Importing from the UK

[Ravi]

I reside in Michian, and was thinking about purchasing a Atom in the UK and shipping it to the U.S.

I have just a couple questions:

1. Will a 2002-2003 Right hand drive Ariel Atom be street legel in the U.S.
2. Will I be able to register, insure the vehicle.

Thank you,

Ravi

[Mr.Woolery]

Other UK Atoms have been sucessfully imported and registered in the US, though as far as I know they were all left hand drive vehicles.  However, it is my understanding that they can be converted from RHD to LHD fairly easily (though you'll need to do some chassis tab welding to do it).

You should check your state's registration req's though.

[dp35]

[quote="MrWoolery"]
Other UK Atoms have been sucessfully imported and registered in the US
[/quote]

Not exactly.  AFAIK, every Atom imported to the US was a rolling chassis, which as we all know, you can no longer get.   

I checked into this, and I know that in California, a used turn key UK Atom can't be registered.  It would be considered a "gray market" vehicle, which Calif. DMV doesn't allow.

If you could get a roller you might be able to pull it off.  Also, there is an option to get Atoms ambidextrous (sp?), but I don't think many have this option.