Dennis-
Thanks for the follow-up..
It looks like i would need to part ways with it after all . Initially i had wanted to take a vintage MINI back to the States..but this car happend to fall on our laps so had to detour from plans...i think in the end the hassle will outweigh the benifits...unless as you say, its a one-of car.
Oh well..atleast i know now.
Cheers