Welcome to 2023, the year in which cars from 1998 start becoming legal to import under the United States’ arcane 25 year law. Can you believe 1998 was 25 years ago? I’m pretty sure that I’m now the oldest person to have ever lived. Way back in 2022, oh so long ago, we asked what 1998-built cars you’d like to import in 2023, and now it’s time to look through your responses. Some of them even met the criteria.
Rover 75, at last we can enjoy the Sega Dreamcast of cars.
Y’know, I’ve never played a Dreamcast. Maybe I’m only the second oldest person to have ever lived.
I would be gobbling up Rover Minis if I had the resources. Love these things!
Before you argue in the comments: Yes, Mini had been its own marquee for a decade before 1998, but some Minis were sold as Rovers in export markets after that date. Does that make it count as a new-for-98 car to import? Absolutely not.
I’m still waiting
If you’ve got the money for a Tommi Makinen car, your day will come soon enough. If not, you may have to settle for a standard Evo VI.
The one and only 1998 TVR Speed 12.
Technically, production on this car started the year earlier. But since another model year doubles the Speed 12 market, I’ll allow it.
I still want a Peugeot 106 Rallye and 98 was the first year. Light, quick and a genuine homologation special made for Group N
I know Group N isn’t the fastest race group imaginable, but still. I think that purchase would at least make you Moderately-Less-Slow Joe Crow.
1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Straßenversion
Hey, if you get one, can I drive it? I promise I’ll review it here. I’ll write so many words please just let me drive the Straßenversion.
I think it’d be expensive, but has anyone seen any imported Mitsubishi Pajero Evolutions?
I’ve seen a Pajero Evo or two for sale on Facebook Marketplace, but they certainly aren’t cheap cars. Bringing one in yourself will likely save you a few bucks.
I know I’m a year late on this one but I still pick the Peugeot 406 coupe. Its just so good looking!
I’m firmly in favor of importing every single Peugeot possible to the U.S., simply because I like saying Peugeot. Peugeot. It’s great.
The Alfa Romeo GTV (916) Busso V6 as well as the Spyder with the 2.0 twin spark. You’ll have to unfortunately wait a few more years for the Brera and 159.
It’s a unique engine for the year, so I’ll give you credit for it. I say it counts.
Still have to wait another 5 years to bring in a StreetKa
It’s like watching paint dry. Staring at the calendar, ticking down the days until the StreetKa becomes U.S.-legal. I feel your pain.
Still one year to go for an S15 Silvia. 20+ years ago I told myself I would save up for an S15 Silvia. One year left and the S15 fund is $0. I even kept my mouth shut all these years to avoid raising the value and lowering inventory. Unless I win the lottery this year I probably won’t get one of the first ones in 2024. But I’ll be happy to see them on the streets.
I’ve wondered for years: What’s so different about the S15? Yeah, it looks better than the S13 or S14, but you can slap together an S14.5 easily enough. Is the 15's chassis worth the right-hand drive complications?
Honda Capa, obviously
I hadn’t heard of the Honda Capa before this comment, and now I need one. Thanks, Erik.