dssur
+1y
contact a registered importer, you can't import a vehicle without one. The car has to be certified by both the EPA ( new catalysts installed ) and the DOT ( engraved VIN installed, proper US headlights/speedo etc ). There is actually quite a bit that needs to be done. If it is less than 25 years old, figure on spending 8-10 THOUSAND for the certification. No I am not joking. That usually does not include shipping either. If it is 25 years old or older, there is no certification needed.
IF YOU TRY TO BRING ONE IN ANYWAY. Customs can seize the truck at any point and either send it back to the origin country at your cost, or crush it.
You can bring in a "parts vehicle" but the car has to be sufficiently dismantled so as not to reassembled, this is why there are front clips of japanese cars on ebay. You would not legally be able to send over a cab and use that cab, because that would be a vehicle not certified for use on US roads.
Each model a manufacturer brings to the US new has to undergo these certifications, at a rough cost of 5 million per model. Naturally, they pick and choose which will sell in the US so as not to lose money. Thats why other countries get models we never heard of.
My other love besides minitruckin is BMW's. My dream car, a 1990 BMW 320is (a four door Italian car with a 1.9l M3 engine) is redaily affordable in Italy, roughly 4-6k. But the high cost of importing is why I don't have one yet. I will though.
Here is a link, giving a breakdown. Willz of Canada imports BMWS, so everyting is referenced to European cars, but it is the same for Australian. Or Mexican, Or whatever.