Importing a 1969 280 SL from Germany to California

[hscheil]

Hi,

I am working with a German car restoration firm that specializes in 280 SL restorations. I have a few import related questions (to California) that I tried to find answers to on the various forum boards but couldn't find anything conclusive.

The car in question fits the following description:

- Frame-off full restoration all around in progress at the moment
- 1969 model year, 280 SL
- Very first delivery was to US so I assume it was, at the time, a US model
- Is currently being restored to European specs (headlights, bumpers, rear axle, etc)

I am finding some conflicting information from customs and the CARB (California Air Resources Board). Customs says that there are no EPA and DOT compliance requirements for a car that is older than 21 yrs and 25 years respectively (https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/278/~/importing-classic-or-antique-vehicles-%2F-cars-for-personal-use). The CARB says that cars manufactured between 1968 and 1974 must be compliant with the 1972 EPA requirements (https://www.arb.ca.gov/html/master_faqs/vehicle_faqs/greymarket_cars_faq.htm).

My questions:

1) For California imports, does one have to comply (or not) with EPA and DOT requirements (per the above)?
2) Other than the 2.5% import duties, is California sales tax (8.5% in my case) due upon registration in California?
3) This might be too early of a question to ask but are classic cars considered to be exempt from the 20% import tariffs that are being considered by the US federal government?

Thank you for your help!

Helge

[smackYYZ]

Helge,

Do you have the data card for the car? If not who ever is the current owner can send a copy of the registration to the MB Classic Centre and get a copy.

Based on the data card codes, you can determine if it was a US delivered car. If it was, I would think there would not be any import duties since they had already been paid on the vehicle when it was first imported.

Can't help you with the CARB issue.

Mike

[Tyler S]

The CARB requirement of of the 1972 EPA standards would apply if the car is registered in California. Since the car was originally sold in the US it would have had the polution controls installed.
(Fuel cut system/solenoid and retard type distributer)
If the restorers retain these functions then no modification was made and you should be in the clear. The 1969 is smog check exempt, however the vehicle may be referred to a CARB referee to insure these components are installed and functional at the time of registration in California. Having paperwork confirming the car was originally sold in the US may keep you from having to do this. They may simply ask for a form that no modifications to emissions controls were performed. Ask the restorer to retain the original VIN plate on the car which will dictate it conforms to "1969 model year US"
The Euro cosmetic items shouldn't be an issue but a speedometer/odometer in KMH may throw a red flag. Keep the MPH gauge if possible. You mentioned the rear axle would be changed so I dont know how much of an issue it would cause to the calibration.

[hscheil]

Thanks for the advice. The data card is available but I haven't requested it yet - will do so right away to get clarity on that.

[hscheil]

Great advice. Really appreciate it. I will verify those items with the company that does the restoration work.