"Imported" cars

I've come across a couple of C98 turbos and one from malta (still C98?). I gather there was a cost saving by having them imported in the early noughties. Does it have any implications on insurance, spec and value? My thoughts so far from searches are no, unlikely - fuel tanks are smaller? and maybe a fraction but thought I'd ask. Thanks

Quite a few cars were also imported by non-franchise dealers such as (what was) Autobahn in Coventry. Most came via Cyprus (a C98 contry code). One would assume that they were normal C16 spec, but it occurs to me that some might not have the M535 alarm tilt sensor and siren, which was standard in the UK, but optional everywhere else (apart from Belgium). This was required to meet Thatcham Approval. The siren and sensor are mounted to the right hand side of the battery as you look at it. Also, you have to be careful to check the actual manufacturing date. There was a forum member here a few years ago who found out his C98 996 was actually two years older than the registration date. I believe he had a successful outcome, but I recall it went to Court, and was a long and painful process. A basic check would be to see the 10th digit of the VIN. (1=2001, 2=2002, etc.) As far as insurance goes, one of the questions they seem to ask is "is the vehicle standard UK specification?" I'm not sure how you would answer that. IMO, it will have an impact on saleability, if not price, as people look for C16 on the sticker - as you have done. Just my 2p's worth.

I have no problem at all insuring my C08 (Japan LHD) car. I always use specialist insurers (not Admiral et al), say it's Japanese LHD, they go away and check it out, and come back with a quote that's the same as a C16.