8C Spider drive by.

[John Hanslow]

Was walking to my neighbourhood shops in the bayside region (in the South of France) and I heard the rather load high pitched sound of an Italian exotic coming to a halt ....

The unique 8c red and the black roof made a good colour combination.  

Also it did look rather low but the front was spectacular sight.

Looks really good in the flesh !

Don't see one of those every day.

[Sportscar Nut]

The car was at a track day I attended in April at Sandown. Even better in the flesh and sounds magnificent but mixed reviews on the handling.

http://www.eventsoneill.com/

Regards
Paul

[Brad M]

I spotted it on Hotham Street a few weeks back, it sounded fantastic as it went past.

The co-pilot got some grainy shots with the phone's camera....

[massiveluvbuddy67]

Ok...
1. How did it get here with the current import laws for LHD cars?
2. How did it get to be on the road, driving around, I presume, legally? (Certainly not a club permit).
Myself and others would keen to know...
Thanks
Phil

[Sportscar Nut]

Phil

The car was on dealer plates at Sandown but as your are aware, unfortunately can't be registered with full compliance. Lets not spoil the fun of seeing it on our roads and at Sandown!

Paul

[Evan Bottcher]

I spotted it on Hotham Street a few weeks back, it sounded fantastic as it went past.

The co-pilot got some grainy shots with the phone's camera....

Typical Alfa electrics - one brake light isn't working!

[Brad M]

Typical Alfa electrics - one brake light isn't working!

That's the indicator 

2. How did it get to be on the road, driving around, I presume, legally? (Certainly not a club permit).

It had Trade plates fitted which I blacked out because I 'd hate to see it stopped from driving about and thrilling more Alfisti.

[oz3litre]

I have never been able to understand why you can register a dangerous 40 year old yank tank in left hand drive, but not a safe modern car. I have a right hand drive 1990 Volvo 480 turbo, imported from England, which was no trouble to get complianced, but if it was a left hand drive one I would not be allowed to drive it. The two cars are exactly the same except for where the steering wheel is. What is the logic? If it is to protect our car industry how is an Alfa SZ or an 8C a threat?

[Evan Bottcher]

I blame the carbon tax.  It's clearly already affecting poor Aussie battlers with their LHD supercars.

[Craig_m67]

I believe it was to protect the car industry, it certainly has nothing to do with safety as ADR is a secondary concern ie. After you've met the import requirement, the cars ADR compliance is considered for rego

General rule is, anything built before Dec 1989 can come in.
Registering it is dependent on the state where it resides ie. Some states allow LHD others don't.

I'm no expert, so check the legislation which is quite easy to read (no sarcasm intended, I was surprised). I used it to bring in my 156JTD. I also did all the customs clearance and ADR bits... It's not that hard to follow and if your vehicle meets all the requirements (yes/no) the minister MUST allow you to import.

The 8c was obviously imported, so the registration thing will be Vic specific... Get NT plates on it    

[alfagtv58]

I blame the carbon tax.  It's clearly already affecting Australian working families with their LHD supercars.

Fixed it for you.

[John Hanslow]

Is their some kind of contractual obligation with Australian ownership of an 8C ?

I heard that they could be purchased in/ or imported to Australia as long as the car is never registered nor driven on the road as the car is not compliant nor designed to meet ADR's.

Regards.