40 Banned Supercars Now Legal to Import Into the US

Coming to America: Show or Display cars

Introduced in 1999, the ‘Show or Display’ exemption allows you to privately import a car that would not otherwise be street-legal in the United States. Such cars must be classed as historically or technologically significant to be allowed entry by the NHTSA.

Having a car approved for Show or Display is a costly process. It also limits owners to covering no more than 2,500 miles per year.

Vehicle manufacturers appear to be showing a greater awareness of the potential for Show or Display exemption. It allows them to offer American enthusiasts a route to buying a bespoke, limited-production hypercar, but without the need to comply with costly Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS),

The list of vehicles approved under the Show or Display exemption is long, and it continues to grow as enthusiasts bring new models into the United States.

Here, we have focussed on the most exciting post-2000 cars eligible for import into the USA.

2000 Holden HSV GTS R

Australian motoring tastes are fairly similar to those in the USA, with V-8 engines and rear-wheel drive sedans part of automotive folklore. A rivalry between Ford and Holden (General Motors) continues the theme.

One example of the high-performance Holden HSV GTS-R sedan was imported to the U.S. in the early 2000s. A relative of the Cadillac Catera, it combines an LS1 V-8 engine with a six-speed manual transmission.

The car would be used in development testing for the 2004 Pontiac GTO, and was even said to have been driven by GM President, Bob Lutz. More recently, it went under the hammer at the 2019 Mecum Indy auction.

2000 Rover Mini Cooper S

With more than five million examples sold between 1959 and 2000, the original Mini is a true icon of British motoring. The front-wheel drive layout and clever packaging made it a hit around the world, although its appeal in the United States was a little more limited.

Official sales of the Mini to the USA stopped in 1968. However, one of the final examples of the Mini has been imported for Show or Display.

With a 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine, and tiny 13-inch alloy wheels, it might not be the best car for tackling American highways.

2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Roadster

Certainly less common than the Mini Cooper, and with much more power, is the roadster version of the CLK GTR. Created for motorsport homologation purposes, Mercedes had to produce 25 examples to satisfy the FIA.

Initially building two prototypes, and 20 coupes, Mercedes also made a handful of CLK GTR Roadsters. Six open-top examples were created, all powered by a 6.9-liter V-12 engine with more than 600 horsepower.

The third CLK GTR Roadster made was imported into the USA for Show or Display. It was subsequently updated to allow it to be registered as fully street legal, before appearing for sale on eBay in 2013.

2002 Nissan R34 Skyline GT-R M-Spec Nur

The 2002 M Spec Nür version of the R34 Nissan Skyline is one of the most prized by collectors. The name was taken from the Nürburgring Nordschleife race circuit, where development testing of the R34 was undertaken.

Making the M-Spec Nür more desirable was production being limited to just 285 units. These cars came fitted with an uprated version of the twin-turbocharged 2.6-liter six-cylinder engine, featuring larger turbos.

Officially, engine output remained at 276 horsepower, but the true figure was closer to 330 horsepower. Gold valve covers for the engine, instead of red, identify an R34 as being a rare Nür version.

2003 Aston Martin DB7 Zagato Coupe

Aston Martin has had a lengthy relationship with Zagato, the Italian design house. The DB7 Zagato is the first of three collaborations to appear on our list. Somewhat cruelly, it was unveiled at the 2002 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, but only offered for sale in Europe and Asia.

Changes for the 99 Zagato versions of the DB7 included plenty of new bodywork, with a wider front grille, and double-bubble roof. Special Zagato-designed alloy wheels were added, plus a special finish for the leather upholstery.

The 5.9-liter V-12 from the DB7 Vantage was retained, but saw output pushed further to 440 horsepower. A six-speed manual transmission was standard, with a five-speed automatic offered as an option.

2004 Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato

For the ultimate in rarity, how about a one-of-one prototype Aston Martin Zagato? Displayed at the 2004 Geneva Auto Show, and later the 2004 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, this really is a road-going concept car.

Zagato had built the car to test the reaction from buyers, but Aston Martin had too many other competing demands to run a full-build project. It left the sole prototype model to be bought by an American collector, officially importing the car under Show or Display rules.

Based upon the Vanquish coupe, power comes from a 460 horsepower V-12. The car was later advertised for sale at the 2015 Bonhams Quail auction, as part of Monterey Car Week.

2004 MG TF 80th Anniversary Edition

The decision by someone to import an MG TF to the United States makes for an unexpected inclusion on our list. First launched in 1995 as the MGF, the updated TF was released in 2002.

Buyers had a choice of mid-mounted four-cylinder engines, ranging from 116 horsepower to 160 horsepower. With 2004 marking the 80th anniversary of the MG brand, a limited edition model was released to celebrate.

Bespoke paint and upholstery combinations, 16-inch wheels in a shadow chrome finish, and commemorative badging were all included. We can only imagine someone was very attached to their MG TF.

2004 Porsche 911 GT3 RS

Porsche’s 911 GT3 series of cars have created an enviable reputation, originally acting as a homologation model for competition use. Early versions, like the 996-generation GT3, were noted for their hardcore approach to performance.

Porsche opted not to import the even more track-orientated RS version of the 996.2 GT3 to North American. It meant enthusiasts were denied the chance to buy a lightweight GT3 RS, featuring carbon ceramic brakes and a gigantic rear wing.

Judging whether a car should be granted a Show or Display exemption takes into account the volume produced. Typically, fewer than 500 examples is seen as the limit. However, someone must have looked kindly upon the 996.2 GT3, which saw total production of 682 units.

2004 Ferrari Enzo Number 400

Although the Ferrari Enzo was offered for sale in the United States, the 400th and final example was a little different to the others. Instead of being sold normally, the Rosso Scuderia-painted car was gifted by Ferrari to His Holiness Pope John Paul II.

Despite the obvious appeal of a 660 horsepower V-12 hypercar, the Pope suggested that it be sold, with the proceeds donated to charity instead. Following the auction, which saw money raised for those affected by the 2005 tsunami, the car was imported to the United States.

It would later be sold at 2015 RM Sotheby’s Monterey auction, achieving more than $6 million.

2004 Maserati MC12

Even rarer than the Ferrari Enzo it is based upon, the MC12 was built to allow Maserati to return to sports car racing. A total of 50 road-going models were built for homologation purposes, featuring a mildly detuned version of the 6.0-liter V-12 found in the Enzo.

A small number of MC12s have now been converted to be fully street legal in the United States.

This does come at a considerable cost, with some owners reported to have spent more than $250,000 on the process.

2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK DTM AMG Coupe

Mercedes-Benz enjoyed considerable success in the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) during the early 2000s. This led to the production of a celebratory limited edition of the CLK coupe, with a 5.4-liter supercharged V-8 engine.

Capped at 100 examples, the 582 horsepower CLK DTM gained a bespoke aero kit and massively flared fenders. The back seats were removed, with lightweight bucket seats installed up front.

Only offered to European buyers, a top speed of 200 mph was said to be possible.

2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK DTM AMG Convertible

For those who found the hard-top version of the CLK DTM too common, Mercedes-Benz made 80 convertible models, too.

Chopping the roof from the CLK DTM makes the motorsport link even more tenuous. But, it does at least make it easier to hear the thunderous roar from the V-8 engine.

2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Stirling Moss

The partnership between Mercedes-Benz and McLaren resulted in the SLR supercar, and a number of special edition versions of it. Whilst the base SLR was able to be bought legally in the United States, the wildest iteration was not.

Named after the late Sir Stirling Moss, the eponymous creation paid tribute to the Mercedes 300 SLR driven by Moss to win the 1955 Mille Miglia race. The roof and windshield were ditched, creating a pure speedster version of the SLR.

Output from the 5.4-liter supercharged V-8 was increased to 660 horsepower, with weight reduced by more than 440 lb.

The result was a top speed of 217 mph for the $1 million special edition. A total of 75 examples were made, and sold to those who had already purchased a regular SLR.

2010 Morgan AeroMax

Frequently described as quirky or eccentric, Morgan has been producing its own unique take on classic British sports cars since 1910. Launched in 2008, the Aero 8 would be the first all-new design by the company since 1964.

Various versions of the BMW-powered Aero 8 were created, but the AeroMax was by far the most dramatic. Designed by 21-year-old design graduate Chris Lawrence, the AeroMax added art deco styling to the traditional shape.

Power comes from a BMW-sourced 4.4-liter V-8 engine, offering 338 horsepower. Despite the retro looks, thoroughly modern suspension and brakes mean the AeroMax is a true sports car.

2012 Porsche 911 Sport Classic

Another special-edition Porsche 911 that was originally intended only for consumption by European buyers. The Sport Classic paid tribute to the celebrated 911 Carrera 2.7 RS, launched in 1973.

Porsche gave the Sport Classic a retro-style ducktail rear spoiler, a double-bubble roof, and 19-inch Fuchs wheels. All were painted in bespoke Sport Classic Grey, with the interior finished in Espresso leather and fabric trim.

The 3.8-liter flat-six engine gained an extra 23 horsepower, with peak output exceeding 408 horsepower. Porsche sold all of the planned 250 units in under 48 hours.

2011 Aston Martin One 77

Aston Martin billed the One-77 supercar as featuring the most powerful naturally aspirated engine in the world, when announced at the 2009 Geneva Auto Show. The 7.3-liter V-12 delivers 760 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque, with a top speed of 220 mph.

A full carbon fiber monocoque chassis, wearing aluminum bodywork, was fitted with height-adjustable pushrod suspension and carbon ceramic brakes. Aston Martin made 77 examples, asking buyers for more than £1.1 million ($1.5 million).

At least two examples of the One-77 are known to have been imported under Show or Display exemptions.

2011 Oullim Spirra S

Say hello to South Korea’s very own supercar: the Oullim Spirra S. Originally developed by a husband and wife team in the late 1990s, Proto Motors revealed the Spirra in early 2001. Financial struggles saw the brand, and mid-engined sports car design, sold to Oullim Motors in 2007.

Various models were created, with the Spirra S making use of a supercharged 2.7-liter Hyundai V-6 engine. With 330 horsepower, and a six-speed manual transmission, it certainly had the promise of being a keen driver’s car.

More financial difficulties saw the Spirra disappear in 2012. Estimates suggest that just 31 examples over the Spirra were completed, making this a real automotive curio.

2011 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Final Edition

While the Mercedes-Benz G-Class was officially introduced to the United States in 2002, North America missed out on a number of later special edition versions.

This includes the 2011 BA3 Edition, built to commemorate the end of short wheelbase G-Class production. In 2013, Mercedes-Benz released the G 500 Cabriolet Final Edition, marking the final open-top G-Class models made.

All 200 of the Cabriolet Final Edition models were sold immediately, after being announced at the 2013 Frankfurt Auto Show.

2012 Mercedes-Benz G 63 AMG 6x6

Easily the wildest of all the G-Class creations, the G 63 AMG 6×6 added a special pickup truck body to the SUV design. More significantly, an extra rear axle was installed, delivering six-wheel drive capabilities.

Power comes from a twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter AMG V-8 engine, producing 536 horsepower and 560 lb-ft of torque. Top speed is limited to 100 mph, with 0-62 mph taking less than six seconds.

Mercedes-Benz made slightly more than 100 examples, but their outright ridiculousness has seen many imported to the United States. One was sold on auction website Bring a Trailer in October 2020 for $901,000.

2012 BMW E90 M3 CRT

Do not be fooled into thinking this is just another BMW M3 sedan. American buyers had the chance to freely purchase the four-door E90 M3, powered by a high-revving V-8 engine. But not the rare CRT.

CRT stands for Carbon Racing Technology, which gives a hint as to what made this example special. Carbon fiber was used for both the hood and front bucket seats, cutting 150 lb from the M3 sedan. Adjustable coilover suspension, titanium mufflers, and BMW’s DCT twin-clutch transmission were all part of the deal.

Sweetening the package was the use of the 444 horsepower version of the 4.4-liter V-8, as used in the M3 GTS.

2012 Aston Martin V12 Zagato

Zagato-designed Aston Martins are clearly a popular draw for those looking to import under the Show or Display exemptions. Built to celebrate 50 years of Aston and Zagato working together, the V12 model made an appearance at the 2011 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este.

Initially planned to only be a racing car, demand saw Aston Martin offer 61 examples for customers. Naturally, American buyers were not included, denying them the opportunity to spend £330,000 ($450,000) on the V12 Zagato.

Mechanically unchanged from the regular V12 Vantage, the bespoke Zagato front grille, trademark double-bubble roof, and large rear wing were the standout features.

An example of the V12 Zagato has recently appeared for sale on Bring a Trailer.

2013 Koenigsegg One 1

Koenigsegg has built a formidable reputation for developing some of the most extreme hypercars on the planet. The One:1, developed from the already outrageous Agera, takes its name from its power-to-weight ratio.

An upgraded 5.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 engine delivers 1,360 metric horsepower, equivalent to the 1,360 kg (2998 lb) curb weight. Performance is predictably mad, with top speed claimed to be 280 mph.

Six production examples were made, with Koenigsegg taking a final seventh prototype to the 2015 Monterey Car Week.

2016 Lagonda Taraf

A standalone brand when launched in 1909, financial difficulties saw Lagonda incorporated with Aston Martin in 1947. The name was used on a series of Aston Martin sedans, built between 1974 and 1990.

To celebrate Lagonda’s centenary, and to revive the badge, Aston Martin launched a concept version of the Taraf at the 2009 Geneva Auto Show. Production began in 2015, with sales planned solely for the Middle East.

Built for just one year, 120 examples of the Taraf sedan were produced, priced at $1 million. Such a cost made it the most expensive four-door car in the world at the time.

2016 Rimac Concept One

Croatia might not be renowned for its automotive industry, but the European nation is responsible for the Rimac Concept One electric supercar. Combining four electric motors, the Concept One generates an astounding 1,241 horsepower.

Rimac brought a modified version of the Concept One to the United States in 2015, entering it into the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. The all-electric vehicle took second place in the overall standings, demonstrating its abilities.

2020 McLaren Speedtail

The most recent car brought to the United States under a Show or Display exemption is the McLaren Speedtail. Designed as a tribute to the McLaren F1 supercar, the Speedtail was not intended to be used in the United States. Despite that, nearly 40 of the planned 106 Speedtails were acquired by American customers.

Combining a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 engine with an electric motor, the Speedtail generates 1,035 horsepower. Active aerodynamics allow for a 250 mph top speed, while the unusual three-seater layout places the driver in the center of the cabin.

The RM Sotheby’s Arizona 2021 event saw the first Speedtail to be auctioned achieve a substantial $3,277,500. This far surpassed the original $2.25 million list price for the Speedtail, despite the limits of Show or Display ownership.

2021 Lotus Evija

The Evija is the first EV produced by Lotus, and demonstrates the future direction of the company. Originally unveiled in 2019, Lotus plans to build 130 examples of its electric hypercar.

Driving the Evija are four motors, one mounted on each wheel. This makes for a colossal combined output of 2,000 horsepower, plus a potential top speed of 200 mph. Accelerating from 0-186 mph takes less than nine seconds.

With its 70 kWh lithium-ion battery pack fully charged – and a gentle driver’s right foot – the Evija can cover 250 miles.

2021 Morgan Plus 8 GTR

Morgan is a quintessentially British brand, having built cars by hand since 1913. This version of the long-running Plus 8 was launched at the end of 2011.

In 2021, Morgan announced the most powerful car in its history: the Plus 8 GTR, which took inspiration from the company’s motorsport heritage. Limited to just nine examples, it uses a 4.8-liter BMW V-8 that is tuned to deliver 375 horsepower. It also exhales through a ‘cannon-style’ twin-exit exhaust.

Bespoke bodywork includes reshaped wheelarches and a new front splitter. The regular Plus 8 was not eligible for import to the United States, so the GTR arrived solely through the Show or Display route.

2022 Gordon Murray T.50

As the designer of the McLaren F1, not to mention numerous F1 racing cars, Gordon Murray has already achieved notable success in the automotive world. Celebrating his 50th year in the industry, the T.50 is intended to be the final supercar Murray creates.

Like the McLaren F1, the T.50 uses a three-seat design, with the driver placed in the center of the cockpit. Power comes from a naturally aspirated V-12 again, too. Built by Cosworth, the 3.9-liter unit generates 663 horsepower and revs all the way to 12,000 rpm. For maximum purity and driver involvement, the T.50 comes with a six-speed manual transmission.

Limited to 100 units, every car was sold within 48 hours of the T.50 being announced.

2022 Bugatti Centodieci

Based on the Chiron, the Centodieci was created to mark Bugatti’s 110th anniversary. It’s also a tribute to the Bugatti EB110 from the 1990s, with an angular front-end design and a smaller front grille than the Chiron.

Serious speed comes from a 1,600 horsepower version of Bugatti’s 8.0-liter quad-turbocharged W-16 engine. All-wheel-drive ensures maximum traction, with 0-62 mph taking just 2.4 seconds. The Centodieci’s top speed is a faintly ridiculous 240 mph.

Bugatti produced only 10 examples of the Centodieci, with the final completed car delivered in December 2022.

2019 Bugatti Divo

Also based upon the Bugatti Chiron, the Divo is a fully track-focussed hypercar. The name is a tribute to Albert Divo, a French racing driver who won the Targa Florio event twice for Bugatti in the 1920s.

A large fixed rear wing was the most obvious addition, along with other bespoke styling changes. The quad-turbocharged 8.0-liter W-16 engine was carried over unchanged from the Bugatti Chiron, with 1,500 horsepower.

Revealed as part of Monterey Car Week in 2018, Bugatti limited production of the Divo to only 40 examples. All were sold before the Divo even made its public debut, with the final car delivered in July 2021.

2022 Bentley Mulliner Bacalar

Bentley’s Mulliner division is responsible for creating personalized cars for the company’s wealthiest customers. The Bacalar is intended to be the ultimate open-top Bentley, using a two-seat ‘barchetta’ design.

Styling elements were taken from the Bentley EXP 100 GT concept car, with sustainable materials used throughout. The paint contains ash from rice husks, while the trim is made from 5,000-year-old Riverwood. The 6.0-liter W-12 engine makes a decidedly modern 659 horsepower, however.

Production of the Bacalar was limited to 12 examples, all unique to their individual customers. Each car was handcrafted by the Bentley Mulliner division, following extensive consultation with its lucky buyer.

2021 Aston Martin V12 Speedster

The Aston Martin V12 Speedster was designed as a homage to the DBR1 racing car from the 1950s. Making use of an Aston Martin Vantage chassis, it also borrowed the front-end structure from the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera.

Powering the V12 Speedster is a twin-turbocharged 5.2-liter V-12 engine, producing a considerable 700 horsepower. An eight-speed ZF automatic transmission allows for a 0-62 mph time of just 3.5 seconds, plus a top speed limited to 185 mph.

Just 88 examples were produced, all with a radical open-top body. A removable leather bag is fitted instead of a traditional glove box, and space behind the seats is dedicated to storing race helmets.

2021 Bussink GTR SpeedLegend

So, what happens if you take the roof off a Mercedes-Benz GT R to create an open-top speedster? The Bussink GTR SpeedLegend is the answer, with only five examples built.

Created by Dutch Ferris Wheel designer Ronald Bussink, inspiration is said to have come from the 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Stirling Moss featured earlier on our list.

After ditching the roof, a Formula One Halo-style central roll bar has been added for safety. Power comes from an enhanced version of the 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 engine, generating 838 horsepower.

2023 De Tomaso P72

Revealed in 2019, the P72 is intended to be a modern interpretation of the classic De Tomaso P70 race car. Underpinning the retro design of the P72 is the chassis from a modern Apollo Intensa Emozione hypercar.

Just like the classic De Tomaso Mangusta and Pantera models, a Ford-derived V-8 provides the power. The 5.0-liter supercharged Coyote engine has been enhanced by Roush, with an expected output in excess of 700 horsepower.

De Tomaso plans to build 72 examples of the P72.

2024 Aston Martin Valkyrie

A collaboration between Aston Martin and Red Bull Racing, the Valkyrie was designed to deliver the experience of driving a Formula 1 car on the street.

Built around a carbon fiber monocoque chassis, its naturally aspirated 6.5-liter Cosworth V-12 engine produces 1,000 horsepower. When combined with an F1-style KERS hybrid system, the Valkyrie’s total output climbs to 1,160 horsepower.

Only 150 examples of the Valkyrie were made in coupe form, plus an additional 85 open-top Spider variants.

Notably, racing versions of the Valkyrie are already present in the United States, having competed in the GTP class of the IMSA SportsCar Championship since 2025.

2024 Devinci Cars DB 721

Founded in 2016 by French racing driver Jean-Philippe Dayraut, Devinci Cars produces bespoke vehicles that resemble vintage racing cars, but use a modern electric powertrain.

The artisanal DB 721 was launched in 2022, and features a 23 kWh battery and an electric motor producing 20 horsepower. Such a modest output allows the DB 721 to be classed as a quadricycle, rather than an automobile, under French law.

Its tubular steel chassis is fitted with aluminum bodywork, and Devinci offers an array of elaborate interior finishes. These include waterproof leather upholstery and yacht-style wood for the pedals.

2025 Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale

Produced between 1967 and 1969, the original Alfa Romeo Tipo 33 was regarded as one of the world’s very first supercars. In 2023, Alfa decided to pay tribute to this historic model, creating the limited-production 33 Stradale.

Only 33 examples will be built, and customers could choose between a 620 horsepower twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6 or a 750 hp fully electric version.

Both can accelerate from 0-62 mph in less than three seconds, and reach a top speed of 207 mph. Formula 1 driver Valtteri Bottas helped to refine the 33 Stradale’s chassis setup during his time with the Alfa Romeo F1 team.

2025 BMW Skytop

Unveiled at the 2024 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este event in Italy, the BMW Skytop was initially described as a concept car. However, such was the positive reaction to the show car, BMW later announced plans to build 50 examples.

Marking the 25th anniversary of the Z8 roadster, the Skytop is arguably one of BMW’s most beautiful cars. Only one paint color, Floating Sundown Silver, was available to customers.

Based on the same platform as the BMW 8 Series, the Skytop gains the powertrain from the M8. This means a 626 horsepower twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V-8, which sends its power to all four wheels.

2025 Praga Bohema

Established in 1907, Praga is one of the world’s oldest automotive manufacturers. The Czech company began by building cars and trucks, but is best known today for its racing karts.

Alongside its kart business, Praga also produces the Bohema hypercar. It features a modified version of the 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 engine found in the Nissan GT-R, which produces up to 710 horsepower.

The Bohema’s radical exterior is shaped to deliver maximum downforce, with the extensive use of carbon fiber keeping its weight down to 2,205 lb.

2026 McMurtry Speirling

Even in the world of electric hypercars, the McMurtry Speirling is something rather special. Along with the familiar wings and spoilers, it uses integrated fans that literally suck it to the road.

The fans can produce up to 4,400 lb of downforce even when the car is standing still. Given the Speirling only weighs 2,980 lb, this means it could potentially be driven upside down.

An output of 1,000 horsepower from two electric motors makes for phenomenal acceleration, and can see the Speirling reach a top speed of 190 mph. Intended for track-day use, McMurtry expects the car to be virtually unbeatable around any circuit.