1998 C5 No Keys/Docs
Discussion
If anyone can give me some advice here i'd appreciate it.
A family member imported a 1998 C5 Corvette about three years ago. I modified it and got it through it's SVA test two years ago. Since then the car has been left unused and all documentation and probably keys too are now lost. It was not registered here. Import Duty was paid.
The same family member is about to move abroad and I think may well want rid of the car quickly. I'm tempted to buy it if the price was right, but I may have to take it with no keys or documentation whatsoever.
Anyone know if I would probably still be OK to buy this car and get it registered in the UK?
I was wondering if I would have to expect getting a Q Reg if I get the car.
Lastly,
Anyone know how difficult/costly it'll be to get round the fact i'll need to get keys/locks, for that matter even getting into the car as I imagine it's locked???
This is a genuine post I am not a car thief!!!
Many Thanks
A family member imported a 1998 C5 Corvette about three years ago. I modified it and got it through it's SVA test two years ago. Since then the car has been left unused and all documentation and probably keys too are now lost. It was not registered here. Import Duty was paid.
The same family member is about to move abroad and I think may well want rid of the car quickly. I'm tempted to buy it if the price was right, but I may have to take it with no keys or documentation whatsoever.
Anyone know if I would probably still be OK to buy this car and get it registered in the UK?
I was wondering if I would have to expect getting a Q Reg if I get the car.
Lastly,
Anyone know how difficult/costly it'll be to get round the fact i'll need to get keys/locks, for that matter even getting into the car as I imagine it's locked???
This is a genuine post I am not a car thief!!!
Many Thanks
The keys and locks side of things is complicated by the coded keys but Chris McDonald my service director would be as good as anybody to help you with that. The problem is that we generally require proof of ownership in order to assist with security related problems. Regarding the documentation this is quite a problem, one to which I haven't quite determined the answers myself. The biggest problem you have is if you have lost the SVA certificate as I have been informed there is no way to get a replacement, nor can a vehicle be tested that has already been tested previously, hence why we treat ours so carefully. You'd need to speak to Customs to get hold of proof of duty paid and given the time lapsed they may well ask you for a dating letter to confirm date of build which Chris could help with too.
In short, it is very hard work.
In short, it is very hard work.
Worth asking on US forums if the key code is linked to the PCM. I recall a friend buying a new ignition barrel which came with new keys (obviously) with embedded security chip that simply bolted in but I think he had a fob for the doors...can't recall.
You need the import duty paid certificate and an SVA certificate before it can be registered. The reg plate will be based on the age of the car and date of build or original registration.
You need the import duty paid certificate and an SVA certificate before it can be registered. The reg plate will be based on the age of the car and date of build or original registration.
Thanks again for replies
I will see what happens with the car. It has been garaged for the two years and had a big service at a US Chevy dealer prior to import. Having said that it still has sat around for two-three years now.
Priority is to see if I can get SVA copy and import duty copy certificate. It's a pity it's never easy to lift the 'phone nowadays to ask these kind of simple questions!
I will see what happens with the car. It has been garaged for the two years and had a big service at a US Chevy dealer prior to import. Having said that it still has sat around for two-three years now.
Priority is to see if I can get SVA copy and import duty copy certificate. It's a pity it's never easy to lift the 'phone nowadays to ask these kind of simple questions!
to make your life easy all you have to do is to ring the original shiping agent that shipped the car they have records they will give you the custom clearence number date of import and port of import down load a custom form from the net and as far is sva is concerned you dont need it as its 10 year old just get an mot to register the car.
Couple of years ago I was offered an immaculate low mileage IROC Camaro very very cheap, similar thing car been sitting two years, no paperwork whatsoever and still on US plates, had the keys though. It was owned by by ex US military guy who owed my bloke some money and just gave him the car and flew home for good.
I looked into trying to register it, SVA, MOT import docs etc.. Would have been possible with a US bill of sale but not worth it for the hassle in the end. A C5 has a higher value so may be worth the effort. If it's already been 'offically' imported UK customs should have a record of it somewhwere.
I looked into trying to register it, SVA, MOT import docs etc.. Would have been possible with a US bill of sale but not worth it for the hassle in the end. A C5 has a higher value so may be worth the effort. If it's already been 'offically' imported UK customs should have a record of it somewhwere.
Edited by chevy-stu on Tuesday 28th October 11:08
zubair said:
to make your life easy all you have to do is to ring the original shiping agent that shipped the car they have records they will give you the custom clearence number date of import and port of import down load a custom form from the net and as far is sva is concerned you dont need it as its 10 year old just get an mot to register the car.
That sounds an interesting bit of info, thanks. Not sure i'll be able to find who the shipping agent was but possibly.I was forgetting car is now 10 years old- this may help too!
Told just now a copy SVA only £12. They will search for it with chassis number.
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