Found an SVT Cobra... Export model!

Eric97Snake · 07-23-2007, 01:20 PM

Well, as I'm new to the forum, I'll go ahead and introduce myself.

My name is Eric and I'm currently stationed here in Kuwait, working at the American Embassy as a I.T. Specialist for the Department of State.

In an embassy newsletter, I found an advertisement for a 1997 Rio Red Mustang Cobra. I promply called the owner and he brought his Mustang over for me to see.

I have come to find out that this is an Export model Cobra, Complete with all the export features! Fender flares, Folding mirrors, Amber tail lights, Kilometer odometer, KPH / MPH speedometer... It's all here! I'll either post pictures in this forum (if permissable) or the Pics / video gallery.

My concern comes to this: This car was exported to Japan back in November of 1996, The manual, the labels, everything is in Japanese. At some point in it's life, it was hit in the driver side fender, but has since been repaired (New fender I assume, No runs in the paint or overspray though!

), but it has no air bags in the vehicle.

After my two-year tour in Kuwait, I have every intention of getting this car back in the States and streetable. I'm wondering if any hardcore guru's have ever encountered an Export model Cobra or would know what needs to be done in order to Certify it to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.

nckissfan · 07-23-2007, 01:49 PM

hey, welcome to the SCMC board. I saw your thread you have over on SVTperformance. That is a great looking Cobra.

I hope someone here can help you find the info that you need.

nckissfan · 07-23-2007, 03:32 PM

I did a little research in my free time, and found this. I hope it helps

http://www.itintl.com/howto/Import_a_car.php

Eric97Snake · 07-23-2007, 04:43 PM

Wow... I guess I could have figured that out on my own... Thank you!

I don't think I'm too far outside the box as being a citizen of the United States on a Diplomatic mission, or if any corners get cut for that reason.

My rationale is that I can do most the work myself in the next two years and not have that much to pay into converting it to FMVSS standards.....

The thing that worries me now is the "DOT bond for one and a half times the vehicle's dutiable value."

07-23-2007, 01:20 PM	#1
Eric97Snake Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 3	Found an SVT Cobra... Export model! Well, as I'm new to the forum, I'll go ahead and introduce myself. My name is Eric and I'm currently stationed here in Kuwait, working at the American Embassy as a I.T. Specialist for the Department of State. In an embassy newsletter, I found an advertisement for a 1997 Rio Red Mustang Cobra. I promply called the owner and he brought his Mustang over for me to see. I have come to find out that this is an Export model Cobra, Complete with all the export features! Fender flares, Folding mirrors, Amber tail lights, Kilometer odometer, KPH / MPH speedometer... It's all here! I'll either post pictures in this forum (if permissable) or the Pics / video gallery. My concern comes to this: This car was exported to Japan back in November of 1996, The manual, the labels, everything is in Japanese. At some point in it's life, it was hit in the driver side fender, but has since been repaired (New fender I assume, No runs in the paint or overspray though! ), but it has no air bags in the vehicle. After my two-year tour in Kuwait, I have every intention of getting this car back in the States and streetable. I'm wondering if any hardcore guru's have ever encountered an Export model Cobra or would know what needs to be done in order to Certify it to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.

07-23-2007, 01:49 PM	#2
nckissfan Everyone hates a winner! Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Browns Summit, NC Posts: 2,810	hey, welcome to the SCMC board. I saw your thread you have over on SVTperformance. That is a great looking Cobra. I hope someone here can help you find the info that you need. __________________

07-23-2007, 03:32 PM	#3
nckissfan Everyone hates a winner! Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Browns Summit, NC Posts: 2,810	I did a little research in my free time, and found this. I hope it helps http://www.itintl.com/howto/Import_a_car.php __________________

07-23-2007, 04:43 PM	#4
Eric97Snake Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 3	Wow... I guess I could have figured that out on my own... Thank you! I don't think I'm too far outside the box as being a citizen of the United States on a Diplomatic mission, or if any corners get cut for that reason. My rationale is that I can do most the work myself in the next two years and not have that much to pay into converting it to FMVSS standards..... The thing that worries me now is the "DOT bond for one and a half times the vehicle's dutiable value." __________________ 1997 Rio Red Cobra - Export spec! - Bone stock....until I figure out what Kuwaiti regulations are... Back in the States: 2005 Performance White Mustang GT 93 Octane tune by the good folks @ Brenspeed K&N FIPK Cold air kit Pypes Off-road H-pipe Flowmaster 40 series - American Thunder mufflers Hurst Shifter 13.994 @ 102.35 MPH... Video

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)