Thanks everyone for your responses!
Just to summarize - it would appear that there were various degrees to which DOT and/or EPA standards were applied (none, partial, complete, etc) for a Pagoda that was brought into the US, and that "what made the difference" was the port of entry, destination state, importer status, etc. Also the biggest wave in aftermarket import of cars happened around 1985, when the laws on importation were relaxed and cars after 5 years, no longer needed to be brought into compliance with EPA pollution specs, (but still needed to comply with the DOT safety regs.)
Many of the transactions appeared to be 'one-off' buyers bringing a car in from Europe, vs. one of two organized companies in the US that systematically brought in Pagodas and brought them up to spec. Typically buying through a grey market has a 'cost advantage', and it's not clear that if a dealer brought in a vehicle, and complied with the DOT/EPA regulations, that the ultimate buyer would end up paying more for that vehicle...unless there was a significant currency difference between the US and Europe at that time, or more likely, the modifications were never made.
...So, with the strength of the Euro against the Dollar, and more US Pagodas now being shipped back across the pond, will they talk about the great grey market of 2008 in Europe for US Pagodas?
Thanks, Doug
'67 250SL - Orient Red - 4-speed