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Dec 8, 2009

ICE Seizes $300,000 Cizeta V16 : Kaizo Related

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ICE agents seized a 1994 Cizeta V16 from Family Classic Car in San Juan Capistrano on Monday. According to the article in the Orange County Register, Family Classic car was surprised at the seizure, as the car was left after a car show that took place on Friday.

 

ICE said the Italian car is one of fewer than a dozen such vehicles produced by automotive engineer Claudio Zampoli in a joint venture with music composer Giorgio Moroder.

According to a news release, ICE investigators allege that Orange County resident Zampoli violated U.S. customs and environmental laws when he brought the car into the country in 2001.

In the affidavit filed in support of the seizure, Zampoli’s import agent stated on customs documents when the car was imported that it was worth $125,000,  even though the car originally sold new for $600,000, ICE said.

ICE might have some wrong information according to Wikipedia. In 1991, the list price for a Cizeta-Moroder was an estimated 250,000 or US$300,000. Now the car is still in production (on demand), although again with a large price tag of $649,000, respectively $849,000 for the Spyder TTJ, exclusive of shipping, taxes and extras.

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Family Classic Cars had a Kaizo R34 GT-R that they had registered and were offering for sale.  This seizure seems to possibly be related to the Kaizo investigation.

“Make no mistake, the illegal importation of gray market vehicles like this is not just a technical violation,” said Miguel Unzueta, special agent in charge for the ICE Office of Investigations in Los Angeles.  “Cars that don’t meet U.S. standards are outlawed for a reason.  These vehicles can pose a real threat to public health and safety.”

Cars are not “outlawed”.  In fact this vehicle would be eligible for a “Show or Display” exemption.  This car has probably been driven/started less than a year old Prius.  It poses no real threat to public health or safety. Most people that own this type of vehicle drive it very seldom, and it would put out less emissions than the fire you have burning in your fireplace.  I would be interested to know how many miles or kilometers this car has on it since 1994. Just another case of ICE flexing its muscles at something minor and frivolous, wasting money.

 

Source : Orange County Register

1 comment:

Unknown said...

"a real threat to public health and safety" BOLLOCKS!!!!