[Tarun.R]

Hey guys, I couldn't really find a topic on this, so here goes.

Can we import sports coupes (pre 2005) into India? Are there restrictions on cubic capacity or wheelbase, how straightforward would it be(if allowed), and what kind of duties and taxes are we looking at? Any input would be appreciated, trying to ascertain if I can realise my dream of owning a Midnight Purple Skyline GT-R in India.

Cheers
Tj

[bivin]

I think the only way to import an r34 today to India would be through TR or Transfer of Residence.

P.S: sweet dp.. any more info on that car? assuming its in india

[Tarun.R]

Originally Posted by bivin

I think the only way to import an r34 today to India would be through TR or Transfer of Residence.

P.S: sweet dp.. any more info on that car? assuming its in india

Thanks! It's an '82 315 coupe (carbie). My brother picked it up in Chennai back in 2012, and has since been semi-restored to a drivable condition, painted in a period correct light metallic blue. Will dig up some pics for you from my laptop.

Cheers

Tj

[QuilonSpitfire]

This may sound stupid, but is it legal to import a LHD car through transfer of residence?
I know its illegal to import LHD cars but it is not specified on the TR part. And how old could the car be?

[Sem80-88]

Originally Posted by QuilonSpitfire

This may sound stupid, but is it legal to import a LHD car through transfer of residence?
I know its illegal to import LHD cars but it is not specified on the TR part. And how old could the car be?

on the TR part the car can be as old as a Model T, but it has to be roadworthy, registered ( in your name for at least two years )and insured.

[Rosso Corsa]

Originally Posted by QuilonSpitfire

This may sound stupid, but is it legal to import a LHD car through transfer of residence?
I know its illegal to import LHD cars but it is not specified on the TR part. And how old could the car be?

Nope. Only RHD is allowed on TR. The advantage is that if you're importing a classic you can claim a depreciation upto 75%. Considering prices were low back then, the duty to be paid is close to peanuts.

[Jeroen]

I can’t really comment on any of the aspects of importing a MX-5 into India. Lots of very knowledgable members have already commented.

Having owned or at least driven extensively just about any ragtop in existence over the years, I can comment on the MX-5 and comparison to other ragtop roadsters.

If you are looking for a classic/traditional rag top, but want modern reliability and convenience, nothing compares to the MX-5 in my opinion. It’s light weight, rear wheel drive, pretty simple engineering, hugely reliable, looks good and is a hoot to drive.

The MX-5 is often regarded as the incarnation of the hugely successful MGB. Each to it’s own, but I would take a MX-5 over just about any other rag top, with the exception of an Alfa Romeo Spider.

Of course, you need some proper rural roads, hills and bends, to really put a MX-5 through it’s paces. But once you have done so, you will never look for anything else. Be careful about the engine options. Most people will agree, the smaller engines are actually to be preferred. Same as on the Alfa Romeo Spider. Alfisti will tell you the 1750 engine as came with the Duetto, is much smoother than the 2000 engine.

Driving a rag top is all about smoothness, the ability to position the car into a bend with less than a mere flick of the wrist and power through using that rear wheel drive. Nothing spectacular, just raw refinement of pushing a car hard but smoothly across rural road. Top down, obviously, all the time!

The 2015 model is still very good. They managed to retain most of the original features (light wheel, simple reliable), but you can’t go wrong with earlier models either. Although, as every car they do have a few weak points. I don’t know about India, but in the western world there is a huge club circuit that can provide technical assistance and parts has never been a problem.

I don’t know about India, but Porsche Boxers and BMW Z3/4 don’t necessarily have that good a reputation. Nothing about the technical part of the car, but the sort of people who, apparently, buy these cars.

The Dutch Alfa Romeo Spider Register and the Dutch MX-5 club used to organise several events jointly. Same type of car, same type of owners. By and large, unassuming people who just like to enjoy a simple, reliable, proper, rag top.

Obviously, the MX-5s were a hell of lot more reliable then the Alfa’s, but we did ok. We still maintained Italian styling and performance superiority over our Asian smitten friends.

If you want to have a more hardcore ragtop you would have to go for a Lotus 7, Donkervoort or possibly a Lotus Elite. Especially the Lotus 7 brigade is very hard core. They will show up at winter events, a foot of snow, temperatures well below zero degrees, wearing short, T-shirt and flip flops. And drive their 7’s top down of course!

Enjoy, hope you find a way to make that MX-5 work for you in India. Nothing gets close. No matter what people tell you!

Jeroen