[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/blog\/americas-illegal-cars\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/blog\/americas-illegal-cars\/","headline":"America\u2019s Most Illegal Cars","name":"America\u2019s Most Illegal Cars","description":"A surprising number of cars that we probably take for granted have never graced the roads of America. Of course, there are plenty of amazing vehicles over there that we rarely see out and about in the UK \u2013 when was the last time you saw a Chevy Camaro parked up at your local supermarket? Today though, we are lamenting the cars that have been cruelly ripped from the grasp of US petrolheads because of strict safety regulations, emissions standards […]","datePublished":"2017-12-08","dateModified":"2017-12-11","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/author\/matthew-collett\/#Person","name":"Matthew Collett","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/author\/matthew-collett\/","identifier":5,"description":"Max Wheeler is a leading motoring journalist and classic car specialist at Smart Motoring, renowned for his sharp insight and infectious passion for all things automotive. With years of experience covering motoring news, supercars, and the enduring legacy of classic cars, Max brings stories to life with style and authority. Whether it\u2019s the roar of a Lamborghini, the elegance of an Aston Martin DB5, or the cultural impact of vintage motoring icons, he delivers expert commentary that inspires enthusiasts and collectors alike. Dedicated to celebrating the heritage and future of driving, Max Wheeler is your trusted voice for classic car news and beyond.","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/64eca1152247aa111ace79ff1c03782b175df9dc21d2092364ff21e1cf5e38fa?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/64eca1152247aa111ace79ff1c03782b175df9dc21d2092364ff21e1cf5e38fa?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Smart Motoring","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/smart-motoring_news_logo_g-e1765846726493.webp","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/smart-motoring_news_logo_g-e1765846726493.webp","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/Toyota-Supra-feature.jpg","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/Toyota-Supra-feature.jpg","height":520,"width":1200},"url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/blog\/americas-illegal-cars\/","about":["BLOG"],"wordCount":364,"keywords":["illegal cars","Jaguar XJ220","Lotus Elise","Nissan Skyline GT-R","Toyota Supra","TVR Sagaris","TVR Tuscan"],"articleBody":"A surprising number of cars that we probably take for granted have never graced the roads of America. Of course, there are plenty of amazing vehicles over there that we rarely see out and about in the UK \u2013 when was the last time you saw a Chevy Camaro parked up at your local supermarket?Today though, we are lamenting the cars that have been cruelly ripped from the grasp of US petrolheads because of strict safety regulations, emissions standards or the fact they do not meet \u201cShow or Display\u201d requirements.R34 Nissan Skyline GT-RThis legendary Skyline, along with most of its kind, has been outlawed in the US. The V-spec is perhaps the biggest lost to the American fan base, with its advanced (by 90\u2019s standards) tech that would give you all the usual readings, plus a G-force counter!TVR TuscanApparently the 1996-2006 Tuscans\u2019 acceleration speeds are just too much for the American market, or maybe the fact that the car has no airbags or anti-lock brakes had something to do with its illegal status\u2026Jaguar XJ220Seen as a possible Mustang rival, Ford has kept this one out of the country, although one example of the rare S model was welcomed. This is rather out of character for the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), seeing as an XJ220-S produces a breathtaking 690hp.Lotus EliseThe Series 1 (1996-2001) and limited edition 340R released in 2000 never ventured across the pond to join the Series 2 “Federal” Elise. Lotus\u2019 S1 reaches 150mph and 118bph, whilst the 340R with its great power to weight ratio has an impressive 177bph – aren\u2019t us Brits lucky!?Toyota SupraSupra lovers in the USA may never know the joy of driving a 1994 model, as this, and only this, model year is strictly off-limits. This particular JDM masterpiece may be Fast, but its lack of availability undoubtable makes US fans Furious!TVR SagarisIt seems a crime that the Sagaris is yet another TVR that you can\u2019t take for a cruise around America. Models from 2005-2006 have been banned, which is a real shame as this sports car, built for endurance racing, is one of their best."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Blog","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/blog\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"America\u2019s Most Illegal Cars","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/blog\/americas-illegal-cars\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]