In a message dated 2/29/00 9:40:35 PM Pacific Standard Time, dbeierl@IBM.NET
writes:

<< I'm no authority, but it was discussed on the list not too long ago and as
 I understand it if that vehicle (make/model) was not officially released in
 this country, then you simply are not going to be able to bring one in from
 outside for highway use. >>

The SA Vanagon, from what I understand, utilizes the same shell we have in
our vans. The DOT should already have crash data on this model. The Bill
Gates story, if true, would be due to the fact that not all Porsches are
built on the same shell. It sounds like a fairy tale because, as I recall,
you have to either destroy or export the vehicle if you are not able get
certification within 6 months of it's arrival on US soil.

You are correct in assuming that you will not be permitted to import any
vehicle for use on any public road unless you are willing to submit a copy
(of the vehicle) for destructive testing.

BenT
San Francisco