Anyone out there have experience with importing a newer build Hot Rod into Canada? Example: a fiberglass '32 coupe I know what is expected of an original vehicle but not these types of cars?
from: FAQ's Vehicles Over 15 years old (except buses) All vehicles (except buses) that are over 15 years or older by the date of manufacture are exempt from the Registrar of Imported Vehicles program. You must be able to prove the age of the vehicle to a Customs officer. Kit Cars A kit car is not permitted entry unless it was assembled more than 15 years ago. You will be required to submit proof of the age. Registration documents will have to show that the kit car was registered more than 15 years ago. The date the reproduction was assembled is the age of the kit car rather than the model year of the reproduction. This is relevant also: Importation of vehicles into Canada from countries other than the United States From Transport Canada: PROHIBITED VEHICLES Vehicles Manufactured for a Foreign Market 31. Vehicles less than 15 years old and buses manufactured on or after January 1, 1971, that are manufactured for a foreign market (a market other than the United States), do not comply with the Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. These vehicles are permitted entry only if they qualify for one of the provisions stated in paragraph 29. Grey Market Vehicles 32. Grey market vehicles are foreign-specification vehicles that are re-certified by a United States company. They were originally manufactured for the domestic market of a foreign country and were subsequently imported into the United States where they have been modified to comply with the United States safety and emissions standards. Grey market vehicles may be identified by a label affixed by the United States company that altered the vehicle, indicating that they have been "imported," "altered," or "modified" to comply with the United States standards. These vehicles may not have a certification label affixed to them. Grey market vehicles are ineligible for entry to Canada and are to be processed in accordance with paragraphs 40 and 41. Kit Cars 33. Kit cars are treated as vehicles whether they are presented for importation as a fully assembled vehicle, or as an unassembled vehicle in a kit. 34. A kit car does not meet the import requirements for the SOC label, the 17-character VIN, or admissibility status. Therefore, it is not permitted entry unless it was assembled more than 15 years ago and the importer can submit proof of age, e.g., a registration document. The age of a kit car is determined by the date the reproduction was assembled rather than the model year of the reproduction or the date of manufacture of a donor car. If in doubt, contact Transport Canada for a determination on the kit car's eligibility.
It appears they have made it illegal to import a fiberglass car, if it is licensed as a less than 15 year old vehicle. I have seen cars imported that were licensed as year of manufacture, ie, that deuce is licensed as a 1932................ it is a grey area in the laws for sure. Perhaps get a brokerage firm to check out your paperwork before you approach the customs office.
Well, I just found this on Transport Canada website: Importing kit cars into Canada If you want to import a kit car or a reproduction vehicle that can be driven, you must provide proof that it meets all passenger car class CMVSS before importing it. There is no difference, under the Act, between assembled and disassembled vehicles. Note: Most kit cars do NOT qualify. Therefore, kit cars cannot be manufactured to sell in Canada or imported into Canada. I guess that answers my question!
Yup had a buddy try this a few years ago and he was turned around. you could always take it apart and bring it over in pieces -Shiny
If you're looking for a kit to build, check out horton's - they carry bodies, frames... you name it. Then you're only dealing with the registration hassles, not the import crap.
No, I'm looking into bringing in a complete running "kit" car built in 2008 but it looks like I'm out of luck here.
You still will not be able to register the vehicle after you put it back together. So you end up with an expensive pile of parts.
Trying to get a 56 F100 with a 350 Chevy in it. Told by Customs not possible because it is modified. Anyone know how all the hotrods get across.
You shouldn't have any trouble bringing in a 56 F100, the only thing they usually ask is if it has the original frame. I have brought 2 modified cars into Canada in the last year. Fibreglass "kit cars" with new custom frames are real tough to bring in.
Off topic but have a look at importing regulations for the Factory Five kit on their web site. It is my understanding that those kits are allowed into Canada. Perhaps their information can give you some direction and maybe hope. There are lots of cars exactly as you describe running around Canadian roads, there has to some way to do it unless things have change greatly in the last year or so. Good luck, don't you just love public officials!!
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