...unless Customs, DOT or some other federal agency find you first.Originally Posted by gambrinus
Either way, ownership of a truck like this represents a certain degree of risk that is not acceptable to some.
There are "layers" of issues with this particular offering.
I agree that state laws vary considerably and while you may have no problem in CO, the peoples Republic of California may be a different story. Obtaining a title in a US state does not mean that the truck is legal. That's not really the underlying issue with this truck. In this case, the VIN tag came from a 1961 88" rover which could never be confused with a LWB 110" (in terms of chassis), so the VIN has obviously been swapped (a felony with 3-5 year sentence BTW).
The real and correct VIN remains clearly visible on the frame ahead of the front wheel. This VIN is a 17-digit type that will tell you the proper history. I'd have less of a problem if the VIN came from a late Series 3 109/110", but come on an S2 88" title? really? Good luck with your insurance if ANYONE files a claim on that.
Also, without Customs clearance history or paperwork, this is absolutely subject to seizure - FACT. No such documentation exists.
Those that would like to roll the dice on ownership are taking a HUGE risk. There is a right way and wrong way to import Rovers and this was most certaintly the latter.
Finally, you can easily do the math on this. The truck is supposedly an '83 right?, but the actual VIN (SALLDHAC7BA252300) on the chassis suggests it's late in the run, so most likely an '85 or '86 and since it's Ex-MOD, the UK V5 was probably incorrect as well. The owner has owned it for three years, prior to which it was in the capable hands ofTidewater Rovers. First grade math tells us that this chassis was imported prior to the 25-year threshold most likely as a "car part", then re-mated with 110 body after arrival. Done all the time, I know, but NOT legit by any stretch.
I am NOT a rover expert (in fact I'm a newbie), but have traded vintage cars (including grey-market European cars) for years. I am NOT an attorney but I have spoken to numerous experts and attorneys (including Customs Brokers, Insurance Agents and others) and there is a HUGE problem with a lot of 110s in the states right now. People in the UK know it, "specialists" here know it and you better believe the Feds and insurance companies know it. The problem is somewhat unique to 110s because the NAS 90s are prevelant enough and the simple, modular construction of the 110 that has remained unchanged in 25+ years has led to a lot of "car parts" arriving in the states, only to re-emerge as a complete vehicle.
CAVEAT EMPTOR my freinds.
None of this matters if you're using it on a ranch in Colorado because the likelihood of anyone caring, let alone finding the vehicle is remote. So therefore, you should be paying used farm-tractor prices for these 110s, not discounted NAS Defender 110 prices.
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