“How the Jaguar XJ220 & Porsche 959 Got into the United States” by Drivin’ Ivan

Drivin' Ivan Katz with the Jaguar XJ 220.

 

You would think that if you were the richest man in the world that you could drive whatever car you like, no matter what the price. Well this was not the case prior to the “Show or Display Exemption” being passed into law. 

 

Bill Gates (the word’s most famous and wealthiest retiree) wanted to have a Porsche 959, but was told that it was not federalized in the US, so it was therefore illegal to import. Well if you happen to have the clout of a Mr. Gates during the Clinton presidency, then you can certainly work out some sort of deal with the government. Clinton helped to make it legal to import European cars that could pass certain criteria.

 

According to the application the vehicle must be either of technological or historical significance, or if over 500 were made, it must be of exceptional significance. You also need to supply photographs, production verification, proof of insurance limiting the vehicle to 2,500 miles annually, and documentation to support the historical or technical significance if the vehicle is not on the list of those cars already approved by the National Highway & Transportation Safety Administration. 

 

Some of the cars already approved are the 1984 Audi Sport Quattro, BMW Z1, Bugatti EB110, Ferrari Enzo #400 (Pope John Paul II), Ford RS200 Evolution, Italdesign Aztec, Lotus Opel Omega (Left Hand Drive), McLaren F1, Mercedes Benz 560 SEL (Ex-Gorbachev armored), MG TF (80^th Anniversary Limited Edition Right Hand Drive UK), Peugot 205 Turbo 16, Porsche 959, Porsche GT1, RMA Amphi-Ranger 2800 SR, Rover Mini Cooper S (last 50 made), and of course, the Jaguar XJ220. A pretty exclusive list of cars I would say! 

 

Some notable cars that did not make the list and are not allowed to be imported into the US include the Audi Avant RS2, Daimler-Chrysler Smart Car, Jaguar XJ220 S (race car), Land Rover Defender 130, Lotus 340R, Nissan Skyline GTS-T, Porsche 959 S (race car), 2000 Volkswagen Beetle (Old Style), and the 2003 Volkswagen Beetle (Ultimate Edition). Seems like its OK to go fast, but just not too ridiculously race car fast! 

 

Happily now Bill Gates and Jerry Seinfeld are free to roam about their perspective coasts in Porsche’s ultimate road car (well ultimate at least I guess before the Carrera GT came along!). I have read now that Bill Gates’ 959 might be threatened again by the environmentally conscious Seattle government. They might be trying to overturn the “Show or Display Exemption” in Washington State.

 

So I guess that money can buy you “almost” everything according to the Feds! By the way if a reader would like to import one of these as a gift, I’ll take the McLaren F1 please, any color will do!