Skip to main content

mporting a Classic Aston Martin to the United Kingdom: A Guide to Navigating Luxury and Heritage

Introduction: The allure of owning a classic Aston Martin is a dream cherished by automotive connoisseurs worldwide. For those in the United Kingdom, importing a classic Aston Martin offers an exquisite blend of luxury, craftsmanship, and heritage. In this guide, we unravel the steps and considerations involved in bringing a classic Aston Martin to British soil.

  1. Selecting Your Classic Aston Martin:
    • Delve into the legacy of Aston Martin and explore iconic models such as the DB5, DB4, and Vantage.
    • Consider your preferences, from design to performance, when choosing the perfect classic Aston Martin to import.
  2. Research and Documentation:
    • Uncover the history and provenance of the chosen classic Aston Martin, valuing authenticity and originality.
    • Gather essential documents, including ownership records, maintenance history, and any certificates of authenticity.
  3. Understanding UK Import Regulations:
    • Familiarize yourself with the UK’s import regulations, emissions standards, and safety requirements for classic cars.
  4. Customs and Import Duties:
    • Navigate the customs clearance process, complete necessary declarations, and pay import taxes as required by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
  5. Shipping Your Classic Aston Martin:
    • Choose between container shipping and Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) shipping to transport your prized Aston Martin to the UK.
  6. Inspection and Compliance:
    • Ensure your classic Aston Martin meets UK roadworthiness standards through thorough inspections and any required modifications.
  7. DVLA Registration:
    • Register your imported classic Aston Martin with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) to obtain UK number plates and necessary documentation.
  8. Insurance for Classic Aston Martins:
    • Secure specialized insurance coverage tailored to classic cars, safeguarding your investment and prized possession.
  9. Preservation and Restoration:
    • Decide whether to preserve the original features of your classic Aston Martin or embark on a restoration journey to bring it back to its former glory.
  10. Connecting with the Aston Martin Community:
    • Engage with fellow Aston Martin enthusiasts through clubs, events, and online forums, sharing experiences and insights.
  11. Seeking Professional Guidance:
    • Leverage the expertise of customs experts, classic car restorers, and professionals familiar with the intricacies of importing luxury cars.

Conclusion: Importing a classic Aston Martin to the United Kingdom is more than a transaction; it’s an ode to automotive elegance and heritage. As your classic Aston Martin graces British roads, it becomes a rolling masterpiece that pays homage to the brand’s legacy. By following regulations, conducting meticulous research, and embracing the passion that classic Aston Martins evoke, you’re not just importing a car – you’re becoming a custodian of artistry and engineering that will be celebrated for generations to come.

Get your no obligation free quote today

Will I pay import tax?

Are you moving to the UK?

If you are moving to the UK, have lived outside the UK for more than 12 months and have owned the car for more than 6 months, you will be eligible for a tax and duty free import.

To qualify, you will complete a Transfer of Residency application with HMRC. Customers of My Car Import have access to handy guides to complete this application.

Get a quote

Have you bought a car from the EU?

Vehicles registered in the EU attract 20% import VAT, based on the purchase price of the car and any associated transport costs to bring it to the UK. The import VAT is calculated on your purchase invoice for the car, or a recent valuation if the invoice is more than 3 months old.

Get a quote

Have you bought a car from outside the EU?

Vehicles registered outside the EU attract 20% import VAT and 10% import Duty, based on the purchase price of the car and any associated transport costs to bring it to the UK. The import VAT is calculated on your purchase invoice for the car, or a recent valuation if the invoice is more than 3 months old.

Get a quote

Have you bought a classic car?

Vehicles over 30 years old qualify for a special rate of taxation, due to their historical interest, similar to an antiquity.

You will pay 5% import VAT and no import Duty, based on the purchase price of the car and any associated transport costs to bring it to the UK. The import VAT is calculated on your purchase invoice for the car, or a recent valuation if the invoice is more than 3 months old.

Get a quote

Have you got a car that was formerly UK registered?

If you exported a car from the UK and are now returning with it, you may be able to import the car back into the UK tax free, as long as you can provide a UK purchase invoice when you acquired the car, along with a copy of your former UK V5C logbook.

Get a quote

For a no obligation quotation to import your car fill out our quote form.

We have imported thousands of cars from around the world into the United Kingdom and we have over 25 years experience doing so.

Get a quote
Get a quote
 Get a quote