Re: Re: 164, any 156 owners in US?

[George Graves <gmgraves@domain.elided>]

Unfortunately, the only way that a 156 can be legally here in the USA 
is if someone from Europe emigrated to the USA and brought it along as 
personal property. Then, if it passes smog, he can drive it in the 
States. He can also sell it, apparently (?!) and several have shown up 
on E-bay. Problem is, the bidding quickly gets out of hand when these 
things show up. The last one was bid up to FAR more than a new one cost 
in Europe! What some folks won't do for exclusivity.

OTOH, one will be able to buy a new 166 here in the USA in just a 
couple of months.  Called an AutoDelta LS, this 166 will have no 
reference anywhere on it  that its an Alfa (other than the tell-tale 
Alfa grille) and will cost about $55,000 according to a gentleman who 
called me from AutoDelta's  headquarters in Tennessee.

Bringing a new Alfa in from Europe for use on the roads is strictly 
prohibited by our government's car-Nazis unless you promise (by posting 
a bond equal to the car's retail selling price) to make it comply with 
US Safety regulations within 6 months of it landing on these shores 
-and impossibility, BTW.

George Graves


On Friday, September 13, 2002, at 02:49  PM, alfa-digest wrote:


> Date: Fri, 13 Sep 2002 11:05:23 -0700 (PDT)
> From: Kramer <maxchiming@domain.elided>
> Subject: Re: 164, any 156 owners in US?
>
> One thing that hasn't been mentioned yet about the 164, is how it's
> really the only year-round Alfa for those of us you live in heavy snow
> areas.  I live in the mountains of Montclair, NJ where some of the
> roads are very steep, and rarely get plowed too well.  Let me tell you
> - - the GTV6 is kind of a let-down in these situations.  The 164,
> however, is definitely manageable.  Also, the 164 is the best car for
> hauling around kids, or unexpected passengers....and all the while you
> can still enjoy the driving experience.  Plus, my car is lowered,
> stiffened, with racing cams and cool air....it is definitely fast (but,
> being a 1991, the torque steer is about as bad as you can imagine!).
>
> Speaking of 156's, does anyone know of anyone with a legal 156 in the
> US?  How about a late GTV or Spyder?  In doing my research to bring on
> of these cars over the states, I'm wondering if anyone's already done
> my homework for me?  Certainly, if someone HAS brought in a 156 and had
> it modified at a registered importer, it would save me alot of
> headaches!
>
> Does anyone know how close (or far off) the 156 is from meeting US
> safety and emissions????
>
> Thanks,
>
> Ross - future 156 owner, if it's not too heavy on my wallet ; )
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