Importing a Project Car to Australia

[MulticolouredTVR]

I am hoping to move to Australia in the next year or so. I am currently in the process of fully rebuilding a crash damaged TVR. I have owned it for about 8 years but it has never actually been on the road in my ownership. Would I be able to take it to Australia with me and finish off the rebuild when I am there and then register it in Australia for road use?. The body is currently off the chassis so I would have to ship it in parts. There is little chance I would be able to finish it here before I go and I don't want to have to abandon the project.


I know there is a rule regarding 'owning and using' the vehicle for 12 months prior to import. Is anybody able to help or give a definitive answer?

[NBTBRV8]

If it is over 15 years old then you won't have an issue, but if it is younger you will be in trouble. You need to apply for an import approval though.

http://www.dotars.gov.au/vehicles/imports/

Be careful though, you have to prove that there is no asbestos in any component, including clutch plate and brake pads.

[MulticolouredTVR]

It is over 15 years. Its a 2002 model year.

So its ok to ship in pieces and rebuild over there so long as I get approval first?

[NBTBRV8]

Check that the laws have changed, it used to be you couldn't import anything after 12/1989 without you found a RAW to give it a compliance plate to the Australian Design Rules.

But yes, you should be able to import it in pieces and rebuild here. But you will need an import approval to register it, plus the local state will need an Engineer certificate.