http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2009...ore-questions/
http://www.0-60mag.com/online/?p=22394
There you go, picture of ICE officer posing with seized car. These are real people with jobs to do.
Transporting a non-compliant car across the border, and storing a non-compliant car in a barn under a car cover could result in future problems down the road. Once the 25-year limit passes, how would one prove how/when/where the car legally entered the country? Where is the customs clearance? Who was the Registered Importer? Where is record of the bonding? The car had to enter somewhere and at sometime, and customs paperwork is necessary. Border agents keep records.
The scary part was posted earlier, insurance. If any person or any person's property was ever damaged, a good attorney would investigate. The insurance company would investigate. There is no defense whatsoever for operating a non-compliant vehicle unlawfully imported, and even less defense if one altered the VIN to obtain registration. The result would would be personal ruin. Further, if the car can't be driven, why bother?
Basically, every thought process to skirt the law will eventually result in legal problems.
http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1P2-620627.html
More fun at the border.