Sounds like one cool dude.
The interesting part is Europeans tend to be fans of US vehicles. But the changes required often make it difficult or unappealing to import.
Was it going in reverse?
The Navara which formerly what the Frontier was until Nissan pulled a Toyota with the Hilux and Tacoma. Branched the Frontier off with a ''Refresh'' while the rest of the world got an entirely new beefed up Navara that even I would say, ''Shut up and take my money'' for. Of course don't tell the Frontier boys that it's a refresh they get very very mad.
Always want what you can't have I guess...coming from someone who imported an SR20DET in my youth!
My preference is for a first generation Mazda Demio, just that none of the importers have interest. It's not part of the JDM Fanboy Machine. I have a customer on my route has an R32 GT-R "Canadian Spec" as Canada required running lights on the rear fenders when imported despite the 15 year exemption. We talk the shop when I see him. He said I would have to do it myself and get a broker to handle the paperwork. I said I am considering it if I don't buy my RHD Metris when it's taken out of rotation.
Looks like many north east states are taking back registrations on some JDM cars. The job field I was in in the navy had a lot of overseas shore duty an lots of guys would bring back cars not sold here. It was easier if it were built before like 1972. One guy I know has a Datsun Fairlady which is pretty much a 240z in right hand drive.. I'm sure there's lots of differences but to the casual glance that's what you notice. One guy brought a Rolls back talk about expensive to maintain. One friend of mine brought a Morris back an did proms and wedding with it. I don't know how long the "25 year old rule" has been around but looks like states are wanting to not let it apply to non US models that were imported.
The registration ordeal is coming from the fact that states like mine, Iowa do not allow ''Kei Trucks/Vans'' to be registered for street use regardless of the 25 year exemption rule. This dates back to when the Kei Truck/Van craze hit in 2008 and importers were bringing them over by the boat load. Why pay $14K for a John Deere Gator when you can pay $6K for a Kei Truck, get an enclosed cab with heat and air conditioning. Going back to the registration situation, there has been issues with certain Northern States revoking registration of certain Vans which are not Kei Class but honestly could be mistaken as such because the Delica has a lesser rugged version that can be mistaken as a Kei Class Van, its also been applying to Kei Class cars as well which while they aren't meant to haul down the interstate they can do fine around town. Personally I'll just slap a full set of Japanese Plates on and not worry because Police around here, don't give three cares as long as you drive like you have a brain. Its why I have a Victoria Australia License Plate on my Ranger and don't get pulled over, I drive respectably.
