How to import a classic car yourself from the USA to UK
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- Опубліковано 1 сер 2024
- Have you ever been tempted by a car in America, but scared off by the importation process? As someone who has personally imported a few cars, hopefully the CarPervert guide will go some way to breaking down the process of personally shipping a vehicle from the US to the UK into bite size chunks. Just because a car is in the United States, doesn't mean it is American. This importation process applies to any car, but the difference comes down to its age (over 30 years old is significantly cheaper on import duties), its size (a classic Mini takes up less space in a container or on a ship than a Cadillac Escalade) and where it is located in the country.
This 10 step guide was put together to dispel any myths regarding importation from America, and help car (or truck or motorcycle) enthusiasts commit to bringing over a foreign project - be that something newer or older.
Me? I imported my 1968 Dodge Charger muscle car in 2008 and still have it. This video also shows the most recent purchase, which is a 1979 Volvo 262C Bertone patinated survivor.
This video was brought to you in partnership with CFR Rinkens - www.cfrrinkens.com/ - whom I have personally used for all of my imported cars.
Head to their online guide to read more about the importation process: www.cfrrinkens.com/internatio...
For advice from the DVLA on importing a vehicle and getting it registered once in the country head to: www.gov.uk/importing-vehicles...
Once you have a NOVA number (which you really need to get within 14 days of the car arriving on UK soil - but the shipping handler helps with this) you can proceed through this DVLA portal:
www.gov.uk/nova-log-in
When you are ready to UK register your car, you can get the V55 form online here:
www.gov.uk/government/publica...
There are some rare instances where you will NOT have to pay VAT or import duty on a car (regardless of age). Those instances are:
• You live in the EU and are only importing the vehicle temporarily.
• You are relocating to the UK and are eligible for residency transfer.
-You are not from the EU and are importing the vehicle to use temporarily. To be eligible you must satisfy the following conditions:
• You must be visiting the UK.
• You must only be using the car for a period of 6 months.
• The vehicle must be registered and taxed in its home country.
The exchange rate is something to keep a close eye on when buying cars from overseas. When the Sterling is strong and the dollar is weak, that's when I pounced on my Dodge purchase. I use this website (or app) to keep tabs on the dollar rate: www.xe.com/
A massive thanks to:
Tim Glover at Roadhouse Motor Co - roadhousemotor.co.uk/
Simon Browse at Arrow Vintage Cars - www.arrowvintagecars.co.uk/
The video featured a clip from another YT channel that I make with ex Top Gear Script Editor Richard Porter - Smith & Sniff. This show centres around driving nowhere in particular and talking about cars, car people and strange memories.
/ smithandsniff
We make a weekly podcast: podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast...
Want to be a CarPervert Patreon supporter? Go here: / carpervert
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Edit and graphics: Ink Shark Studios / inksharkman
Thumbnail: Matt Tarrant Design matttarrantdesign.com
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Jonny Smith
Creative content maker, car presenter & car pervert for hire since '98
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Website: www.carpervert.com
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Instagram: / jonnycarpervert
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Twitter: / carpervert - Авто та транспорт
Jonny thank you for this excellent video and guide. I’ve been wanting to do this for some time and finally took the plunge last month. I have my 1981 DMC DeLorean arriving in November from Los Angeles with the help of CRF Rinkens 😀
Thank you Sam, this is great news to hear. DeLorean is a choice purchase too. My son will be very jealous.
Good car under appreciated here in the states. As a penalty for taking the delorean, I will need to take one of your eurospec 635csi's.
Did it work out?
@@davidp7414 yep the car arrived just before Christmas. The shipping process was straight forward. Jonnys video guide was spot on. Still working on the Delorean and it will be featured on a vlog channel later this year.
Hello my name is Robert I own a company in America that liquidates cars for a wealthy clients I have over 20 something hot rods classic cars mustangs who do I sell them to over there
Would love to see a Japan video. I see so many videos of Japanese cars going to America but none for the UK
Just tweeted the same thing at him! That would be dope. Right hand drive too which is even better.
Really?
Can't be much to talk about since Americans can't import anything younger than 25+
Equally, I heard they got a 25 years restriction on certain cars over in the States. Hence why Bill Gates had his Porsche 959 locked up for years.
Yes please. Japan yes. Please. Thank you.
Addictive_LiquoriCe most Jdm cars that are imported to uk and America are older than 25 years old now
Absolutely like to see a Japan import _how to guide_
Looking at bringing in a Skyline GTR next year 👍🏻
Talk to an importer, GTR are big money now
Also interested in a Japan import guide.
Yeah I don't care about cars from the USA, Japan is probably the only place I'd want to import them from.
Biggest problem now is the value of the yen. When I was doing it in 95 think it was 220¥ to £ it's about half that now so cars cost twice as much, comparatively. Last car I bought was a '34 SS1 in 2013 but that's another story!
I imported a car last year, albeit a mundane one - Honda Stepwgn as a family bus. Much the same as this guide really, although with more tax! MOT tester got flummoxed on how to enter it on the computer when it has no numberplates but mostly a straightforward process. I wrote up what I did at stepwgn.uk/
I have absolutely no intention of importing a car from USA but I found this fascinating so thank you.
Same here
Brilliant video, lots of other videos out there not giving rough costs etc but you've gave everything, top work
Although i live in the States, i found this to be a very interesting video. I must admit the apprehension about buying much less shipping a car from here to the UK must be immense. I get concerned having a vehicle shipped from state to state. I once bought a truck out of the State of Arizona and had it shipped back to Maryland. I asked if the title could be FedEx'd to me(at my expense) so that i would have a temp tag ready when it arrived. The person asked if U.S. Priority mail was OK, and unfortunately i agreed. Needless to say the truck beat the title back here, and until the post office found the title i was left with a two ton paper weight.
Very informative review Jonny. I imported my 1967 Mustang fastback in 2004, and my 2011 Shelby GT500 last year. Not a lot had changed in those 15 years, it was just tremendously exciting! If anyone is thinking of importing, theres lots of good information in this video.
Bloody excellent video - Ive always said if i hit the lottery jackpot the first thing i'm doing is getting a classic Challenger or charger shipped into U.K and now i know how - seems a lot more straightforward than i thought. Cheers!
FFS, I'm now searching for US cars. Thanks a lot Jonny!!!
If I sold my house I could just about buy a small ship capable of crossing the Atlantic with a few containers on it. I really wish I hadn't watched this video, damn you Mr CarPervert.
Thanks for the guide. I finally took the plunge and imported a 1998 Toyota Corolla from Michigan, United states, america USA to Nara Japan.
Took about two years, total cost after getting the car, importation fees, and costs was 4720890¥, which wasn’t bad. Honestly so nice to have a piece of America.
Probably will never do this, but was a great simple and informative film, thanks.
This popped up in my video feed. I never knew you Jim, and I guess I never will now, but I almost felt I knew you from watching these videos. I'll admit I'm envious of the life you led and the fun you had! My best wishes to your family, friends and colleagues.
My dad imported a delorean from America years ago was a great day driving it home from the docks, one day i might do the same i do look alot.
I have fancied bringing a DeLorean over too.
@@davidpiper3652 this was about 1998
I used to see Delorean lined up at the docks in Liverpool.
I’d always have to slow down to check what they had.
Was always worth it.
Good watch this, always wondered how easy it was.
After a long wait this is by far the best explanation of importing I have seen. Nice one Jonny!
A compliment from The Hood. My week is complete.
Another great video Jonny
I imported my Austin Maestro (yes really!!) from Cyprus back to UK in 1985. I drove it in to a 20 foot container myself! It got back to UK ok and I was supposed to collect the car from Hogg Robinson near Heathrow on the day I arrived there, but for reasons I never understood, they moved the car by road to a garage near Brize Norton. So I had to get up there that evening to get my car back. Fortunately it wasn't damaged and I did get some compensation eventually from the person at HR for sending the car to Brize! I re-registered the car at the local DVLA office in Northampton a couple of days later. I still have the old Cyprus plates, but not the car!
Whilst the car was being shipped I got to use the office Austin Ambassador one of only two in all of Cyprus!
Looking at available cars in the US is like being in a toy shop as a child. Especially compared to what's available here in UK.
Depends what vehicles you like i suppose! They can keep their chrome, pickup trucks and suvs!
@@jammydodgerman And UK can keep their POS Mini's, Land Rovers and Jags. Japan and german made only for the US please.
@@dbcooper8607 Agreed on JLR vehicles. But mini a pos? They're a subsidiary of BMW and even share BMW engines...
Now I'm spending hours looking for (probably rubbish) mid 80's sedans from US - a lifetime of episodes of Knight Rider and the A-Team make me want one badly!
Well I love British cars like tvr so it goes both ways lol
What a really helpful step by step guide. Always thought of importing but never knew where to start.
Love those 68 tail lights. Not sure why everyone is so obsessed with the Charger 69 tail lights
Because of The General...
I like the 68 lights as they remind me of the Bullitt Charger.
Because everyone has good taste
Because they are futuristic looking
Brilliant episode, really nicely done thanks!! Never considered importing a car from the US, having watched this I'm really tempted!! Hmm, need to find a vehicle and .....money!!!
great guide clear and easy to follow , off to see what i can find to "dream" about importing 🤣 spot on Jonny 👌
How good was this. Clear as day. Unlike other sources. Thanks
Johnny.
Thanks a lot for this video. I am from The Netherlands.
Just bought my self a Fiat 500e from LA.
Import cars before from Germany, UK and Sweden, but never before from The US.
Just get pictures from the shipping company. My car is waiting for it’s loading plan. Very excited about the whole process.
Keep posting video’s 👍🏼👍🏼
A guide to importing from other right hand drive markets and also the pros and cons of left hand drive in the UK, cost safety etc would be interesting - as always an enjoyable watch.
I plan on shipping a 25 year old f150 to the uk. This video helped me a lot with information. I have a call set up soon with the shipping company in this video. Thank you so much
Really concise, clear & informative. Thank you.
Very informative video thanks Johnny.
I nearly imported a 61 Ford pick-up from Texas a couple of years ago, but bottled it when I heard some stories about imported cars.
Bit of a blessing really as I found a 56 Chevy wagon (one of my favourite cars) for sale fairly locally a couple of weeks later and bought that instead.
Wow! This is very concise. Please do a video about importing from Japan AND EXPORTING from the UK. Your delivery is very fascinating. Good job.
I just watched a 25min guide on something I'll never have the balls or money to do. I used to import my Gibson guitars when it was cheap as chips though, one time a soft case had a funnelweb spider in the pocket....America...
Looking to buy a 68/69 Camaro from the states and import it to the UK so this is extremely useful!
Been meaning to do the research, but this just makes life so much easier having it all in 1 place.
Hey Jonny. My wife and I bought a camper van in LA, drove (broke down multiple times) it via Vegas, Grand Canyon, Route 66, SxSW, to Galveston and brought it back to the UK. We've had it 6 years now and after fixing-up years of neglect, we've been on some great adventures to the west country, Scotland and Le Mans!
This was a really simple and informative video, great watch!
Thanks for doing the video Jonny, it makes it look a lot easier, even possible. I can't believe you've got a Charger and a 262c, two cars I love.
Very informative and well presented Jonny. As a person with experience of this from working in the industry, you covered it all very well.
We used to specialize in flying GT cars of a certain prestigious UK brand to the States, and seeing them squeeze into the bottom of an aircraft is very daunting, but they do fit! I think Mr JWW did similar videos of flying his car(s) to the middle east. Flying cars in and out from the ME is very common, especially as summer approaches and the so called "Saudi Season" begins.
Great video Johnny - this is dangerous, I'm feeling motivated...
Really useful, thanks Jonny. And great work all round.
I had no idea how much I wanted to import a Dodge Charger. Until this afternoon. 😂
Great info Mr Smith. 🙏
I keep swapping from importing a car from the US & Japan. I always chicken out, but now I think I will check these out.
Dan Tanner used to keep his Thunderbird in his living room.
This video is exactly what I've been looking for, thank you!
Fantastic guide Johnny, love more guides from Europe , Dubai and Japan
I'm half tempted to get my own whole container and load it myself over there (I have a yard in the US with loads of random and cool shit I want over here) I think that will work out cheapest for me great video very informative
Another awesome video, thank you. You made a good move leaving Fully Charged so you can make videos about hybrid cars, like this one.
This is the video I've always wanted to see. I've never imported a car before but the two countries I'm most interested in other than the USA are South Africa and Japan. Both RHD countries and prices in South Africa seem unbelievably cheap
Very good. I imported many cars from Japan in 90's Tempting to do it again!!
my friend import japan to finland him new car before, if car cost finland 24000€ today, japan factory shop you can buy toyota micra 4000€ and container shipping cost 2000€ and tax etc toll, 25% about 1000-2000€ you can buy new car at factory less than 7000€ and save money about 17000€ big money. but tax have FREE if working in japan 1 year and then move car/bike/etc to back finland. then not go toll. say finnish law.save 2000€ more.
Absolutely great video. Keep up the good content Jonny
Nice video Johnny, thanks. I've only ever imported engines and other vintage bike parts from the US before, might get round to doing a whole bike now I've seen this.
Another excellent video and great advice/guide if you want to import a car. Cheers Jonny.
Imported several cars, years ago from Japan, while I was working there. More recently a few boats and an E Type from US and a Studebaker waiting to be shipped. My experience, having also shipped from UK to Singapore/Malaysia where I am now, is the much higher cost shipping from UK to elsewhere! US is a well oiled machine. Great summary video. Very useful for even the more experienced.
Could you not drive your car to France or Ireland and ship from there, to save money on shipping?
Brilliant video, I had a lot of questions as it’s one of my dreams to import a 1955 Ford Thunderbird
Very interesting and surprisingly inexpensive, cheers Jonny.
Great video fair play, had wondered what the process was like, clear cut info, and yes a Japan video would be awesome too 🙌
Best guide ever. Simple as pie
Brilliant video. So informative!
I have to say I always enjoy your videos and you have a wide selection of stuff that you discussed and I like that a lot besides the fact that you're in the UK so I can actually tell people that I watch people from the UK and they are bloody awesome
Thank you Joseph.
I imported an F250 from Virginia a few years back and it was all quite straightforward, though I had been living there and had owned the truck for a year or more. I used the Ro-ro searchive though had a mixed experience. The truck arrived without damage but when I collected it from Liverpool several things were evident. First off the lights had been left on at some point and the battery was dead, second, when it left it had around 40 gallons of fuel, when it arrived it was on empty. It also appeared that someone had been using the truck as a place to eat and smoke. The ashtray was full, and you could smell cigarettes. The truck although old was a non smoker, one owner when I brought it and I don't smoke. Furthermore there were food crumbs everywhere and when we got it fired up the AC was running full blast. IT shipped out of Baltimore and tracking it was easy. I handed it over in Virginia around the middle of March, I returned to the UK at the end of march and the truck was in Liverpool ready to collect by the middle of April. However, the UK processing took forever. I Had everything ready to convert lights etc. I've done them before so new what to expect. Collected the truck and had it converted and MOT'ed within a week. Insured it, completed the registration and then waited, and waited, and waited. Missed most of the summer before I eventually got the paperwork through and was able to get number plates etc. But will certainly do it again. Gona be looking for a 95-97 f350 powerstoke crew cab this time round.
Brilliant informative video. Thanks
Great video this is a big help for me as I will be importing one very soon thanks
Id love to see a Japan JDM Import guide. Great channel Jonny - love your content
Great video, clear and concise, Thank you
Fantastic Jonny, answered a lot of things I wasn’t aware off. Next stop Ebay 👍😀
Thanks for the hard work making this content. I really appreciate it. Yes, Japan imports would be interesting. I didn't realise there was a Honda S660 until I saw a link probably from you wonderful Honda S600 vid, and all of a sudden, my mind is whirring with the idea of importing one. They're not crazy money but very interesting cars.
Great Vid! I’ve wanted to bring a crown vic over for a while. I’ve brought two cars over from Japan, the first being a Mitsubishi Airtrek turbo and more recently a Suzuki Kei Works. Really happy with both, been lucky as both were Roro with no insurance, a mistake I won’t repeat!
Nice guide. The shared container option does seem like a good way to save on anxiety. When you are talking about international distances the extra costs sound like money well spent as long as you have an item in decent condition.
Terrific video and story behind it.
Great video . Congrats on the 100k subscribers!
Really useful video, thanks Jonny.
Excellent video. Once countries open back up I’m planning on transferring and I’m thinking of bringing my Jeep over.
Great video, would love to see a similar Japan import video as you have gone through all the typical costs too which is great. 👍
brilliant video Jonny, amazingly detailed , well explained, i take it everyone is going to ask for europe next and japan
All of that was brilliant, thank you
Watching all of the hubnut videos in new Zealand and Australia makes me wonder about the big fords , holdens and aussie built leyland p76.
Great guide! Thanks.
Hi Johnny excellent video. I am in the process of importing my 2018 Dodge Challenger from UAE to Cyprus. I lost my job here so, I am returning home to Cyprus and the car is on its way in a 20’ container with some of my personal belongings in it. At the moment it’s waiting to be loaded at Jebel Ali Port. Wish me luck, I haven’t done this before.
Love the video, smashing it as always! Would love to see a guide for Europe (Italy in particular)
A run down on the use of a Carnet de Passage for taking cars on trips outside Europe would also be useful.
I always wondered how you import a car from US, this if the first video that i came accross that explains the process nice and simple
Top vid dude, been on the lookout for a Stang
Great video. When the £ was strong, about 20 years ago, I imported 3 new cars, one each from Belgium, Holland and Sweden. I remember the process being pretty pain free. The first two I collected myself and drove back. The one from Sweden came via broker and I just had to wait for a call from the handing agent at Southampton docks to go and pick it up. It was less effort than picking up a hire car! I too would be interest in Japanase version of this guide.
In 2012 me and a buddy imported a 2001 XJR from the UK to Germany, one of the best weekends of my life. Easy Jet from Berlin to London, small Hyandai rental and a rather long drive to Wales to meet with the seller, car was as described, and back to Stevenage where we would be staying.
And on Sunday back to Germany through the tunnel, France and Belgium... what a weekend🇬🇧
Great guide. I'm about to start the process of exporting my BMW Z3 from the UK to join me in Australia. Importing into Australia is particularly challenging !!!
Great video 👍🏼 would love a guide to anything you need to do different in the actual purchasing of a second hand car. Also importing from Japan, yes please.
I bought a 1969 VW Crewcab years ago, fresh import from SA still on African Plates and Docs, that was a scary purchase. Only vehicle I ever regret selling.
What a fascinating video. Thank you!
100k subs. You are killing it buddy. Nice one.
Thanks Steven.
I can’t imagine I’ll import anything anytime soon, b a very interesting video which will lead to me staying up until 3AM looking at rusty VW’s
I'm currently on Serbian used car website lusting after a Yugo 511 / Skala (yes, I have issues), so this is well timed. Thank you :)
I'd love to see more videos like these, from Japan would certainly be interesting!!
That was very informative. Thanks.
Just found this video of yours and it’s super helpful. Now I need to find out about South Africa, there’s some good stuff there.
Incredible thanks Jonny , so many questions answered in just one video D :0)
Perfect time for a Brazil video given the exchange rate atm. Lots of classic VWs.
a video on the process from japan would be interesting.
Great Video, very informative!
Brilliant video thank you.
Definitely want a similar video for Japan, please, Jonny. Imported a couple myself, though had helpful agent do most of the work. Next time I'd like to be able to handle it all. Rewarding experience, some real bargains to be had. Thanks.
great video johnny!, people seem to think it costs way more than it does, the total cost of my 1971 f100(short cab,flat side short bed) was 5500 gbp, and the truck had a v8 engine and 5 speed box and two replacement doors in the bed.
my dream wheels, never for sale rock solid Arizona truck, the only reason i had the engine shipped with it was it was a crap straight 6 with an even crapper auto box, the doors needed changing as they had enormous door mirrors fitted on them and they were all kicked in.
i would love a step side bed for it but it does not really fit the lines of the 71.
Great video and very informative.
Good one, Perv. I’m in Southern California and have imported 2 VWs. One from New Zealand and one from Uruguay. One by RORO and the other one drove in on its own steam. Love yer show!
Cheers Tom. Interesting to hear someone from Socal bringing in a car with RHD.
RHD VWs (pre ‘67s) are very collectible here, and the one I brought in from NZed was a CKD early ‘55, which made it even more so. It was my daily during my year and a half working there. The Brazilian bus from Uruguay is a ‘93 and as such is not register-able in California. But I brought it in to convert it to electric. I’ve purchased the components from our friends at EV West. I understand you may know a thing or two about EVs.
Great video buddy - the Volvo was beautiful 🇸🇪😍