Many car enthusiasts dream of driving exotic and rare cars, but some models are off-limits in the United States. Import regulations and safety standards have led to several iconic vehicles being banned. Here are ten cars that you won’t find cruising down American highways.
1) 1990 BMW M3 Sport Evolution
The 1990 BMW M3 Sport Evolution, part of the iconic E30 series, was a performance powerhouse. However, its limited production and specific modifications made it a tough sell for U.S. regulatory standards. It failed to meet the stringent emissions and safety regulations set by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Transportation, keeping it out of American garages.
2) 1999 Nissan Skyline GT-R R34
The 1999 Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 is a car that many enthusiasts pine for, thanks to its appearance in popular media. Unfortunately, the R34 was never sold in the U.S. due to strict emissions and crash safety standards. Its powerful engine and advanced technology were ahead of their time, but they did not conform to American regulations.
3) 1989 Toyota Supra MKIV
The 1989 Toyota Supra MKIV is a beloved model among JDM fans, but it was initially banned in the U.S. The issue was primarily due to its lack of compliance with safety regulations that were not met during its production years. Although later models were modified to meet these standards, the early versions remain a rarity in the U.S.
4) 1992 Porsche 959
The 1992 Porsche 959 was an engineering masterpiece, but its limited production run meant it never underwent the necessary crash testing for U.S. approval. The car was eventually legalized under the “Show and Display” law, which allows for limited mileage use of non-conforming vehicles. However, it remains a highly sought-after rarity.
5) 1993 Jaguar XJ220
The 1993 Jaguar XJ220 was once the world’s fastest production car, yet it never made it to the U.S. market. The car’s emissions system did not comply with U.S. standards, and its low production numbers made it unfeasible for Jaguar to adapt it for American roads.
6) 1985 Audi Sport Quattro
The 1985 Audi Sport Quattro was a rally legend, but its road version faced regulatory issues in the U.S. The car did not meet the safety features required by American law during its time, thus preventing it from being sold in the U.S. market.
7) 2002 Honda NSX-R
The 2002 Honda NSX-R was a performance marvel, but strict U.S. regulations meant it never hit American shores. The car’s limited production and specific engineering features did not align with federal safety standards, making it ineligible for import at the time.
8) 1994 McLaren F1
The 1994 McLaren F1 is a legendary supercar, but its design did not meet U.S. safety requirements. The car’s lack of airbags and other safety components, necessary for American roads, kept it out. Like the Porsche 959, it was eventually allowed under the “Show and Display” law but remains a rare sight.
9) 1995 TVR Griffith
The 1995 TVR Griffith was known for its raw power and simplistic design, yet it was banned in the U.S. The car did not feature the essential safety equipment required by American standards, making it illegal to import and register.
10) 2003 Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione
The 2003 Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione was a stunning model, but it fell short of U.S. emissions standards. Despite its beauty and performance, the necessary modifications to meet U.S. regulations were not pursued, keeping it out of the American market.