Importing 1978 TVR Taimar to USA
Discussion
Hi guys!
I am currently researching the subject, it seems complicated, even if the car is older than 25 years.
The car is located in Hamburg and I want it in Chicago where I now live.
http://picasaweb.google.com/okinchi1/TVRTaimarAug0...
Has anyone ever imported successfully any TVR older than 25 to US?
Any help is very much appreciated!
Thanks.
okinchi
I am currently researching the subject, it seems complicated, even if the car is older than 25 years.
The car is located in Hamburg and I want it in Chicago where I now live.
http://picasaweb.google.com/okinchi1/TVRTaimarAug0...
Has anyone ever imported successfully any TVR older than 25 to US?
Any help is very much appreciated!
Thanks.
okinchi
Save yourself a lot of grief and leave the car abroad and buy one already in the states. This car was produced at the time that the DOT/EPA were in contol of vehicle production. If the car does not have the proper equiptment and was originally a US car, leave it in Germany.
Been there done that!
Been there done that!
Grantura MKI said:
Save yourself a lot of grief and leave the car abroad and buy one already in the states. This car was produced at the time that the DOT/EPA were in contol of vehicle production. If the car does not have the proper equiptment and was originally a US car, leave it in Germany.
Been there done that!
First - thank yo for responding.Been there done that!
Well, no this car has not been in US before. It has been sold originally in Germany, it is LHD.
From my research, it would seem that it should be quite straight forward. The car is over 25 years old and I understand it does not need to comply with current DOT regulations. EPA.. not sure.
This particular car has a huge value for me..
Thanks.
okinchi
Grantura MKI said:
Save yourself a lot of grief and leave the car abroad and buy one already in the states. This car was produced at the time that the DOT/EPA were in contol of vehicle production. If the car does not have the proper equiptment and was originally a US car, leave it in Germany.
Been there done that!
First - thank yo for responding.Been there done that!
Well, no this car has not been in US before. It has been sold originally in Germany, it is LHD.
From my research, it would seem that it should be quite straight forward. The car is over 25 years old and I understand it does not need to comply with current DOT regulations. EPA.. not sure.
This particular car has a huge value for me..
Thanks.
okinchi
Somehow I can no post anymore...
Ouch.. - that I did not see coming.
So we have: over 25 years and yet "grey market" car - what does this translate to?
Would this basically cancel the benefits of over 25y old?
Perhaps some additional paperwork stuff + perhaps tests? – etc.
I realize it is a trip - I am trying to do my homework before ‘doing’ - thanks for wise words.
Ouch.. - that I did not see coming.
So we have: over 25 years and yet "grey market" car - what does this translate to?
Would this basically cancel the benefits of over 25y old?
Perhaps some additional paperwork stuff + perhaps tests? – etc.
I realize it is a trip - I am trying to do my homework before ‘doing’ - thanks for wise words.
Update
Here is the short re-cap of the challenge again:
I live in Chicago since 1998, and before in Hamburg, Germany. I had a 1978 TVR Taimar, that I owe since 1990 - sitting in the garage in Hamburg from 1998 until July 2012, when I decided to change it, and get the car to Chicago!
This story is about a car that is older than 25 years. Younger cars… is a different story and I am not familiar with it.
I have Googled (actually I use blekko.com, no more Google) the subject for a while. It seemed complicated with no clear answer: can I import it to US at all or not!?
Yes, it is older than 25 years– it seemed to be exempt from DOT or EPA requirements, and yet, some comments I got were indicating that it is perhaps not exempt. Bottom line – I did not know.
Besides Googling, this is what I did:
1) I wrote on a few forums looking for answers. I got many responses that were not based on experience, and actually scared me.
Luckily, good people that actually did this before me – did answer, some of them directly to me per email.
I think, this was the key experience. I spoke to some good guys, and exchange email with some.
I got good info from members who have imported car older than 25 before!
2) Spoke to DMV. Well, this was not a great experience. First you have to get someone… Time passes as go through useless phone menu’s and info.
Then I finally got someone, but… not much more helpful than the phone menu. I did not get anything useful out of this.
3) Called CBP. I did find a location (port) in or around Chicago. I called them (or did I email my questions to a link on CBP web site? – and then called?– not sure now). Surprise!!! I got someone who actually knew what I am talking about! Not only, he was nice, patient, polite AND he tried to help! I did not expect this at all. Not only we spoke, but I also corresponded with this gentlemen per email. He was the second key thing for me to actually make the decision. The CBP officer (or employee – not sure) gave me the clearly the list of things I need to do.
He said, that is what I will need:
- Shipping company that will help to clear the customs in US. Most (or some?) companies work with customs brokers that do this part for them
You will need to make sure that this will be done for you. I have been told, you can deal with customs yourself, but it seems, there is at least one declaration that only a custom broker can do ( I believe IFF – form?). Research this and ask for it, I did not need to deal with this, the shipping company did it.
To clear customs you will need:
- EPA 3520-1 Form – it is simple, needs to be filled out, you can do that, the right box checked (saying older then 25 years… )
- DOT HS-7 for –simple, like above.
These both forms you will easily find on-line. Both filled out will be requested by the shipping company ( that works with a customs broker) at one point.
- Original title (and – at least my case a certified translation of the German title, which I got done over a weekend for $120) – I found this nice translator on-line very quickly.
After clearing customs, once you are ready to go to DMV you will need:
- Original title (and translation if not in English)
- Entry summary form – 7501 from customs.
This one is issued by customs after clearance. It must have on it the VIN, the copy of the 35200-1 and HS-7 forms stamped and signed by customs attached to it.
That has not happened initially in my case. I spend a lot of time talking to the customs broker (chosen/used by the shipper) who was dealing with CBP to get this one done properly. I got initially one without VIN on it, and no EPA for and HS-7 form attached to it. To straighten that out, took a few days.
Those were not the original ones (the 3520-1 and the HS-7) I submitted initially, they were prepared by customs… hmm, go figure.
- insurance confirmation – well, I had it, but no one asked for it ( I went with Hagerty)
Start here:
Find a shipping company
Shop around and call several shipping companies, tell the story, get quotes.
In my case the car needed to:
a) get the car transported from Hamburg ( garage) to Bremerhaven ( my brother meet the driver and assisted)
b) get the car into container, loaded on the ship and go to NYC (the shipping company arranged for all that, no one assisted)
c) once in NYC, get the car through the Customs (uuuuuhhhhh) and I needed to get all required paper work
d) get the car loaded on the truck and get it transported to Chicago
Discuss each detail of the journey and its price, know what papers you will need to register the car. This part is very important, the key is that you need to be able to register the car- otherwise all effort is for nothing. If you can’t register… you have a problem. Most likely you will have to ship the car back (but this part I do not know). So remember – this story is about an old car, exempt from EPA and DOT regulations.
For my needs I finally went with Interfracht – in Germany, that I contacted per phone from Chicago.
08/018/12
I got my car!!! It arrived in Chicago in good condition.
I went to DMV. With some effort, I got the application for a new title submitted an got the temp. License plates.
Seems like it will work. Now, setting up the garage and waiting for the titles and plates.
I hope this story will help in your project. Email me with questions and I will try to help as good I can.
Greetings,
Marek
Here is the short re-cap of the challenge again:
I live in Chicago since 1998, and before in Hamburg, Germany. I had a 1978 TVR Taimar, that I owe since 1990 - sitting in the garage in Hamburg from 1998 until July 2012, when I decided to change it, and get the car to Chicago!
This story is about a car that is older than 25 years. Younger cars… is a different story and I am not familiar with it.
I have Googled (actually I use blekko.com, no more Google) the subject for a while. It seemed complicated with no clear answer: can I import it to US at all or not!?
Yes, it is older than 25 years– it seemed to be exempt from DOT or EPA requirements, and yet, some comments I got were indicating that it is perhaps not exempt. Bottom line – I did not know.
Besides Googling, this is what I did:
1) I wrote on a few forums looking for answers. I got many responses that were not based on experience, and actually scared me.
Luckily, good people that actually did this before me – did answer, some of them directly to me per email.
I think, this was the key experience. I spoke to some good guys, and exchange email with some.
I got good info from members who have imported car older than 25 before!
2) Spoke to DMV. Well, this was not a great experience. First you have to get someone… Time passes as go through useless phone menu’s and info.
Then I finally got someone, but… not much more helpful than the phone menu. I did not get anything useful out of this.
3) Called CBP. I did find a location (port) in or around Chicago. I called them (or did I email my questions to a link on CBP web site? – and then called?– not sure now). Surprise!!! I got someone who actually knew what I am talking about! Not only, he was nice, patient, polite AND he tried to help! I did not expect this at all. Not only we spoke, but I also corresponded with this gentlemen per email. He was the second key thing for me to actually make the decision. The CBP officer (or employee – not sure) gave me the clearly the list of things I need to do.
He said, that is what I will need:
- Shipping company that will help to clear the customs in US. Most (or some?) companies work with customs brokers that do this part for them
You will need to make sure that this will be done for you. I have been told, you can deal with customs yourself, but it seems, there is at least one declaration that only a custom broker can do ( I believe IFF – form?). Research this and ask for it, I did not need to deal with this, the shipping company did it.
To clear customs you will need:
- EPA 3520-1 Form – it is simple, needs to be filled out, you can do that, the right box checked (saying older then 25 years… )
- DOT HS-7 for –simple, like above.
These both forms you will easily find on-line. Both filled out will be requested by the shipping company ( that works with a customs broker) at one point.
- Original title (and – at least my case a certified translation of the German title, which I got done over a weekend for $120) – I found this nice translator on-line very quickly.
After clearing customs, once you are ready to go to DMV you will need:
- Original title (and translation if not in English)
- Entry summary form – 7501 from customs.
This one is issued by customs after clearance. It must have on it the VIN, the copy of the 35200-1 and HS-7 forms stamped and signed by customs attached to it.
That has not happened initially in my case. I spend a lot of time talking to the customs broker (chosen/used by the shipper) who was dealing with CBP to get this one done properly. I got initially one without VIN on it, and no EPA for and HS-7 form attached to it. To straighten that out, took a few days.
Those were not the original ones (the 3520-1 and the HS-7) I submitted initially, they were prepared by customs… hmm, go figure.
- insurance confirmation – well, I had it, but no one asked for it ( I went with Hagerty)
Start here:
Find a shipping company
Shop around and call several shipping companies, tell the story, get quotes.
In my case the car needed to:
a) get the car transported from Hamburg ( garage) to Bremerhaven ( my brother meet the driver and assisted)
b) get the car into container, loaded on the ship and go to NYC (the shipping company arranged for all that, no one assisted)
c) once in NYC, get the car through the Customs (uuuuuhhhhh) and I needed to get all required paper work
d) get the car loaded on the truck and get it transported to Chicago
Discuss each detail of the journey and its price, know what papers you will need to register the car. This part is very important, the key is that you need to be able to register the car- otherwise all effort is for nothing. If you can’t register… you have a problem. Most likely you will have to ship the car back (but this part I do not know). So remember – this story is about an old car, exempt from EPA and DOT regulations.
For my needs I finally went with Interfracht – in Germany, that I contacted per phone from Chicago.
08/018/12
I got my car!!! It arrived in Chicago in good condition.
I went to DMV. With some effort, I got the application for a new title submitted an got the temp. License plates.
Seems like it will work. Now, setting up the garage and waiting for the titles and plates.
I hope this story will help in your project. Email me with questions and I will try to help as good I can.
Greetings,
Marek
Thanks!
Will have some pics from Taimar arrival in Chicago, but for now, older few still from Hamburg:
http://picasaweb.google.com/okinchi1/TVRTaimarAug0...
Will have some pics from Taimar arrival in Chicago, but for now, older few still from Hamburg:
http://picasaweb.google.com/okinchi1/TVRTaimarAug0...
Sorry i missed this. I haven't visited this section of the forums in a while.
I imported my '63 TR4 in '87, and there was a way to defer a portion of the import duty by having the car become a secondary article. My principal article was a case of Carling Black Label beer. Although I have no idea if this loophole still exists, I strongly suggest that it's worth trying, for any future attempts.
Best,
B.
I imported my '63 TR4 in '87, and there was a way to defer a portion of the import duty by having the car become a secondary article. My principal article was a case of Carling Black Label beer. Although I have no idea if this loophole still exists, I strongly suggest that it's worth trying, for any future attempts.
Best,
B.
In the meantime:
- tank repaired - found a hole - piece of cake - Radiator repair shop.
- got new tires
- got new lift support
- checked brakes, this & that
- Let buff it (they chipped the paint - touched up with a different color, and did not tell me!!- that was awesome )
But drove it yesterday in Chicago - great! All pain, money, efforts forgotten in an instant.
Still waiting for permanent plates and title.
See picture taken in the garage downtown Chicago.
Greetings
Marek
- tank repaired - found a hole - piece of cake - Radiator repair shop.
- got new tires
- got new lift support
- checked brakes, this & that
- Let buff it (they chipped the paint - touched up with a different color, and did not tell me!!- that was awesome )
But drove it yesterday in Chicago - great! All pain, money, efforts forgotten in an instant.
Still waiting for permanent plates and title.
See picture taken in the garage downtown Chicago.
Greetings
Marek
Why are the Yanks so strict when it comes to importing cars? I have seen some of there own made choppers and Hot rods ..they look like death traps ..
What made me laugh Discovery Turbo a program called wrecks to riches ..A guy said he was building a green machine ,it comprised of a Ls 3 superchargedengine with catalytic converters.
They seem out of touch !
What made me laugh Discovery Turbo a program called wrecks to riches ..A guy said he was building a green machine ,it comprised of a Ls 3 superchargedengine with catalytic converters.
They seem out of touch !
Another one:
Wanted to get a Chicago city sticker... in the currency exchange...
Could not get it.. the "system' did not allow for TVR... unknown brand.
In a different one, I finally got one, without the brand on it. But, the late fee of $60 was assessed! -why?
I could not produce a bill of sale within the last 30 days. Well, my bill of sale is from April 1990.
I showed the CBP entry form, this one clearly states the car was imported just 28 days ago... means, it never has been in US before, so I could have not possibly be late ever... - it did not help.
So, I paid the fine - and got the city sticker...
Hilarious.
Greetings
Wanted to get a Chicago city sticker... in the currency exchange...
Could not get it.. the "system' did not allow for TVR... unknown brand.
In a different one, I finally got one, without the brand on it. But, the late fee of $60 was assessed! -why?
I could not produce a bill of sale within the last 30 days. Well, my bill of sale is from April 1990.
I showed the CBP entry form, this one clearly states the car was imported just 28 days ago... means, it never has been in US before, so I could have not possibly be late ever... - it did not help.
So, I paid the fine - and got the city sticker...
Hilarious.
Greetings
Edited by okinchi on Monday 17th September 04:58
LostCroc said:
Hi Okinchi - Can I please ask the names of your shipping company and customs broker? Looking for a recommendation if you have a positive experience. Thanks!
The shipping company did a good job.I Googled several and finally contacted in Germany those guys:
INTERFRACHT Container Overseas Service GmbH
Tel.: +49/421/87150-388
Fax: +49/421/87150-215
I used they service for the transport from Hamburg to Bremerhaven, loading the car into container there.
They worked with http://www.cfrrinkens.com, they arranged everything in USA - customs clearance and transport from NYC to Chicago.
They worked with their customs broker, who they usually use. however, you can choose your own one if you wish so, if you have one. I have phones and emails to those guys I direct dealt with - friendly and helpful.
Shoot me an email to ebox285@yahoo.com and I will share. I also have a contact to a customs broker that was recommended to me, who I spoke to, but then - not to disrupt things - went with the broker CFR Rinkens was working with. Next time I would use rather the recommended gentleman, than I think now, he knew better what documentation to get from CBP. Hope this helps.
Title for my car is now there. Waiting still for plates.
Edited by okinchi on Sunday 7th October 01:50
Big surprise today - the plates are there!
It is now done - after all - it is possible. I took about 2 and half months.
Actually considering all the controversial info you will find on the web... no major surprises.
I enjoy every minute driving, it is very special - and for me, worth the effort.
Later,
OKinChi.
It is now done - after all - it is possible. I took about 2 and half months.
Actually considering all the controversial info you will find on the web... no major surprises.
I enjoy every minute driving, it is very special - and for me, worth the effort.
Later,
OKinChi.
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