Can someone on this board help me clarify the following situation (no exactly Ferrari related): I am looking at bringing into the US a car that manufactured in Europe (Alpine Renault) but was exported to the Japanese market - it is not a RHD but European model imported by Renault of Japan. I have been told by the seller that European cars of that vintage (mid 80's) were given a different (short) VIN number once imported to Japan... So instead of having the standard 17 digits (starting in 1982 I think), the manufacturer plate has been replaced and given 8 numbers, which have also been stamped to the chassis - and painted over in yellow. As I am planning to bring to the USA (older than 25 years rule), I want to make sure this is indeed true. Does this sound right? I assume there are quite a few F-cars of that vintage in Japan and was wondering is someone could corroborate what the seller is telling or point to some information that would confirm this practice (before I send the money!!). Thx in advance! Franck Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Yes, I have seen several cars past 82 which have non DOT style VIN numbers. In fact most cars sold outside the US didn't adopt the long VIN years after 82. Most Skyline GT-Rs before the R35 didn't have them and that is the reason the DOT gives them a long VIN to be registered in the US, until the Motorex fiasco that is.
