PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - View Single Post

Greg in Oz · #47 12-16-2003, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by UKEvo
Greg,

I've got a 190 Factory Sport Evolution. 1 of 502. I'm originally from Oz and was hoping to bring my Evo back with me when I eventually move back to Sydney. Unfortunately as it's LHD I have no chance in registering it unless I convert it to RHD which I won't do. I already enquired with the RTA.. Very sad.. I was going to try and pick up an Evo II as well before I came back but unless I only want to use it at the track it's a bit of a waste of time.. sigh!!

The 190E Evo models were rare with just 502 of each. I can understand you wanting to bring yours back to Australia. You are correct in stating that the RTA here in New South Wales will only allow right hand drive cars to be registered. I believe that once they are over 30 years of age (eligible for historic registration) that left hand drive can be registered for use on our roads. That's a long wait for a 190E though! I agree that a conversion to RHD would be neither practical nor wise from a collectors point of view. Have you considered the possibility of registering in another state or territory in Australia? This would require an address in that location though. I'm not sure of the current regulations but I know left hand drive cars were previously allowed in the Northern Territory. Someone also mentioned that the Australian Capital Territory also allows LHD. It might be worth looking into. I had another forum member private message me some time back regarding his 500E in the USA. Like you he was looking to return to Oz and wanted to bring his car with him. If he did it would be very rare being the only 500E (or even V8 W124 in Oz). Likewise your Evo would be very rare. The only one I know of here is the Evo2 in the museum in Melbourne I mentioned in an earlier post in this thread. I hope you can find a solution to your situation. I can understand not wanting to give up a rare car on returning to Oz. Good luck!