Every year is an important one for fans of cool foreign cars. This is because, every year, new models become eligible to be legally imported into the United States based on the 25-year rule. Thus, each January, car buffs start looking for cars they can now bring into the U.S. without the legal loopholes. True, that means a few duds will make the country as well, but also scores of great foreign models, many of which have attained near-legendary status in the U.S.
And while JDM offerings are most commonly imported under this law, a few also come from Europe. These official classic cars can sometimes seem underpowered or outdated by today's standards, but many can outdo modern offerings in both performance and timeless looks. They're reminders that some cars are so ahead of their time, they can more than stand up today.
Here are ten of the coolest cars now legal to import in 2022, worth tracking down to add to your garage.
10 1997 Subaru Impreza WRX STi Type R (GC8D)
One of the best redesigns imaginable, the Subaru Impreza STi got a terrific makeover in 1997. The exterior was more aggressive with new cooling vents and grille, better insulation, and handling.
There was also the 12-volt power outlet that sparked the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, which could go to 300 hp, but a "gentleman's agreement" meant it was only official 280. About 10,000 models were developed for the JDM market and can now be purchased legally in the U.S. for one of Subaru's better efforts.
9 Ford Falcon GT Anniversary
Sure, you can get a few Falcons, but not like this. In 1997, to celebrate the model's 30th anniversary, Ford put out a special version of the car. Just 300 were sold in Australia and New Zealand. It boasted a unique design with a massive rear wing and tacked-on fender flares.
It also had a 4.9-liter V8 for nearly 300 hp, quite impressive for the time while also a very good handling ride. Long unavailable, it's one of Ford's underrated special models finally able to take flight in the U.S.
8 Honda EK9 Type-R Civic
This model is historic as the first Civic bearing the Type R label and is still one of the best. A 182-hp B16B engine in a 2300-lb car meant some impressive speeds of 0 to 60 in 6.8 seconds.
The limited-slip differential aids the four-wheel chassis in handling, so while it may not be the prettiest car around, it more than has it where it counts. While various Type R's have come since this is a groundbreaker and tuner-favorite can now finally be legally obtained in the U.S.
7 Holden Commodore SS (VT)
The Commodore may have shared qualities with the Cadillac Catera of the time. Where it differed was the 5.0-liter V8 with 262 hp and, better, the Getrag-sourced five-speed manual gearbox.
It may be tricky with a right-side driving car, but the SS is a fun mix of both muscle car and sedan that, with a few modifications, could push up to 300 hp. As a rarity used in Australia and New Zealand, a Commodore can turn a few heads now that it's finally legal to run in the U.S.
6 Toyota Celica SS III
Mention 1990s Toyota Celica models and you'd mostly think of the rally-bred GT-Four. But the super strut III is a marvel as well. It boasted the red-top 3S-GE BEAMS 2.0l inline-four engine that was good for up to 9,000 RPM. Peak power was 200 horsepower at 7,000 RPM, while peak torque was 152 pound-feet at 6,000 RPM.
Coupled with a five-speed manual gearbox, the Celica SS III could reach 60 mph in 6.5 seconds. It also boasts a cool design to make this an underrated but genius Celica that can finally be gained legally.
5 Toyota Century V12
Sure, some V8 versions of this luxury sedan have been available for a while, but now, at last, consumers can get their hands on the rarer V12 model. It's still a luxury car with an interior decorated with wool, not leather, but it's the engine that makes it a standout. The stunning 5.0l 1GZ-FE V12 can gain over 300 hp with 355-lb-ft of torque and zero to 60 in 7.5 seconds. Whether it's luxury or a gorgeous speedster, this car is amazing in any Century.
4 1997 Ford Puma
Here's a nice "sleeper" entry for those who like a car to tune up. On paper, the Ford Puma appears on the weak side with a 1.7-liter inline-four engine producing 123 hp. However, its lightweight of 2222 pounds means it feels far faster than 137 mph and handles excellently.
It's also quite reliable with great interiors and a few modifications might be able to beef it up to a fun ride. While it's not as flashy as other cars on this list, it's more affordable for those who want a fun ride without too much fuss in the experience.
3 Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution
It may look like a typical SUV crossover of the late '90s, but the Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution is really an amazing SUV. The 3.5-liter naturally-aspirated 6G74 V6 engine makes nearly 300 horsepower and 256 lb-ft of torque.
That makes it a winner for rally races as well as terrific four-wheel drive with a top speed of 130 mph. It had more victories (12) than any car at the Dakar Rally and is a must for any rally or off-roading fans today.
2 TVR Cerbera 4.5 V8
At last, one of the coolest British sports cars of the last quarter-century is legal to import to the U.S. While an earlier model of the Cerbera was available last year, 2022 allows the better version of the naturally-aspirated 4.5-liter V8 to hit consumers.
It's one of the most powerful versions of the Cerbera ever (only the 2002 RedRose LIghtweight outdoes it) with 420 hp, able to go zero to 60 in 3.7 seconds, and a top speed of 196 mph. Throw in the leather seating and terrific steering and this is a British car that will outdo JDM offerings on the import list.
1 Nissan Skyline GT-R NISMO 400R
This is one of the new grabs that will require deeper pockets. Only 44 models of this were produced in 1997, making it one of the rarest Japanese sports cars. The reason is that it's lighter (3424 pounds) than other cars to help its performance.
And what a performance from a 2.8-liter RB26DETT upgraded with forged pistons, stronger connecting rods, and much more. The engine, which was dubbed the RBX-GT2 was good for 400 horsepower and 347 pound-feet of torque. Throw in a great six-speed manual transmission and an awesome exterior and even the Fast & Furious crew would be envious of this stunning ride.