6 Cars That Were Banned for Being Too Dangerous
The automotive industry is always doing what it can to push the envelope. Engineers are constantly looking for a way to make cars perform better, make them more innovative, or simply look better. Some cars have hit the market and lawmakers decided that they were too dangerous due to safety concerns, emissions regulations, or top speed. Each one of these six banned cars has gained a reputation for its once-forbidden status.
1. Porsche 959
Porsche is known for creating some powerhouse machines. The 959 was a vehicle ahead of its time with a twin-turbocharged engine and an advanced all-wheel-drive system. Despite its groundbreaking features, the car was banned in the U.S. due to failing to meet crash safety and emissions standards. The 959 was never officially tested for U.S. regulations, making it illegal to import without special exemptions. Many enthusiasts sought loopholes, including the “Show and Display” rule, to bring this beast to American roads. Capable of reaching speeds over 190 mph, the 959 was simply too fast for comfort in many regions.
2. Nissan Skyline R34 GT-R
The Nissan Skyline R34 GT-R gained legendary status in the street racing community, but it was banned in the U.S. for failing to meet federal safety and emissions standards. With its high-performance turbocharged engine and sophisticated all-wheel-drive system, the car was deemed too powerful for the average driver. Authorities feared its advanced technology, including its onboard diagnostics, would be exploited for illegal racing activities. The R34’s immense popularity only grew as enthusiasts found ways to import it under strict conditions. Now, some models can be legally imported due to the 25-year import rule, making them even more desirable for many car enthusiasts.
3. Alfa Romeo 8C Spider
Alfa Romeo didn’t import many cars to the United States, but the 8C Spider is something that is coveted by many car lovers. It was banned in many regions because it failed to comply with safety regulations, particularly in the U.S. market. The car’s lightweight carbon fiber body and high speeds raised concerns over crash safety standards. Due to these regulatory challenges, Alfa Romeo chose not to make the necessary modifications for U.S. approval. While European drivers got to enjoy its exhilarating performance, many American enthusiasts were left longing for a chance to own one. Limited production numbers make it a highly sought-after car for collectors today.
4. Porsche 964 Carrera RS
Surprised to see another Porsche on the list? The 964 Carrera RS was a track-focused car and it was built for high performance. That said, it was deemed to be too unsafe for road driving in the U.S. Lacking many modern safety features such as airbags and electronic stability control, the car was considered a risk for everyday driving. The lightweight construction and stripped-down interior made it perfect for the racetrack but impractical for public roads. The U.S. government’s stringent safety regulations meant that Porsche had to offer alternative models instead. Enthusiasts who wanted the RS experience often had to import it under special conditions or settle for a less aggressive version. It isn’t surprising that it remains one of the most desirable Porsches to this day.
5. Pagani Zonda
The Pagani Zonda is an exotic supercar that pushed the limits of performance, but it was banned in the U.S. for not meeting emissions and safety regulations. With its aggressive aerodynamics, massive V12 engine, and lightweight carbon fiber construction, the Zonda was simply too extreme for American roads. Due to its hand-built nature and limited production numbers, crash testing for compliance was never pursued. Its successor, the Huayra, was designed to meet more stringent regulations, allowing for legal U.S. sales.
6. Lamborghini Diablo Strosek
Lamborghini has also had its fair share of cars that were not road-legal. The Diablo Strosek is one. It was an ultra-rare modified version of the already insane Diablo, featuring extreme bodywork and performance enhancements. This heavily altered supercar was banned in multiple countries due to failing crash safety tests and concerns over its aerodynamics. Strosek’s modifications made the car even more difficult to control at high speeds, raising red flags for regulators. The widebody kit, aggressive wing, and lowered stance gave it a striking appearance but also made it impractical for everyday driving. Only a handful of these exist, which makes them one of the most sought-after cars out there.
The Thrill of the Forbidden
Many of these vehicles were just too extreme for the road, leading them to become part of an exclusive list of banned cars. For a long time, many of them were hard to get your hands on. However, some are available in the U.S. due to the 25-year import rule. So, some car enthusiasts are getting lucky enough to find these gems and get them on the road (or track if they still don’t meet safety regulations). No matter what, each of these five cars has become an icon in the automotive world, thanks to their reputation for being too cool for the road.
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Drew Blankenship is a former Porsche technician who writes and develops content full-time. He lives in North Carolina, where he enjoys spending time with his wife and two children. While Drew no longer gets his hands dirty modifying Porsches, he still loves motorsport and avidly watches Formula 1.