I've seen online, this should not take too much time. Maybe 3-4 days I would guess. So I'll do that and get the local person to inspect it and get it titled.

When I ship it, I don't need to issue the local plates immediately. I will finish the build and then go and convert into local plates. When you do that, you have to pass tech inspection by the Ministry of Transportation so they see that your breaks, suspension, tires, lights, and all basic safety instruments are in place and the car is roadworthy. Then you have to pay customs fees and it's street-legal! I don't worry that much about the process on the Greek side as I have imported a few other cars (from the EU though) in the past.

May I ask how it all worked out for you, as we are neighbours.
I live in Bulgaria.
9-9 years ago registration in Europe was not an issue through Hammick Performance.
But I have checked with Hammick 10 days ago and that is not an option anymore.