The problem with trying to import the Smart CAr and its brethren is that they are just too small for there to be a large enough market in the States to make it worth Federalizing the car. In order to do so, you must bring the engine into compliance with EPA emissions standards as in effect for that year and you must also modify it so that it meets the DOT safety standards that were in effect at that time. The Bureau of Customs is charged witht eh enforcement of these regulations and they take them VERY seriously. At one point, Bill Gates and some friends tried to import Porsche 959 models for their personal pleasure. They were caught at it and the cars were siezed, the people were fined the value of the cars and the cars were destroyed. Do not even think of trying to bring a Smart car into the States and beating the rules. You may try to take it to a "grey market" company to get it Federalized, but they generally only work on expensive exotics, like the aforesaid Porsche 959, or other, similar, cars. It would be prohibitive for you to get one of them to Federalize a single little car for which there never was a market in this country. Your best bet would be to try to hunt up one of the old Mini-Coopers from before 1968 and have it rebuilt with all new or reconditioned parts. They are actually a good bit smaller than the current version and were aball to drive, especially the version with the 1275cc engine.
