Buying Corvettes in Canada

[Patrick H.]

Gentlemen,

I am looking at a C3 Corvette that presently lives in Canada. Allegedly (per a Customs broker) the only requirements to import it back to the US are that it 1) show that it complies with appropriate EPA guidelines for its model year, and 2) also complies with appropriate DOT guidelines for its model year.

My assumptions thus far are that if the car has an original emissions sticker from its year, as well as appropriate DOT door jamb sticker from its year, that I should have no significant problems. (And yes, this is assuming all emissions equipment is actually on the car.)

Does anyone have experience purchasing Corvettes from Canada, and are my assumptions correct? Does anyone else have any guidelines? And what about cars built before the DOT began requiring the nice door jamb sticker? I want to make absolutely sure that I have everything straight before having a late night discussion with the Customs officers in Port Huron on my return trip. I intend to trailer the car back to Michigan in order to avoid the entire license/insurance dilemma until I have the car here in my garage.

Thanks for your assistance.

Patrick Hulst

[Jack H.]

Re: Buying Corvettes in Canada

As I recall from early days growing up in Detroit, this was a REAL common 'drill' with cars going both ways across the river. Believe Secy Of State office in Michigan has/had a phamphlet detailing the dot the 'i' cross the 't' details required to turn the crank....

[Jack H.]

Re: Buying Corvettes in Canada

As I recall from early days growing up in Detroit, this was a REAL common 'drill' with cars going both ways across the river. Believe Secy Of State office in Michigan has/had a phamphlet detailing the dot the 'i' cross the 't' details required to turn the crank....

[Wayne M.]

Re: Buying Corvettes in Canada

Patrick --- Don't know what year your C3 purchase is, but be forewarned that in 1977 (I think) Canadian Corvettes had speedos with both kilometers and miles, and in 1978 they went to kilometers for the odometer. (other Canucks please correct).

Importing 1977/78's or newer cars into the Youknighted States requires conversion to miles basis. It's an added expense to consider. I don't know if your side gives you a time frame for the conversion, or if it has to be converted in Canada, before allowed south.

[Wayne M.]

Re: Buying Corvettes in Canada

Patrick --- Don't know what year your C3 purchase is, but be forewarned that in 1977 (I think) Canadian Corvettes had speedos with both kilometers and miles, and in 1978 they went to kilometers for the odometer. (other Canucks please correct).

Importing 1977/78's or newer cars into the Youknighted States requires conversion to miles basis. It's an added expense to consider. I don't know if your side gives you a time frame for the conversion, or if it has to be converted in Canada, before allowed south.