CA2SBL1275 spelled it out for you. any other way and you're buying yourself headaches.

Charlie:

The "Cars for Sale" pages list 12 Minis for sale in California.

If the car you want in England was built after Dec 31, 1967, forget about registering it in Calfornia.

Some people have been able to, but, with so many cars available here, it is not worth the hastle.

It would be easier to bring a '67 or older car from another state.  I did not count how many are listed.

The problem is that British Motors stopped importing Minis to the U.S. at the end of 1967.

Cars made starting Jan 1, 1968 must have an exhaust emision control certification and exhaust emission control devices.

Since no Minis were imported after the end of '67 no Minis built after the end of '67 have exhaust emission control certification and devices.

A "smog check" will not do it.

A car that is 25 years old or older can be brought into the U.S. and licensed in any state except Caliornia.

If you have relatives who live outside of California, you could register a car with them until an officer asks you why you have a California

driver's license and your car is not registered in CA.

Search on this forum for 'importing a car' and 'California' and look at the listings on the "Cars for Sale" pages.

There is a lot of help here for you.

Russ

You could ask your question here - //forum.minicooper.org/?_=1399999538497

Someone "across the pond" in that area might be willing to help you, good group of people.

Even if you have to flip them some money, it would be worth it.

Also , do a google search for auto repair shops in that area that could do a PPI ( Pre Purchase Inspection) and if seller isn't willing to do a PPI flush the deal.

  

You are in the worst State for registering a classic as they have to be 75 or older i believe. You would be way ahead of the game to buy a Mini that is already here and that is already registered in California. If you decide to go ahead and pursue the UK car get it inspected by either the AA or RAC or an independent it will be money well spent as rust amongst other issues is a big problem in the UK and is not cheap or easy to fix right.

I'm in CA and the car is in the UK. I can't fly to see the car. 

I was burned on Ebay once, so no cars will be purchased unless seen in person. And the car I got burned on had 50 pictures that I thought covered the whole car. they just managed to miss the one foot area that was destroyed. As said above, have someone or yourself look at the car. Jerry

Caveat Emptor

Let us know where you are Charlieb or the car. There is a good chance there may be someone local that would be willing to help.

Be very careful buying a car sight unseen, you are wise to question. Either look at it yourself or have someone do it for you.

Not much info.

For sale here (MM site)? Ebay ?

I take it that it's out of state for you ?

If in doubt fly there and look at it or find someone from the forum that is willing to help you.

Little more info would be of help.

There is a car for sale that I'm interested in buying. How do I know that it is not fraud and the seller is trustworthy?