My crazy idea

[RedBaron]

I'm not sure about the legal ramifications, but I know this can be done.

I want to get a RHD Cooper S and trick it out. I've got plenty of connections in the UK, having lived there for a few years. I've thoroughly studied some stripped out MINIs and to do a conversion to RHD on a US-spec car isn't very feasable. Anything can be done, but you have to change the dash, all the wiring, the brake and ABS piping, clutch lines, etc.

An easier route would be to grey market one via Canada or just pack one into a shipping container as "parts" and bring it in. Titling would be an issue, but its just paperwork. I think the car is probably already US legal as far as safety and emissions compliance.

Anyone got any ideas? Maybe I could become a part time postman or meter reader so I can "legally" import a RHD car.

Going back to a pre-67 won't cut it, I want an '03-newer.

RB

[simplygriff]

Do it! I was tempted to attempt to get a RHD Integra Type-R but had no idea where to start and didn't have any connections. If you have the ability and it's not too cost prohibitive I think you should totally go for it. You would definatly be unique especially here in NC.
-G

[RedBaron]

I could get the parts and make one, but that is a lot of work.
RB

[simplygriff]

I think it'd be easier to part it in. That was about the only way to get the Type-R from Japan. Might not take as long to put it all together as it could rewiring and moving existing parts.
-G

[RedBaron]

you'd have to strip the entire interior, take the engine/trans/crossmember out, drill out the firewall spotwelds, weld in the new firewall and reassemble. The sucky part is moving the brake master cylinder and all the piping, ABS modules, etc.

RB

[simplygriff]

If you brought it in as parts wouldn't you just have to reassemble everything. Might even be able to simply bring in the engine seperately and that be it. I dunno, like I said I had no experience in dealing with something like this. that's why I gave up and got a MINI. :D
-G