1997 945 Polar looking for a NA twin?

Metallo · Post by **Metallo** » 12 Apr 2015, 13:03

Hi all,

My Polar is in Canada since 2012, and I am the original owner since 1997.
During these years, where I moved, 'She' moved as the fifth member of the family

The Polar version is a four-cylinder Turbo petrol engine (B200FT), it was sold exclusively in Italy, England, The Netherlands and Japan because of tax laws that made it unfavorably with engines over two liters.

I am just curious to know if I am the only one in NA to have this car or anybody else as seen another one around?

Alex

: My Polar

Post by **jimmy57** » 12 Apr 2015, 14:08

How did you get it into Canada?
It would not be legal in US unless you are diplomat and have it on a scrap or export surety bond.
I have only seen Polars in Sweden.

93Regina · Post by **93Regina** » 12 Apr 2015, 21:22

jimmy57 wrote:It would not be legal in US unless

Imported motor vehicles are subject to safety standards under the Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966, revised under the Imported Vehicle Safety Compliance Act of 1988; to bumper standards under the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act of 1972, which became effective in 1978; and to air pollution control standards under the Clean Air Act of 1968, as amended in 1977, and 1990.

If vehicles manufactured abroad conform to U.S. safety, bumper, and emission standards, it is because these vehicles are exported for sale in the United States. Therefore, it is unlikely that a vehicle obtained abroad meets all relevant standards.

lummert · Post by **lummert** » 12 Apr 2015, 22:43

Probably the only difference is lighting.

Post by **jimmy57** » 13 Apr 2015, 06:55

The differences for legal import are numerous.
Does the seatbelt warning chime sound meet US std?
Does the warning come on at the correct time?
Do the remotes use an approved radio frequency?
Is there a certificate of compliance with emissions? The fact that it has converters and such is not the same as having been run through US spec testing in an approved testing facility.
Is the lighting US DOT certified and also marked as DOT approved with the correct approval number?
Does the speedometer show MPH as large typeface and KPH as secondary in an approved typeface?
Does the warning lamp for engine emissions show in an approved text? (the Euro Lambda symbol is not approved).
Does the brake failure warning comply?

The answer to all of the above is no with one possible exception: the door lock remotes may be OK.
There could be some safety items not in compliance with bumpers.

You can import a car, on a once per lifetime exception, if it is 25 years old or more (I don't think the age has been changed). The car has to be the same as a model that is approved. I would think the Polar could be demonstrated as the same as a 940 but I'm not sure about the 940 not being made for US in 1997 and how that impacts. The vehicle has to be imported by a bonded and licensed importer that has the certificates for this type vehicle importation. A bond of more than the value of vehicle has to be posted.
This one sort of get out of jail free deal is there so classic car enthusiasts have a way to bring in that Ferrari or Lambo that is worth the still high cost of import.

93Regina · Post by **93Regina** » 13 Apr 2015, 16:59

jimmy57 wrote:Is there a certificate of compliance with emissions?

Documentation

For CBP clearance you will need the shipper's or carrier's original bill of lading, the bill of sale, foreign registration, and any other documents covering the vehicle. You will also be required to complete EPA form 3520-1 and DOT form HS-7, declaring the emissions and safety provisions under which the vehicle is being imported. Vehicles that meet all U.S. emission requirements will bear manufacturer's label on the engine compartment in English, attesting to that fact. For vehicles that lack such a label, the CBP inspector at the port of entry may require proof of eligibility to import under the EPA exemptions or exclusions specified on form 3520-1.

Metallo · Post by **Metallo** » 13 Apr 2015, 18:47

jimmy57 wrote:How did you get it into Canada?
It would not be legal in US unless you are diplomat and have it on a scrap or export surety bond.
I have only seen Polars in Sweden.

Hi Jimmy,

The purpose of my inquiry was purely to know if there's another one in NA.
It is legal in Canada to import vehicles older than 15 years of age as they are not regulated at the time of importation by the Motor Vehicle Safety Act.
This means that you can import a vehicle into Canada if they meet Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) entry requirements.

The exact day my car was 15 years old, it arrived into Canada, I admit this was a coincidence but it was a pleasant one

Given that this is illegal in the US, I guess I will focus on the Canadian market to find another Polar, but I think it will be difficult.

Thank you for the feedback.

Alex

93Regina · Post by **93Regina** » 13 Apr 2015, 19:54

Metallo wrote:Given that this is illegal in the US, I guess I will focus on the Canadian market to find another Polar

From someone who recently brought into US from England a 1988 245:

Federal - "25 Yrs is the DOT requirement before it's exempt and 20 yrs is the EPA age requirement for being exempt."

State - Varies