Despite more than thirty years of experience importing cars from around the globe, the prospect of importing European classics still excites us!
Whether it’s the love of a specific brand, their rich, interesting history, the experience of driving a classic car, or simply the investment potential, it's unsurprising that we receive numerous enquiries from buyers looking to purchase and import classic cars from Europe.
In light of our extensive experience and knowledge, we’re always keen to share our insights with an enthusiastic car community.
Letting a professional help import your car
If you’re thinking of importing your car to the UK, there are several things you’ll need to know to avoid the inevitable obstacles. It is possible to undertake the process singlehandedly, but it’s likely to be more cost-effective and streamlined when a professional does it for you.
It’s worth bearing in mind that certain factors have changed since the onset of Brexit which can add further complications if you’re new to importing cars. My Car Import is fully up to date with all new procedures and can ensure that things run seamlessly.
Before we even set to work on importing your European classic car, we hit the ground running to establish your unique requirements.
We determine the eligibility and requirements for importing your specific car model into the UK, assess tax and duty implications for importing a car into the UK, as well as check for any import implications and regulations. We also ensure that your car meets UK standards, including the need for modifications to comply with driving regulations, such as adjusting headlamp orientation and speedometer units.
And that’s before we’ve even started!
Purchasing a car in a foreign country has the potential to be daunting, particularly if there are language barriers. There’s the legitimacy of the car you’re keen to purchase as well as ensuring that all formalities are conducted correctly. It’s not without forethought if you’re new to the process.
That’s why we’ve highlighted the key points that you’ll need to be aware of when you’re looking to buy a European classic car.
Check the car’s history
Every car has a story, and that’s precisely what car enthusiasts like us love about them.
However, it is important to understand the car’s history well, so you know exactly what you’re taking on.
What you don’t want are any unexpected glitches further down the line.
With classic cars, being well cared for goes beyond just service history. If the car has been part of a collection, there’s every chance it’s been loved and looked after, but even if it appears to be in pristine condition, it isn’t sensible to assume it’s in perfect working order.
Spend time looking at pictures and enquire about anything that might stand out. You’ll want to know about any previous restorations and question any visible marks or scuffs. Put simply, you want to know everything about the history of the car.
If you’re unsure what to look out for, My Car Import can assist in doing this on your behalf.
As the old saying goes, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Buying your European car
Buying your classic car is undoubtedly the most exciting part of the process, just don’t let that excitement blindside you into buying something that later becomes a burden.
Choosing a reliable seller is vital. Whether buying from an auction, a dealer, or a private individual, ensuring safety and reliability throughout the process is vital.
Begin by meticulously researching reputable dealers or private sellers with positive reviews and a proven track record. Stick to communication channels that offer transparency and undergo thorough inspections, whether in-person or through detailed documentation and pictures. Verify the car's authenticity, history, and condition through comprehensive inspections by trusted professionals or reliable third-party services.
We recommend sites such as Car and Classic Auctions, Collecting Cars, Mobil.de, and The Parking. Having had the pleasure of working with each of these companies, we can confidently vouch for every one of these marketplaces.
Once you’ve chosen your car, seek a reputable payment exchange broker with a proven track record of facilitating international transactions safely, it’s a much safer process than cash alternatives and vastly reduces the risk of being scammed.
We always suggest using payment methods that offer buyer protection, such as escrow services or secure payment gateways to reduce the risk of fraud or disputes.
Thanks to our longstanding, trusted European partners, My Car Import can ensure that you’re not overpaying or being ripped off by a tenacious scam artist!
Transporting your classic car from Europe to the UK
Once you’ve purchased your classic car, My Car Import will collect it for you in one of our enclosed transporters. We can collect straight from dealerships, private collectors, or arrange separate transport as required.
There’s no doubt that you’ve put time and effort into carefully selecting your classic car, and no one understands the unique value and significance of safe transportation more than us. If needed, we’ll even provide safe and secure storage at our premises until it’s registered.
The safest and most commonly used transportation methods are open or enclosed transporters.
Open transporters contain an open roof and sides which exposes vehicles to the elements.
When it comes to classic cars, we always recommend the use of our enclosed transporters.
Our personal enclosed car transporter ensures that your classic car remains in pristine condition for the duration of its journey from the EU. Not only is this the quickest and most efficient option, but it also guarantees the safety of your vehicle.
Our steadfast team will also take care in loading and unloading your classic car with the greatest of care which can often be overlooked with alternative transportation methods.
For peace of mind, you’re also able to follow the journey of your car via our live GPS tracking system. We’re all about transparency, and we want you to remain stress-free while your car makes its way back to the UK.
We provide insurance for your car in the exceptionally small chance that damage should occur. However, if it’s in our safe hands, you don’t need to worry.
Transportation can be costly, but My Car Import consolidates shipping costs to pass these savings onto our customers. You’ll likely be saving yourself a lot of money by choosing us as your import specialists.
EU Export Paperwork
Since Brexit, you require paperwork to export goods from the EU into the UK. Suffice to say, the whole process can become quite convoluted. The bottom line is that only an agent, such as ourselves, can handle this for you.
Delays at the point of exit from the EU, while you await the correct paperwork, can be extremely frustrating. That’s why the vast majority of buyers choose to have their cars transported. It’s a safer and more sensible option.
Once your car reaches customs, our in-house team of customs entry clerks will enter your car into the UK CDS system.
That includes all of the necessary paperwork and accurate payments to prevent you from overpaying.
Classic cars fall into one of two tax rates: under 30 years old at a rate of 20%, and over 30 years old at a reduced rate of 5%. More often than not, classic cars fall into the lower tax bracket which is a terrific cost-effective advantage.
We offer peace of mind when you know that your new, classic car is being treated with the utmost care and all documentation is being handled accurately.
How do I get my European classic car home?
Once your car reaches the UK, our distinctive, liveried trucks will safely transport it to our private facilities. There’s little doubt that you’re eager to have the car delivered to you immediately, but your new vehicle must adhere to UK regulations.
It’s no problem, we take care of any necessary modifications your vehicle needs to make it roadworthy.
You’ll also need to arrange delivery back to your chosen address. If you opt to work with us, however, we’ll handle it all for you. That means you don’t need to schedule a plethora of logistics, as well as ensuring your vehicle is insured.
Our in-house team covers every aspect of the process from start to finish, you just need to ensure you’re available for handover.
Testing and registrations
Although classic cars that are over 40 years old are road tax and MOT exempt, we always perform an MOT to ensure that the car is roadworthy. (Experience has taught us that it’s also handy in the registration process too!)
Acquiring the correct documentation and registration of a classic car from the EU is a strict process governed by the UK DVLA. Classic cars from outside the UK are considered something of a history piece, so you’re essentially putting together pieces of a puzzle to prove the car is the one that matches the VIN on the chassis!
This process requires photography of the car, VINs, normal DVLA application paperwork, registration documents from the country of origin, and potentially a manufacturer-issued dating letter. On occasion, you may even require a written letter from an expert in the field of your particular car!
This process requires photography of the car, VINs, normal DVLA application paperwork, registration documents from the country of origin, and potentially a manufacturer-issued dating letter. On occasion, you may even require a written letter from an expert in the field of your particular car!
This process requires photography of the car, VINs, normal DVLA application paperwork, registration documents from the country of origin, and potentially a manufacturer-issued dating letter. On occasion, you may even require a written letter from an expert in the field of your particular car!
If you want to simplify this process in its entirety, leave it to the My Car Import experts and you won’t need to give it a second thought.
Finally, once the DVLA has provided us with your registration, we’ll have your vehicle valeted, plated, and delivered to a delivery point of your choosing. Then it’s simply time for you to enjoy your classic car!
Benefits of using My Car Import to help with the process
As we’ve mentioned above, you can take on the process of buying and importing your classic car singlehandedly. If you do choose to take it on yourself, it’s important to understand that the process can be complex and long-winded.
We’ll collect and transport your classic car, load and unload onto our enclosed transporter, clear the car through customs into the UK.
Then we undertake all necessary testing and perform modifications to ensure UK compliance, and deliver to an address of your choosing.
And we'll handle any paperwork and documentation required to get your classic car registered, completing the process on your behalf.
All of this while keeping you fully updated throughout.
As we remain in constant contact with you, we can overcome any issues as we face them. If the car doesn’t start, for example, we’ll deal with it. You don’t want someone interfering with your car that is not an expert in their field. Believe it or not, these things do happen, and it adds time and stress that can be instantly eliminated if you choose to let us do it for you.
Buying a classic car should be an exciting prospect, so don’t get bogged down by the logistics and turn a dream into a nightmare. Hand it over to My Car Import and you’ll receive a speedy, efficient, and seamless process.