1973 RHD El Camino - to import or not

[pageda]

Hello All,

Was hoping the ever knowledgeable PH crowd could shed some light on the following for me:

I'm currently and quite sadly dealing with a close family members estate in South Africa. Part of this is a 1973 local market 350 El Camino. Its in great condition and my relative was only the seconf owener from new. I would really like to bring her back home to the UK and add to my stable. Thats partly sentimental and partly because that aside I love the truck and have hankered for another Yank since I sold my Mustang 5 years ago.

Now here is the crux. I'm confident with the shipping and insurance but less so with the process of a personal import here, has anyone done this from SA? Seperately I really have no idea how much she would be worth on UK shores and price discovery isnt easy. I would be buying from the estate so want to be fair but also dont want to end up spending 10k importing something thats worth 5 for example and being underwater forever, sentimentality or not.

Any thoughts much appreciated as always!

[fatboy18]

El-caminos normally fetch a good price

RHD is not ever for me though, It takes away the "American" in it for me.

I know rules have changed about SVA testing when Importing from the USA.

I would contact a shipping company who specialise in importing cars and ask your questions there

Some of us in the Viper club have used Kingstown Shipping when getting cars from the USA, I'm sure they will give you the advice you need.

As for price, take a look on the net or American car mags to give yourself a ball park figure, remember the price advertised is not what they actually sell for

[Camaro]

Give these guys a call, they should be able to help you out, if not do the complete service from shipping to getting it on the road.

http://www.shipmycar.co.uk/

Seem to focus a lot on American imports, but does look like they're world wide shippers too.

[pageda]

Thanks guys.

Is there a spot on the web that isnt PH/AT/eBay where I'm likely to find cars advertised? Have tried the above and a few mags but still a little uncomfortable on value.

Cheers

[fatboy18]

Have you seen this?

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/list/47/el+camino/

Gives you a idea

[mhhayes]

Not trying to pour cold water on your attempts, but is it really an El Camino in South Africa? If I remember correctly, any moons ago Holden pickups were imported into SA from Australia (both RHD markets), with some of them badged as Chevrolet El Camino. It may well be a V8, but it might be more Australian than American.....

[shovelheadrob]

The other thing to consider is that '73 was the first year of a less desirable vehicle, they became ugly with safety bumpers & slower with smog regulations. You could try Rods & Sods for selling if you do bring it back.

[altoplanohombre]

mhhayes said:

Not trying to pour cold water on your attempts, but is it really an El Camino in South Africa? If I remember correctly, any moons ago Holden pickups were imported into SA from Australia (both RHD markets), with some of them badged as Chevrolet El Camino. It may well be a V8, but it might be more Australian than American.....

I would ask the 'HSV and Monaro' forum on Pistonheads for an answer to this comment.

[pageda]

I can't believe that website has eluded me, thanks!

Pretty sure it's an El Camimo, it a shame I can't ask my uncle anymore, it's certainly registered as such. I'll have a good double check as that would not have crossed my mind, noted on the changeover year.

Thanks everyone!

[pageda]

Thanks for the steer on possible Holden origins. She was indeedbsold new by a Chevy dealer as an El Camino but isnalmost certainly of Australian origin, over to the Holden forum I go!

[shovelheadrob]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CHEVROLET-EL-CAMINO-1976... see how this one does!

[unsprung]

From the El Camino page on Wikipedia...

"Rebadged Holden coupe utilities, including later Commodore-based models, were sold as the Chevrolet El Camino in South Africa"