The question about getting skylines always comes up. Due to recent events, I thought I'd share the current status. Enjoy.
#1: Skylines are no longer legal to import and federalize in the USA, not even Motorex (who is out of business) can do it. Those that are in Motorex's possesion, and were in the process of being legalized when the shit hit the fan "MAY" be released into the USA, as it was considered 'Good Faith'. The Skylines that were previously federalized by Motorex are 'grandfathered' in, and are safe.
#2: RBMotoring can not legally import a skyline at this time, NOBODY CAN. I do know they have submitted petitions, but those have not been approved yet. A person that was formally employed by G & K (the people who did the original petition for the skyline since motorex wasn't an RI at the time) opened his own RI, and submitted petitions, and they have been rejected.
#3: So how did 'these' people get theres? Through deviation. The cars are imported with a HS-7 form as 'Parts Only', and then they are re-assembled. They than get a title company to file for the title. This is easy in some states, such as Florida. Just becuase the car is titled and registered does not mean that it is 'LEGAL'. It just means that you legally own it (title) and you have registered it with the state and paid taxes (Registration). The car does not meet NHSTA or EPA regulations, and it was brought into the USA under false pretenses (HS7 'Parts Only'...can't be re-assemled for road use). obviously many federal laws broken, but not a big deal till you get caught.
Now this is when everybody says 'they'll crush your car'. The government has the right to crush the car, but over the past 2 years, I have not heard of a Skyline being crushed. I have seen at least 6 of these Skylines seized and put up @ gov't auctions for export only (and I don't check very often).
And for all the 'Naysayers' who say that the Gov't doesn't do this...than check out the results of this auction for August 11th, 2005. Item 199 and 200 in particular.
http://www.treas.gov/auctions/customs/0527009.html
Sad to know that somebody paid $20k+ for a car that was confiscated and sold at auction for $3k. Let's not forget any federal charges, fines, etc. All for a damn car.
Sorry to vent, I want one too...but I'd rather have a truly legal one, and not a headache.
Charles