As explained in our previous blog entitled “Everything You Need to Know About The 25-Year-Old Rule” there are limitations on which vehicles can be imported into the USA. Unless you want to face the potential of costly testing and conversion for USA Department of Transport standards, you need to wait until your dream vehicle is over 25 years old before importing it into the USA.
At Autoshippers we are happy to help with the shipping process and will advise you if you aren’t sure whether or not you can legally import your vehicle into the USA. Here are a few vehicles from 1998 that you may see on US roads in the near future.
Jaguar XKR
In 1996, Jaguar replaced the XJS with the XK8, but this was followed in 1998 by the more powerful XKR, with the benefit of a supercharged version of the V8 engine of the XK8. The XKR also came with 18-inch alloys as standard (as opposed to the 17-inch standard on the XK8 although both were available with 19-inch and 20-inch wheels.
The main difference between the two models, which both came with an all-leather interior, was the performance capability, with the XKR having a higher top speed of 155mph, and the ability to accelerate from 0-60 in 5.2 seconds.
Aston Martin DB7 – Alfred Dunhill Edition
Yes, we know that the Aston Martin DB7 was first manufactured in 1994, so you have been able to import them into the USA for a few years now. Being the “entry-level” model, the DB7 was the most produced Aston Martin model ever, so we’ve looked around for something a bit more on the rare side.
In 1998, a special edition DB7 was produced, with around 78 being made. This was the Alfred Dunhill Edition and, like the example in the picture above, this came in Dunhill Silver Platinum Metallic Silver. Alfred Dunhill is a fashion company, which was founded in London in 1893 by a man of the same name.
Initially, Alfred Dunhill Limited was a saddlery business, which morphed into a tobacconist’s 10 years later. This presumably is the reason why the Aston Martin DB7 Alfred Dunhill Edition comes with a built-in “humidor”, which is a device to store cigars and tobacco at the correct humidity. Strange it never caught on!
Land Rover Discovery Mark II
The ultimate in British car manufacturing, Autoshippers already ship hundreds of Land Rovers to the USA a year. But 1998 saw the introduction of the Land Rover Discovery Mark II. It maintained the robust boxy design of previous Land Rover models but, according to the marketing team at Land Rover, it came with ‘720 differences’
The engine was new, a five-cylinder 2.5litre turbodiesel, with a 4.0litre V8. Inside, there was a new dashboard, more supportive seats, and a longer and wider body to give yourself and your passengers more room. As with its predecessor, the Mark II came with options for 7 seats, although now all were forward-facing and could actually accommodate 7 adults.
We are sure that we are going to see an influx of Land Rover Discovery Mark II’s exported to the USA from the UK in the coming years, as it is thought of as much improved from the first incarnation of Land Rover Discovery which, as we have said, are already popular with our customers.
BMW Z3 E36/8 Coupe
Now, this is one that is going to split the room. The BMW Z3 was first produced in 1995 as a 2-door roadster, model code E36/7. It gained worldwide recognition with a starring role in “Goldeneye”, which was Pierce Brosnan’s debut James Bond film.
Although the Roadster had a removable hardtop roof as an optional extra, BMW decided in 1998 that the model needed a more permanent roof, and the Coupe was introduced in January of that year.
As you can see from the picture, the side profile may be deemed to not be the most stylish looking of BMW’s output. In fact, it has been given nicknames such as “clown shoe” and “bread van” by some critics and in Germany it has been referred to as the “sports shoe”
However, there weren’t many produced, so the BMW Z3 Coupe is one of the rarer models that you may come across in your search for newly 25-year-old vehicles.
Yamaha YZF R1
It’s not all cars, cars, cars here at Autoshippers. We are also very proud of how we professionally crate and ship motorbikes. The import of Motorbikes into the USA is also governed by the 25-year-old rule, so if you are looking for some two-wheeled transport you’ll need to be aware of this.
1998 saw Yamaha launch the YZF-R1 Sports Bike. With a reported top speed of 172mph and with 148hp, the 1998 model has a 0 to 60mph time of 2.96 seconds and 0 to 100mph of 5.93 seconds. At the time it was the most powerful, lightest, and most compact large-capacity sports bike ever built.
Although popular, it’s said that the Yamaha YZF-R1 was uncomfortable at low speeds and hopeless for a pillion at any speed. So if it’s functionality you are looking for, maybe this isn’t the bike for you however, if it’s simply performance that you crave then maybe the Yamaha YZF-R1 should be on your Christmas list for 2023.
Autoshipper’s Services to The USA
Whether you have a newly 25-year-old vehicle or one that has been importable into the USA for a while, Autoshippers are here to help. We have regular scheduled departures to the USA on our Ro-Ro service.
RoRo stands for Roll-on Roll-off, and this shipping service utilises specially designed vessels that allow for vehicles to be driven on and driven off, rather than needing to be loaded in shipping containers. This international transportation method is the preferred choice for a lot of vehicle manufacturers, as well as dealers and private individuals.
If you like more details of our services to the USA or anywhere else in the world, for cars, motorbikes, or any other vehicle, then please visit the Autoshippers website. If you have a specific inquiry, then you can contact us by filling out the quotation form found on this page or calling us on 0800 389 0784 / +44 117 982 8123.
All quotations are free, with no obligation, and our knowledgeable team are happy to help with any questions you have about the shipping process.
