From a post TUESDAY, JULY 14, 2009
While talking about importation, Motorex, and Nissan Skyline GT-R’s in general on the R35 GT-R Forum – NAGTROC , I was informed that on the newest Show or Display approvals, that an R34 GT-R was on the list. I found this interesting, as the car they listed did not exist. I let the guys know that I would call the NHTSA- OVSC to get some clarification on it.
I talked to the NHTSA - OVSC yesterday. I spoke with Dick Merritt there that handles the Show or Display exemptions. The good way to get him going is to mention Skyline. We had a 20 minute conversation, about many things Skyline related. I mentioned to him that I met him in 1999 when I went to DC to talk to the OVSC then.
When I asked for clarification what the R34 on the Show or Display list was, he said 1999 - Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 Vspec , Early. He said "they made less than 300."
That is not true. Vspecs were more popular than regular models . I don't have the exact numbers but 5536 R34 GT-R's were sold in 1999. Over the entire run of 12,175 cars , 7338 were Vspec;Mspec,VspecII;Nur , and 3962 were standard.
Anyway. He called Skylines "rocket ships" more than a few times. He said he would never want a car with so many computers in it, like the Porsche 959. He wondered how anyone could, or would work on Skylines. Mr. Merritt also said that he did not want the management to pass the R34 for Show or Display, but it was done without his approval.
Then he mentioned that no R34 has been brought in under the Show or Display exemption, because no one can do the EPA side of the requirements.
HELP
HOW YOU MAY APPLY FOR PERMISSION TO IMPORT
Your signed application must include, at a minimum:
1. Your name, address, phone number, and FAX number.
2. Vehicle identification – make, model, model year, VIN or chassis number, engine number, date of manufacture and mileage.
3. Location where you will store the vehicle in the United States.
4. Statement describing use on the public roads, if intended. If on-road use is requested, identify the Independent Commercial Importer (ICI) that will modify the vehicle to bring it into conformity with the requirements of the Environmental Protection Agency.
5. Basis for the application.
6. Attachments:
1. Photographs – ¾ frontal, ¾ rear, interior, odometer reading and special features (if appropriate).
2. Document from manufacturer or recognized historical source, identifying total production (production verification).
3. Proof of insurance conditioned on limited on-road use (not more than 2,500 miles accumulated in any 12-month period).
4. Identification of vehicle’s:
1. Technological significance – You must identify (be specific) the technology, engineering, and construction features of the vehicle that are advanced and of an unusual nature not commonly found in motor vehicles manufactured in the same time period; or
2. Historical significance – You must identify the historical significance of the vehicle. If a person of historical significance owned the vehicle, you must submit proof that this person owned the vehicle. If the vehicle was the first or last vehicle of a particular model, you must establish this through the manufacturer’s documentation or, if this is not available, through a recognized historical source. If the vehicle was "one of a kind," you must establish this also.
Items of significance must be numerically listed followed by the reason why the item is of significance.
You may then mail the application to:
Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance (NVS-223)
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
Room W45-205
Washington, DC 20590
ON-ROAD USE
A vehicle eligible for Show or Display may receive NHTSA approval to be driven on the highway. The odometer must not register more than 2,500 miles in a 12-month period. NHTSA approval of limited on-road use is to allow the vehicle to be driven to and from nearby displays of similar automobiles. Another reason permission is granted is to maintain the vehicle’s engine, braking, lighting, and other dynamic systems in good working order. The vehicle is still required to meet EPA requirements. If the original engine in the vehicle will be replaced with a non-original engine to meet EPA requirements, it must be identified in your application since it may impact on the technological or historical significance of the vehicle.
