importing car

[mabelminor]

can anyone tell me what costs are involved if I buy a car from New Zealand . I know shipping cost but what happens when it gets to tilbury docks Re registering etc. I am very tempted by a 1952 convertible advertised and have had lots of pics e-mailed to me and the car does look in wonderful condition but I am obviously a bit worried as I cannot get my hands on it.The man selling it has been very helpful with details and pics but I wondered what you think of the idea .Many thanks in anticipation.[ This Message was edited by: mabelminor on 01-03-2002 22:08 ]

[Chris Morley]

When the car arrives in the U.K it will be necessary for a Customs entry to be made. You can do this yourself at Tilbury, but you can also hire a professional agent who will specialise in the paperwork required. You will probably have to pay 17.5% V.A.T on the purchase price and a proportion of the shipping costs. Luckily the car will be exempt from duty as it was made in the U.K.
Notices explaining the procedure can be obtained from your local Customs & Excise office, but explain to them that you intend to re-import a 50 year old British car and ask whether there is any relief available from V.A.T due to the age or historical nature of the vehicle.

When the car is Customs cleared you will be issued with paperwork. This and the N.Z registration document will then need to be taken to your local V.R.O, along with the new M.O.T and insurance documents. More forms then need to be completed. Finally a fee has to be paid (£25 in 1999) and the DVLA computer will issue you with an age-related registration ( which you can't sell on ). You'll be issued a V5 log book and then all you have to do is obtain the numberplates.

As you can see it's a lot of hassle and may cost you a lot of money and time. As there are so many Minor convertibles in the U.K you'll have to decide if it's worth doing. Out of interest, what price have you been quoted for the shipping ?

[mabelminor]

Hello Chris, Thanks for the very detailed advice I will have to think very carefully about it as there is so much involved . I was quoted £1100 for shipping but the man selling the car says he has someone who can do it for 50-60% of that price. The car is £4000 and its a convertible that is advertised as rare due to the fact they were only made for a short period in 1952. I dont know anything about that . Do you ? Thanks again Chris . Liz

[Chris Morley]

This could easily set you back 6 grand and there's no guarantee that you would end up with a car without faults or rust. It's hard to see what comeback you'll have if it's not what is described.

The same money would get you a very nice condition convertible in the U.K. It depends if you are willing to risk the money because you're heart is set on an early series mm car. I guess they are rarely seen for sale in the U.K. Maybe it is a late sidevalve model with the fixed windows instead of the earier tourer with detachable windows.
[ This Message was edited by: Chris Morley on 02-03-2002 22:43 ]

[mabelminor]

Thanks Chris, I have sent the e-mail I was sent with the pics of the car can you give me an honest opinion, You know a lot more than I do about the cars. Do you charge a consultation Fee !!!
Many thanks Liz