Since the US market was swept by several gray imported cars in the 80s, legislators established the “25-year-old rule”. This means you can import any vehicle that wasn’t homologated for the US market 25 years after its introduction. In 2025, you can import cars that were presented in 2000. So, what will you be bringing to the States? Before you decide, just a reminder that classic vehicles are exempt from the new Trump tariff plan.
1. Alfa Romeo 147
The Alfa Romeo 147 was one of the brand’s most stylish and spirited hatchbacks, replacing the 145 and 146. Designed by Walter de Silva, it featured sharp Italian styling with a driver-focused interior. Available with engines ranging from a peppy 1.6L Twin Spark to a 3.2L V6 in the GTA version (released later), the 147 offered the charm and handling expected from an Alfa.
While the US never officially received the 147, it’s been a cult favorite overseas. Now that it meets the 25-year rule, fans of unique European compacts can import this car legally, especially those wanting to experience the raw edge of the V6-powered GTA variant.
2. Holden UTE (VU Series)
Think of it as the Australian cousin to the El Camino — the Holden UTE blends the practicality of a pickup with the soul of a muscle car. The VU UTE was built on the same platform as the Commodore and offered V6 and V8 engine options. The most desirable variant? The UTE SS packs a 5.7L LS1 V8 engine under the hood.
With a loyal fan base and its unorthodox style, the Holden UTE is now legal to import and offers a distinctive choice for someone looking for a head-turning utility vehicle that’s just as fun to drive as it is to look at.
3. Noble M12 GTO
The Noble M12 is a British-built mid-engine sports car with serious performance chops. Depending on the version, it utilizes a twin-turbocharged 2.5L or 3.0L Ford Duratec V6 engine. Despite its relatively unknown status in the US, the M12 became an icon for its featherweight chassis, excellent power-to-weight ratio, and track-ready performance.
Because it was never sold stateside and had to meet strict emissions and safety standards, the M12 wasn’t easy to get here—until now. As of 2025, the earliest versions are import-legal, making this car a prime choice for performance purists looking for something rare and thrilling.
4. Opel Speedster / Vauxhall VX220
Co-developed with Lotus (and based on the same platform as the Lotus Elise), the Opel Speedster (also known as the Vauxhall VX220 in the UK) is a lightweight, rear-wheel-drive roadster with a mid-engine layout. It was equipped with a 2.2L naturally aspirated or a 2.0L turbocharged engine, offering a surprising pace to match its agile handling.
It’s essentially a more affordable and slightly more practical Elise — and with its unique badge and European flavor, it now becomes a desirable import for fans of minimalist driving thrills.
5. Ruf RGT
Ruf is more than just a tuner; it’s officially recognized as a car manufacturer. The RGT, launched in 2000, was based on the Porsche 996-generation 911 but featured extensive modifications. It boasted a naturally aspirated 3.6L flat-six, making over 380 horsepower, and had upgraded suspension, brakes, and aerodynamics.
If you love Porsche but want something even more exotic, the Ruf RGT is the answer. Its bespoke craftsmanship and rarity make it one of the more coveted high-performance cars that are now eligible for US import.
6. Suzuki Ignis
Small, funky, and surprisingly capable, the Suzuki Ignis is a subcompact hatchback with a tall-boy stance and available all-wheel drive. It’s beloved in Japan and Europe for its nimble handling and practicality, especially in urban environments.
Though later models would see more rally influence (like the Ignis Sport), the original is a charming and affordable JDM quirk. With the 25-year rule in effect, you can now import this Japanese city runabout and enjoy a piece of automotive culture that never made it stateside.
7. Lancia Lybra
The Lancia Lybra was a premium compact sedan and wagon built on a modified Alfa Romeo 156 platform. It offered luxurious interiors, soft ride comfort, and a range of Italian engines, from 1.6L petrols to 2.4L five-cylinder diesels. Though it flew under the radar in Europe, its rarity makes it a standout for collectors.
For fans of obscure, refined European cars, the Lybra is now importable and brings Lancia’s blend of eccentricity and elegance to American roads — a rare treat given the brand’s long absence from the US market.
8. Peugeot 607
The Peugeot 607 was France’s answer to the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E-Class. With sleek styling, plush interiors, and a range of inline-4, V6, and diesel engine options, it offered a smooth, refined ride. It wasn’t a sports sedan, but excelled in long-distance cruising comfort and high-speed stability.
Now that it’s legal to import, those wanting to experience French luxury motoring, with all its quirks and charm, can finally bring a 607 stateside and enjoy something truly offbeat yet classy.
9. Ultima GTR
The Ultima GTR is the epitome of a track weapon for the road. Sold as a kit or complete car, it featured a lightweight spaceframe chassis and a mid-mounted Chevrolet V8. Performance figures were staggering — sub-3-second 0-60 times and top speeds over 200 mph, depending on spec.
This is not your average weekend car. The GTR is raw, unfiltered, and extremely fast. As of 2025, the earliest factory-built examples can be imported, making it possible for die-hard track enthusiasts to own one without compromising legally.
10. Ariel Atom (Mk1)
The Ariel Atom burst onto the scene in 2000, blowing minds with its exposed tubular chassis and super-lightweight construction. With no roof, no doors, and often no windshield, the Atom is the purest expression of driving. The original versions came with naturally aspirated Honda VTEC engines and later offered supercharged variants.
The Atom’s performance-to-weight ratio made it a track legend, and it’s now eligible for import in its original Mk1 form. If you’re craving something raw, loud, and connected, the Atom offers a sensational driving experience.