Importing a classic from the US
Discussion
Hi all,
Just exploring at the moment but can anyone offer advice on the process of importing a classic car from the US? Let’s say 1970’s or earlier ? Not decdided on exactly what yet but along lines of typical American Muscle Car.
Further to this how do the taxes work, a fully rebuilt car obviously significantly more expensive than a project car and assume taxes on such would also be significantly higher ? However would/could the following work :
- Purchase project car in US ?
- Send project car to garage in the US to rebuild
- then import
Imagine I’m not the first to think of this but was wondering if this could be a cheaper way of doing things ? American parts cheaper to buy and install in US and then could taxes be based on the purchase price of the project car rather than full rebuild cost - working on the ‘thought’ that the rebuild costs are a service I am paying for in US on which taxes would have already been paid ?
Could be in pie in the sky thoughts but just wondering if anyone could advise or had maybe done something similar ?
Thanks in advance
Just exploring at the moment but can anyone offer advice on the process of importing a classic car from the US? Let’s say 1970’s or earlier ? Not decdided on exactly what yet but along lines of typical American Muscle Car.
Further to this how do the taxes work, a fully rebuilt car obviously significantly more expensive than a project car and assume taxes on such would also be significantly higher ? However would/could the following work :
- Purchase project car in US ?
- Send project car to garage in the US to rebuild
- then import
Imagine I’m not the first to think of this but was wondering if this could be a cheaper way of doing things ? American parts cheaper to buy and install in US and then could taxes be based on the purchase price of the project car rather than full rebuild cost - working on the ‘thought’ that the rebuild costs are a service I am paying for in US on which taxes would have already been paid ?
Could be in pie in the sky thoughts but just wondering if anyone could advise or had maybe done something similar ?
Thanks in advance
Never buy a project car unless you're looking for an expensive hobby!
It's always cheaper to buy a car that's been done than to pay someone to do it.
Doing a US project in the UK would be a nightmare and cost you an arm and a leg due to parts supply, even if you DIY.
As described in OP it sounds like a dream which would rapidly turn into a nightmare.
IMO it doesn't matter whether you buy in US or in UK but make sure you buy a decent car - unless you really want to scratch that restoration itch and don't care how long it takes or how much it costs.
It's always cheaper to buy a car that's been done than to pay someone to do it.
Doing a US project in the UK would be a nightmare and cost you an arm and a leg due to parts supply, even if you DIY.
As described in OP it sounds like a dream which would rapidly turn into a nightmare.
IMO it doesn't matter whether you buy in US or in UK but make sure you buy a decent car - unless you really want to scratch that restoration itch and don't care how long it takes or how much it costs.
rockin said:
Never buy a project car unless you're looking for an expensive hobby!
It's always cheaper to buy a car that's been done than to pay someone to do it.
Doing a US project in the UK would be a nightmare and cost you an arm and a leg due to parts supply, even if you DIY.
As described in OP it sounds like a dream which would rapidly turn into a nightmare.
IMO it doesn't matter whether you buy in US or in UK but make sure you buy a decent car - unless you really want to scratch that restoration itch and don't care how long it takes or how much it costs.
Yes and no, very easy to buy a "fully restored" car and find its a dog with shiny paint / been bodged etc.It's always cheaper to buy a car that's been done than to pay someone to do it.
Doing a US project in the UK would be a nightmare and cost you an arm and a leg due to parts supply, even if you DIY.
As described in OP it sounds like a dream which would rapidly turn into a nightmare.
IMO it doesn't matter whether you buy in US or in UK but make sure you buy a decent car - unless you really want to scratch that restoration itch and don't care how long it takes or how much it costs.
There are several ways to import parts at reasonable cost. You don't have to rely on couriers to your door here.
In some ways if you buy something thats already stripped you know what you are buying, hard to hide bodges when everything is exposed.
Gassing Station | Yank Motors | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff