Your chance to legally import one of these cars is right around the corner.
Lotus Carlton
The
Lotus Carlton was the fastest sport sedan in its day. Back when Lotus
was still owned by GM, there was a need for a fast sedan. So, the
twin-turbo straight-six engine produced 377-hp and the car used a
six-speed manual transmission from a Corvette ZR1. And if you don't want
the inconvenience that comes with right-hand drive, import a Lotus
Omega, which was the European-market version of the car.
Lancia Delta Integrale Evoluzione
Later in 2016 you'll be able to import one of the ultimate versions of
the Lancia Delta Integrale, the Evoluzione. It was wider than the
standard car and had an extra 10 horsepower, bringing the total up to
210.
Nissan Figaro
If you think the Figaro looks older than its 25-or-so-odd years, you'd
be right. It was built during a time that Japan was going through a
classic car boom, and predictably, became a classic itself. The clean
and simple lines would definitely make the Figaro a head turner if you
drove it down your block.
Mazda Eunos Cosmo
The Eunos Cosmo probably would not have sold well in this country when
it first came out. For one, it was costly—most likely more than what
people were willing to pay for a Mazda. It had a very exotic engine,
too: a 2.0-liter twin-turbo triple-rotor. It was also automatic only,
since that was the way the Japanese market preferred it's big cruisers
back then. Bad fuel economy was also a problem, but how do you say no to
a goddamned three rotor car?
Honda Beat
Tiny, with two seats, a mid-mounted engine, rear-drive, and a
convertible top. All the ingredients for greatness. And it was designed
by Pininfarina. Japan gets the Beat's successor, the S660, but we'll be
able to get our own Beats come May of next year.
Venturi Atlantique 260
This is the story of one of those boutique supercar manufacturers that
disappeared into anonymity. Founded in France, Venturi had companies
like Ferrari set in its cross hairs. The 260 had a 2.8-liter turbo V6
engine that made 256-hp. 0-60 came in 5.2 seconds and top speed was
about 167 mph. Pretty good for 1991. So if you aren't in the mood for a
90s Ferrari like everyone else, be different. Buy a Venturi.
Maserati Shamal
Powered by a 3.2-liter twin-turbo V8, the Shamal made about 326-hp. It
could hit 60 from a standstill in 5.3 seconds. And just look at those
rear arches. Both elegant and aggressive, they did well to offset the
car's pointier nose. While you could argue that the Maseratis of today
flounder a bit in image, the Shamal was a Gandini-designed standalone
great. Did we leave anything out? Let us know in the comments!
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