Importing a Car from the US

Oneball

Member
Messages
11,071
Does anyone know what duty is payable on a 1960s car imported to this country from the USA?

My google foo has let me down and I keep coming up with conflicting information.

Cheers Tim
 

Vampyrebat

Member
Messages
3,117
Hi Tim
My brother has a guy who works for him who imported over a Plymouth Cuda about a year ago, I could ask for his details for you if you like.
 

allandwf

Member
Messages
10,958
I'm sure it's about 20% on top, duty and vat, unless you can show it's Historically significant. I imported a 1970 Stingray, but was in the late 80s. But I don't think it has changed much.
 

Wanderer

Member
Messages
5,791
Thanks all, I think I’ve managed to get to the bottom of it.

If the car is over 30 years old and was not originally manufactured in an EU country. You need to pay 10% duty on the purchase price + shipping then 5% VAT on top of that.

If it’s over 50 years old then no duty just the VAT.
So my dream 1961 Caddy only vat able?
 

Paul-spyder

Junior Member
Messages
37
Tim interesting thread. Keep us up to date. Must admit keep on looking at the eBay.com adverts as feel the need to scratch that American itch too!!
 

Oneball

Member
Messages
11,071
Thanks all, I’ve put a deposit down on a 1969 Corvette for my planned winter race car build.

I’ve contacted a few of your suggestions, will let you know how it goes.
 

midlifecrisis

Member
Messages
16,102
John is a top bloke. I have his business card in my garage. I'll post a picture of it on here as he's a man of many talents.
He also properly quoted me for a car import from the states without any obligation just to show me the costs. Can't fault that
 

Jkulin

Junior Member
Messages
983
Thanks all, I think I’ve managed to get to the bottom of it.

If the car is over 30 years old and was not originally manufactured in an EU country. You need to pay 10% duty on the purchase price + shipping then 5% VAT on top of that.

If it’s over 50 years old then no duty just the VAT.

Nope Sorry Tim (Thanks Keano)

If the vehicle is over 30 years old, as long as it meets the requirements and you complete the forms we provide then the vehicle can be imported at 0% Duty and 5% VAT.

If the vehicle is less than 30 years old then it is 10% Duty and 20% VAT for non commercial and 22% Duty and 20% VAT for Commercial, there are other categories but that is the gist of it.

Hope that helps?

Regards,

John
 

Vampyrebat

Member
Messages
3,117
Love the old American flat beds like the Step Side and the F1 but not into this fad of the 'Rat Look' false patina.