Every gearhead has at one time read reviews of an awesome German car and thought, yes I’d like one, only to have their dreams come tumbling down with the announcement of “Europe only.”

Understandably, the NHTSA has a say in which cars can or cannot be had in America. For the most part, gearheads trust those bestowed with the power to “ban” certain cars from going on sale. But it does raise a few questions over why? Why for example was the Porsche 959 banned? After all, it’s just a revamped Porsche 911 with a bit more power.

Aside from the fun police preventing importation and sales, it’s the carmakers themselves that do not always invite US gearheads to the party. Dozens of high-performance BMW Ms and AMG-Mercedes cars never see the light of day in America. In some cases, limited production runs are to blame. But several glaring omissions would have sold like hotcakes stateside.

Whatever the reason, this has to stop! Awesome cars are for the enjoyment of gearheads in every market. Especially in the US.

9/9 Volkswagen Scirocco R

The Scirocco R might only be a front-drive hatch, but its appearance is misleading. Stuffed in the nose, VW gave this European special a 265-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged motor. Big numbers for a small car, the Scirocco R was one squeeze of the gas away from 60 mph in six seconds.

Why VW executives elected not to export this hot hatch stateside is a mystery.

8/9 Audi RS3…