Motors

$25,000 to spend: Here’s what our editors would import from Europe

Rover P6 Red (autoblog.com)

Editors Share Their European Dream Car Picks

There’s something alluring about cars that are out of reach due to geography or time, sparking the desire to import them from faraway lands. In this exercise, editors have been given $30,000 to bring a European automotive dream to the United States, with $5,000 earmarked for shipping costs. The catch? If they spend over $25,000, their chosen car will be dumped into the ocean. Here are the intriguing choices that our editors made for their European dream cars:

Citroen CX 2.5 GTi Turbo 2 is the car picked by senior editor James Riswick, for its unique French quirkiness. It is known for its quirky design, fascinating controls, and hydropneumatic suspension. While the exact model year and trim level might vary, this Citroen CX promises an extraordinary experience.

Rover P6 3500S, is senior editor Jeremy Korzeniewski’s choice
The Rover P6 3500S is a British muscle sedan, featuring a 3.5-liter aluminum V8 engine and rear-wheel drive. It offers a blend of comfort and performance, boasting advanced technology for its time. A well-preserved example in red with a manual transmission and boot-mounted spare tire makes for an enticing choice.

Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG Wagon is the car picked by associate editor Byron Hurd
While both the C43 AMG sedan and C-Class wagon were sold in the U.S., the wagon version never overlapped with the AMG variant. This European C43 AMG wagon delivers 300 horsepower and the allure of a V8-powered compact wagon.
It’s a practical yet high-performance choice for those who appreciate the best of both worlds.

Volkswagen Type 2 Camper, senior editor, Green, John Beltz Snyder’s choice
This 1977 camper not only adds a unique charm to the collection but offers comfort for adventures. It is equipped with a 1.6-liter air-cooled engine and a Porsche Service livery, it’s perfect for a retro travel experience. The campervan’s distinctive design and appeal make it an exciting choice for a European import.

1982 Alfa Romeo GTV6, is managing editor Greg Rasa’s choice
The Alfa Romeo GTV6 is a stylish Italian classic known for its performance. This particular GTV6 comes with a unique British Racing Green exterior and cream-and-green leather interior.
Restored by Chaparral Motorsport in England, it features a rebuilt 3.0 V6 engine, making it an exceptional choice for a European import.

Importing a European dream car from across the ocean is a fascinating endeavor, allowing enthusiasts to bring their automotive fantasies to life. Whether it’s the quirkiness of a Citroen CX, the power and comfort of a Rover P6, the practicality of a Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG wagon, the retro charm of a Volkswagen Type 2 Camper, or the stylish performance of an Alfa Romeo GTV6, each of these choices offers a unique and captivating automotive experience.