Right now you can import to the US a JDM Nissan Skyline R32 because the 25-year import ban has officially ended. That's not the case, however, regarding the R32's successor, the R33, which debuted in 1993. Beginning next year, in 2018, Americans can import the R33 to their heart's desire. Right now, it's still illegal but All JDM Motors of North Charleston, South Carolina, doesn't care. According to The Post and Courier, the firm is being accused of illegally smuggling a 1996 Nissan R33 Skyline into the US earlier this year.

The report claims the car was actually discovered accidently by US Customs and Border Protection. Inspectors opened a shipping container and discovered the bubble-wrapped car "placed atop two rows of used engines, transmissions and other parts." All JDM Motors has also been accused of failing to report some auto parts, as well as underreporting the value. Described in shipping documents as a "used breakdown car," the R33 Skyline was valued at just $810. A government import specialist counters the car's value at $51,355.39. Not surprisingly, the Feds requested and received a search warrant to determine whether All JDM Motors is involved with any other smuggled vehicles.

The company's owners are Canadian citizens, and no charges have been filed as of this writing. As for the R33 Skyline, it'll need about $20,000 worth of modifications to be road legal in the US and it "started right up without any issues" for the Federal agents. Can't beat solid Japanese engineering. Hopefully it won't be sent to the crusher. Photos courtesy of US Attorney's Office.