Recently, my 1980 911 Targa was flagged by the state of California as a grey market vehicle after having it in the state for 5 years. To re-register my car, I must spend $2500 for the state to perform an emmisions test. To bypass this test, I can either show them I have a "Federally Certified" vehicle decal under the rear hood, or obtain a letter from Porsche stating that my car meets US EPA standards. Has anyone been in a similar situation? Any info or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Craig

 

Yeah, I always loved California. Why I live here.

Their records may be in error - I would contact Porsche and see if they have records, where this car was sold, etc.

If not them, the Porsche Club of America (they may have more ideas and data than Porsche).

If you pay $2500 for the test, it there a guarrantee your car would pass?

And, next time you vote, remember this.

 

Actually, I love good ol' former governor Gray Davis who approved the new restrictions proposed by the California EPA.

Good idea, I will contact Porsche and possibly the PCA to find out the complete history. Although I'm 95% sure the car was intended to be sold in Europe and does conform to the US Federal standards. This wouldn't be an issue if there were a decal under the hood indicating it is US EPA certified.

If I decide to have the car tested and it fails right from the start, the lab will cut the test short and charge me $1,000. Then I'd have to pay for the upgrades to the engine/exhaust system performed by my mechanic. Once the retrofitting is complete, I take it back to the state lab and pay the $2,500 to have the test completed. If a car barely passes the standard smog test, as mine did, it surely will not pass the state's emission test. What I need is the federally certified decal or a letter from Porsche.

 

I wonder where you buy those decals?

 

I wish I knew. Going to turn to the PCA.