Jens,

Unfortunately, it can be a PITA (can I say that?).  The temporary import
permit explicitly states that the vehicle must be exported or destroyed by
the end of the permit (usually 1 year).

It may be possible to process the vehicle as an import with NHTSA approval.
Most likely, they would allow this change of status, however, it would
require the filing of another entry with US Customs, and the posting of a
DOT import bond.  The owners would have to contract with a Registered
Importer to perform the required modifications and certification.

Doing it any other way would open the new owners to some serious liability
issues should anything "bad" happen (like a major injury accident).

Hope that helps.

Cheers,

Jeff

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Jens Jakob Andersen
Sent: Monday, June 07, 2010 1:24 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Very special expedition Syncro for sale in the US

Hi Jeff

Sounds interesting.

Do you know what it takes for them to be able to do this legally?

Or can the new owner do the paperwork that needs to be done?

There must be some import-specialists here on the list.

Happy driVWing

Jens Jakob