Whenever a foreign car hits its 25th birthday, it can legally be imported to the United States. For US-based collectors of classic car, this is a big deal every single January. At last, there are no more loopholes in the legal system preventing you from owning the car you’ve wanted for years.
In the last few years, a lot of awesome vehicles have joined the ranks of import-able classics. JDM (which basically stands for Japanese in-demand vehicles) tend to make up the bulk of the classics getting imported once turning the big 2-5, others are just as worthy of attention.
Sure, some of these classics seem under-powered and basic in terms of features compared to today’s new models. But back in their day, many of them were industry leaders.
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Subaru Impreza 22B
Now able to be imported to the US in 2023 without the lengthy Show and Display exemption list, the Subaru Impreza 22B is one of Subaru’s most iconic vehicles ever made. The thing is, there weren’t too many of them made – about 400 units in Japan, 16 in the UK, and five in Australia, to be more precise. So, getting your hands on one will be a tough task. Given their rarity, they’re expensive, with one having sold in 2021 for $312,555.
This two-door sporty sedan had a stock 2.2-L turbocharged engine under the hood and was designed as a widebody variant of the STi. It generates 300 hp at 6300 RPM and 267 lb-ft of torque at 3200 RPM. It is four-wheel drive (typical for Subaru), so you can expect handling to feel stable and planted as you round through turns.
Honda EK9 Type R Civic
The first Honda Civic to ever be assigned the Type R label, the EK9 Type R is one of the coolest Hondas ever built – and it is pretty darned quick, too. Given that this car only weighs 2,300 pounds, the B16B engine and its 182 horsepower mean you get a swift 0-60 mph acceleration time of 6.8 seconds.
Those of you looking for a great tuner car can get your hands on this Type R in the US. Secure handling is created by the limited-slip differential integrated into the four-wheel drive chassis. Being lightweight helps make the EK9 Type R a spunky vehicle to drive.
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution V
Mitsubishi debuted its fifth generation of the iconic Lancer Evolution (‘Evo’, for short) in 1998. Yes, that means you can now get the 1998 Lancer Evolution V imported to the US without much hassle. As one of the pillars of the Mitsubishi lineup, owning the Lancer Evolution V is a big deal for serious collectors.
This vehicle was designed with enhanced aerodynamics, not to mention a sleek new external appearance. Beneath the hood sits a stock 4G63 turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The Evo V was an instant hit when all of its 6,000 units sold out and an additional 1,500 units were made to fulfill all the orders that came in. Luckily, this means there are plenty of Evo V models left out there, and they are reasonably priced for collectors on a budget.
Ascari Ecosse
Good luck trying to find an Ascari Ecosse. If you do happen to find one, you can at least now import it. Ascari Cars manufactured the Ecosse from 1998 to 1999, and it served as the production version of a concept race car called the FGT.
The Ecosse reflects Ascari’s lofty racing ambitions, powered by a Hartge-tuned 4.4-L BMW V8 engine with a top speed of 200 mph. Leather abounds inside the cabin, and you can rock out to the stock stereo system. The interior is more modern than you might expect for a 25-year-old car, yet it brilliantly mixes some throwback elements.
Alfa Romeo 156
Alfa Romeo has produced many well-loved cars over the years. The 156, however, seems to get overlooked by some of the flashier models this brand has made. In 1998, Alfa Romeo was trying to go the mass-market route with more economically-minded cars like the 156.
This four-door sedan offers cozy seats, plush materials, and a center console that tilts toward the driver. The all-wheel independent suspension lends a good deal of comfort to the vehicle, plus it gives you enhanced handling capabilities for an all-around enjoyable ride.
Toyota Celica SS III
The Toyota Celica was at a high point during the 1990s, but the GT-Four is often the one that gets the most glory. However, the Super Strut (SS) III is also a beast of a vehicle. This model came with the 3S-GE BEAMS 2.0-L inline-four-cylinder engine. It could get up to 9,000 RPM, and power capped at 200 hp at 7,000 RPM with 152 lb-ft of torque at 6,000 RPM. Not bad, right?
With a five-speed manual gearbox equipped, the SS III could make it from 0-60 mph in 6.5 seconds. What’s more, the Celica SS III offered a sportier design than some of the other Celicas, helping it stand out from the crowd.
1997 Ford Puma
A fun little tuner car, the ’97 Ford Puma is known for its reliability. There are ways to mod this car if you want a more exciting ride than what the stock 1.7-L inline-four-cylinder engine offers. It only produces a power output of 123 hp, but since it only weighs 2,222 pounds, it feels quicker than it really is. And, of course, its handling is sharp.
The Puma isn’t a flashy, eye-catching car from the onset. However, it is affordably priced and finally available in the US. Customizing it is easy enough, and you can get creative with this car.
Nissan Skyline GT-R NISMO 400R
You will need to have excess funds and a keen ability to find rare models if you want the Nissan Skyline GT-R NISMO 400R. It is one of the rarest Japanese sportscars ever made, with only 44 units crafted into existence back in 1997.
The ultra-sporty GT-R NISMO 400R is powered by a 2.8-L RB26DETT engine complete with enhanced connecting rods and forged pistons. Commonly called the RBX-GT2, this engine was paired to a six-speed manual transmission and produced 400 hp and 347 lb-ft of torque. That alone qualifies it as a highly sought-after JDM.
TVR Cerbera 4.5 V8
As far as British imports go, the TVR Cerbera 4.5 V8 is a neat little sports car. The naturally-aspired 4.5-L V8 was finally able to be imported to the US starting in 2022, and it is one that buyers love because of its throwback design.
It also happens to be one of the two most powerful Cerbera models ever, only topped by the 2002 RedRose Lightweight model. Its engine generates 420 hp and zips to 60 mph in an astounding 3.7 seconds with a top speed of 196 mph. Its crisp steering capabilities and sleek leather seats make this car all too desirable to collectors.
Toyota Century V12
Another Toyota that deserves to grace this list is the high-powered Toyota Century with its V12 engine. There are a lot of V8 versions of the Century out there, but the rare V12 became import-able to the US in 2022.
Sure, this is a luxury car that lacks leather upholstery, but the wool fabric is still nice enough. This car is also quick, thanks to its 5.0-L 1GZ-FE V12 engine. This engine produces 300 hp and 355 lb-ft of torque, helping it zip up to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds.
Now that a quarter of a century has passed since these vehicles made their way onto the market abroad, Americans can finally get them legally imported. Collectors have been eyeballing these foreign cars and will be trying to scoop them up, so you will have to dig around for some good deals.
