Key Points
- The US NHTSA 25-year rule means any vehicle 25+ years old is exempt from federal safety and emissions standards
- As of 2026, all vehicles manufactured in 2001 are now eligible for import to the USA
- 2001 was a landmark year for performance hatches, sports cars, and the launch of the 'new' BMW Mini
- Many 2001 European cars were never sold in the USA, creating strong collector demand
- Increased RoRo shipping capacity in 2026 makes this the ideal time to export
The 25-Year Gateway Opens
If you've been following the American classic car scene, you'll know about the NHTSA 25-year rule. Put simply: any vehicle 25 years or older is exempt from the strict federal safety and emissions standards that normally govern vehicle imports into the United States.
This rule has transformed the import market for Japanese sports cars (hello, R34 Skyline GT-R) and is now opening the doors for a new generation of European metal. As of 2026, the entire 'Class of 2001' is eligible - and what a class it is.
2001 was a golden era for enthusiast vehicles. The dotcom bubble may have burst, but automotive engineers were still delivering analogue driving experiences with just enough modern refinement. No turbo lag disguised by electronic trickery. No heavy batteries. Just pure, mechanical connection between driver and machine.
Why 'Forbidden Fruit' Commands Premium Prices
Many 2001 European vehicles were never officially sold in the USA due to different regulations, left-hand-drive requirements, or simply market decisions. American enthusiasts have watched these cars in video games, films, and on Top Gear for decades - but could never legally own one. Until now. This pent-up demand creates genuine arbitrage opportunities for UK sellers.