There's an extensive range of epic cars out there, but due to federal laws or even market-specific offerings, some never make it to dealer lots in the U.S. Due to the 25-year rule imposed a few decades ago, gearheads have had to watch and admire their dream unobtanium cars on social media, or at best, drive them in video games.
In 2022, the quarter-century clock has run down on MY1997 (model year 1997) vehicles, meaning several European market delicacies are now fresh on the menu. Admittedly, the import class of 1997 features a mixed bag of boring and thrilling offerings. To that end, we have sorted through the eligibles and compiled a list of some awesome and affordable European cars you can now import to the States.
8 Land Rover Freelander - $5,000
The second generation of the Freelander made it to the U.S. as the L2, but LR's first unibody compact 4X4 SUV generation got benched when it debuted in 1997. Developed by Land Rover and Rover engineers and designers, the Freelander was pivotal in changing the course of the British marque's destiny.
The first-generation Freelander comes with either a 1.8-liter inline-four Rover K-Series petrol engine or the 2.0-liter inline-four Rover L-Series diesel engine. Fortunately, the time has not been kind to the Freelander, as evidenced by the significant depreciation that sees listings for decent models going well below the $5,000 price mark.
7 Ford Puma MK1 - $5,000
The Ford Puma is a head-turner with compelling styling and an edgy aesthetic, but it does well to hide the surprisingly athletic capabilities. Before Ford blew the segment away with the Focus, the Puma topped the ranks through an uprated suspension, wide track, brilliant steering, and sweet chassis balance.
Ford fitted the lightweight Puma with a spunky 1.7-liter inline-four engine capable of 123hp, a modest output that allows it to cover 0-60mph in just over nine seconds. Driver-worthy Pumas demand lower than $2,000, but more admirable examples could go as high as $5,000.
6 Volkswagen Golf MK4 (V5) - $5,000
The VW Golf is revered for redefining the hot-hatch segment, and the MK4 introduced in 1997 marked the beginning of Volkswagen's deliberate attempt at taking the Golf series further upmarket. Although North America received several iterations of the inline-four MK4 Golf, the market missed out on the models fitted with the complex 148hp five-cylinder AGZ engine.
The 2.3-liter AGZ engine features a multi-point common rail sequential fuel injection and a vacuum-actuated variable intake manifold managed by a Bosch Motronic M3.8.3 engine management system. Driver-condition MK4s go for about $2,000, but prices for low-mileage examples can go as high as $5,000.
5 Fiat Coupe 20V Turbo - $6,000
Fiat's current lineup is a sorry sight to behold, but things were different in the late 20th century, considering eye-catching sports cars like the halo Coupe model graced its showrooms. Introduced in 1993, the Fiat Coupe oozed a junior-Ferrari appeal, taking over the European market with its impressive styling, agile handling, and engaging powertrains.
Fiat made a mid-cycle refresh for the Coupe in 1997, upgrading the engine to a 214hp 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-five engine. Considering the Coupe 20V Turbo flaunts serious performance car numbers for a '90s sports car, a budget of about $6,000 is enough to snag a decent example for your garage.
4 Alfa Romeo GTV - $8,000
Although the sweet-sounding Alfa Romeo 156 is an excellent import pick, the GTV and its Spider drop-top variant offer the most desirable experiences of what the Italian automaker had to offer in the '90s. Introduced in 1993, the GTV boasts better design cues such as the distinctive Celica-like rounded twin headlights, front-bumper lip, 16-inch teledial wheels, and the stubby rear spoiler.
The mid-cycle Phase 1b refresh in 1997 brought a more powerful 24-valve 3.0-liter Busso V-6 that churns out a respectable 217hp. Currently, a well-maintained Pininfarina-designed Alfa Romeo GTV will set you back $5,000, but low-mileage examples will have you fishing out north of $8,000.
3 BMW Z3 M Roadster - $25,000
While the standard Z3 sports car debuted in 1996, the high-performance M Roadster arrived in 1997 with significant cosmetic and performance differences. Styling changes include front and rear bumpers, flared rear-quarter panels with offset rear wheels to match, and quad exhaust. On the other hand, performance upgrades include a standard limited-slip differential, larger brakes, and a wider rear track for the wide tires.
Most importantly, the M Roadster improved on the disappointing power offered by the original Z3, housing a 3.2-liter inline-six. Unfortunately, the emissions-compliant North American model produced 240hp (although for 2001 the U.S. version did get a 315 hp engine). That said, you can get your hands on a 316hp European-spec model with low mileage for about $25,000.
2 TVR Cerbera 4.5 - $25,000
The TVR Cerbera is often described as a mix of a lightweight sports car and raw British muscle, with sleek good looks and crushing power. The first Cerberas got delivered in 1996, but engine reliability issues and supply-chain concerns over BMW's takeover of Rover operations prompted TVR to produce the Cerbera 4.5 in 1997 with an in-house developed engine.
The Cerbera 4.5 houses a 414hp 4.5-liter Speed Eight AJP8 V-8, the second most potent engine ever fitted in a Cerbera, after the 2002 Red Rose Lightweight conversion. Considering TVR built 1,490 Cerberas between 1996 and 2006, paying around $25,000 for a rare British roadster with a hardtop sounds reasonable.
1 Venturi 300 Atlantique Turbo- $60,000
The little-known Venturi 300 Atlantique is sometimes unfairly compared with Lotus models since they employ the same formula: tubular steel chassis, fiberglass bodies, mid-mounted engine configuration, and a focus on handling. However, the French automaker developed the 300 Atlantique to challenge heavy-hitters like the Ferrari, Porsche, and Aston Martin. The Venturi 300 Atlantique boasts the evolution of the engine used in the DeLorean DMC-12, a 282hp 3.0-liter PRV (Peugeot-Renault-Volvo) turbocharged V-6 engine.
Although production of the turbo variant began in 1996, Venturi built just 57 examples of the first two turbo and non-turbo variants, meaning even fewer got delivered new in 1997. The Venturi 300 Atlantique was among the fastest French production cars globally, so the $60,000 price is an affordable bargain by rare supercar standards. However, low-mileage examples in pristine condition will undoubtedly demand more than $100,000.