How to import a classic car yourself from the USA to UK

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 - https://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: https://www.cfrrinkens.com/internatio...

For advice from the DVLA on importing a vehicle and getting it registered once in the country head to: https://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:
https://www.gov.uk/nova-log-in

When you are ready to UK register your car, you can get the V55 form online here:
https://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: https://www.xe.com/

A massive thanks to:
Tim Glover at Roadhouse Motor Co - https://roadhousemotor.co.uk/
Simon Browse at Arrow Vintage Cars - https://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: https://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 https://matttarrantdesign.com

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Jonny Smith
Creative content maker, car presenter & car pervert for hire since '98
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Website: http://www.carpervert.com
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Twitter:   / carpervert