i know you can but.......
the model has to be one we did not have here(at least the sub model) example, if you wanted to bring in a skyline gtr, you can. but if you want to bring in a ferrari testarossa, you can't reason? we had this model here. they define this as "signifacant madel" and yes, you can do no crash mods(still has to pass epa) and they limit you to x miles yearly. you also need to post a bond upon arrival equal to the value of the vehicle, then have it comply(no right hand drive). i am sure that you can find an exporter in japan that is familiar with these laws, big caveat here! if all else fails, call the dot directly. get stuff in writing. (oh, forget the lancer evo,supra, wrx and type r intergra's....you will never get them here as they are too well known) i almost had a ralleye golf imported a few years ago, seems the euro cars are easier to get in. however there is a loophole that you could exploit. if you read the laws carefully it says that if this is your own personal car(over 1 year ownership) you get a 1 time exclusion. no fuss no muss no restrictions(except epa stds of car's year it seems) the show car clause is that, show car/race car only. you will not get title to the vehicle and it would be branded for off road use only. the 1 year no mods allowance is called carnet, it allows you to bring a car in for 1 year, no restriction(even epa) how ever it must be gone in 1 year or they confiscate it and crush it!(and you lose your bond)
check with you guys at the base lemon lot, they may know more about it. this does not mean that you can't sell the jap engines and tranny's to the many eager ricer's here and make big bucks!ra