Re: ES30/SZ's in the US

[George Graves <gmgraves@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

I think that the ES30/SZ/RZ could qualify under the new "show and 
display" exemption if nothing else. As you say, it would be a simple 
matter to get one of these to pass smog due to the similarity of the 
engine to the Milano Verde, and that's the only real hurdle that the 
car would have to clear. It already qualifies due to it's rarity (only 
about 300 of each were made), so no safety regs have to be adhered to. 
When the guy who got the exemption through (some say with Bill Gates' 
money - he wanted to be able to drive the Porsche 959 he's had in a 
warehouse for more than 10 years) he still had to do a lot of 
engineering to get the 959s to pass smog (even the "show and display" 
exemption doesn't exempt a car from meeting emissions standards). The 
Alfa RZ/SZ won't have that problem because an almost identical drive 
train HAS complied with US and CA emissions regulations and the parts 
to convert these cars are readily available and relatively cheap.

George Graves
'86 GTV-6 3.0S

On Tuesday, Aug 5, 2003, at 19:55 US/Pacific, alfa-digest wrote:


> Date: Tue, 05 Aug 2003 19:42:15 -0400
> From: Eric Storhok <alfa@domain.elided>
> Subject: ES30/SZ's in the US
>
> Damian asks about the modern SZ/ES30 in the states.
>
> While I don't know of any, it may not be that hard to import one.  I'll
> have to forward the links I have for the DOT and EPA concerning 
> importing
> cars.  But I've thought about it a few times, thinking of which modern 
> Alfa
> could possibly be brought into the US.
>
> Of the non- imported Alfas from the 80's on, I think the ES30 would be
> among the easiest.  By reading the rules, I've concluded that if I 
> make it
> essentially the same as a Milano Verde, you should be all set- so 
> install
> the catalyst system from a Verde, and then mention that it is exactly 
> the
> same platform for crash, and you might be all set.
>
> I'll try to remember to send the links home, as I have them at work.  
> Lots
> of paperwork, and you might have to use a broker.  But since the cars 
> are
> somewhat obscure and significantly similar to an already approved car, 
> it
> might go smoothly.
>
> Cool cars- I saw one at an AutoItalia event at Goodwood.  Oh, my gosh, 
> what
> a musical engine!
>
> Eric Storhok
> Ann Arbor, MI
>
> AROC Detroit Homepage:  http://www-personal.umich.edu/~alfa/index.htm
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