Posted on 08/28/2013 6:59:50 PM PDT by DogByte6RER
4x4 fans look away now! Land Rovers imported to U.S. are CRUSHED by customs for failing safety rules because they don't have airbags
• The exclusive vehicle was seized by customs officers in Baltimore
• Its importer had attempted to fool the authorities by changing its plate
• But they spotted the ruse and deemed it unfit for the US' roads
• Often selling for upwards of $100,000, this one is now worth just $30
The wrecking claw hangs over the Land Rover Defender as its operator prepares to crush the exclusive vehicle on the orders of US customs.
Moments later the air is filled with the sound of twisted metal and shattering glass as the value of the car is reduced from a starting price of $100,000 to just $30 in seconds.
The legendary Land Rover Defender - a favourite with the Royal Family - had failed strict US safety laws and was banned from the roads for failing to have an airbag.
All models less than 25 years old on the other side of the Atlantic are expected to have the safety feature.
As a result, there is a lucrative market for the British-made vehicles, which can fetch up to six-times their UK value, and are often sold in the US for upwards of $100,000.
(Excerpt) Read more at dailymail.co.uk ...
If these cars are dangerous just because they don’t have airbags as the smarmy apparatchik in the video says, then BAN all cars without airbags immediately! Clearly that would be the safest thing, right?
You’re right. I didn’t RTFA :) Still, the gov’t could have auctioned it “as is”. Some Nutty LR buyers would have still snapped it up.
Could have imported it to Mexico and drove it into this country.... Filled with new democrats.....customs wouldn’t dare stop em !
I have seen too many people injured by the airbags that were meant to help them.
These people ended up going to the hospital by ambulance that would not have had a scratch if not for the bag.
Nothing I own has airbags.
Ah... Lucas... The Prince of darkness! Where all the employees have to leave before sunset!
"To crush the Land Rovers, see them recycled before you, and to hear the lamentation of their buyers."
So....Brits don’t have to have these stupid airbags?
I bet they don’t have to wear stupid bike helmets, either.
Not my experience at all. My 1999 Dover Discovery II has given excellent service.
Most of the electrics are Bosh, not Lucas.
It has different pattern failures than Fords or Hondas, but nothing that can’t be anticipated and mitigated with proper maintenance.
It is the best riding and driving car I have owned, and I am a car guy and buy and sell a lot of vehicles.
I have never heard of any fire related problem with the electrical system on these vehicles.
They run the exact same anti-lock braking system as the Hummer H2, and rub a superior transfer case to anything made in the US.
All in all a good car for car folks, not a soccer mom car, though.
“wear stupid bike helmets”
Bicycle helmets: No
Motorbike Helmets: Yes
“stupid airbags”
Not compulsory ,to pass annual safety test, unless fitted by manufacturer.
If Defenders are fetching up to 6 times their UK value, then he probably has gotten another 5 into the country which will more than make up for the loss of this one.
A few years ago, older kid and I got hit while driving a smaller car and both airbags deployed. Other than a nasty smell from the propellant they worked great. Minor jostling and soreness from the collision and had to replace the car (with a Mustang convertible) but no airbag-related damage at all. Maybe we were lucky or maybe it was properly designed. Regardless, I don’t mind airbags a bit.
So, The same jackass government that won’t let us play with fireworks on July 4th. Requires that we have a bomb installed in our cars.
Q - Why do the British drink warm beer?
A - Lucas also makes refrigerators!
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