Canadians - what UK cars would you ideally like?
Discussion
I'm discussing the idea with a Toronto based buddy of mine of running a few shipments of UK cars capable of importation into Canada.
Allowing for the 15 year+ old rules, what largely UK based vehicles are generally sought after on that side of the pond? As we are both Lotus fans we did discuss Elises and the like, but they aren't really suited to Canadian roads so we felt probably a damp squid. I did see a brave fella driving a Caterham 7 through the streets of Oakville and thought he must be on first name terms with his chiropractor.
Old Land Rovers were another thought, and of course there is TVR...I've only seen 1 Griff dashing about Toronto which looked fantastic.
Any thoughts? TIA.
Allowing for the 15 year+ old rules, what largely UK based vehicles are generally sought after on that side of the pond? As we are both Lotus fans we did discuss Elises and the like, but they aren't really suited to Canadian roads so we felt probably a damp squid. I did see a brave fella driving a Caterham 7 through the streets of Oakville and thought he must be on first name terms with his chiropractor.
Old Land Rovers were another thought, and of course there is TVR...I've only seen 1 Griff dashing about Toronto which looked fantastic.
Any thoughts? TIA.
I left my Elise behind when I moved for just that reason. The driving season for sportscars here is only six months, if you're lucky, and the roads are not really the fun sort anyway.
The best cars for use over here are big trucks and SUVs, of which there are already plenty.
The best cars for use over here are big trucks and SUVs, of which there are already plenty.
Shnozz said:
As we are both Lotus fans we did discuss Elises and the like, but they aren't really suited to Canadian roads so we felt probably a damp squid.
Curses to those cephalopods!I appreciate the input.
If I scale back the concept to solely look at Toronto, I know there seems to be plenty of spare cash and a good number of sports cars for the summer months. The Italian machinery seems relatively popular, but I was thinking there might be demand for some UK nostalgia, either from UK expats or from those who just find UK stuff so adorable.
I hear what you are saying about the SUV market and agree that's wrapped up. I did wonder if an old Landie might be more year round usable and yet still nod to a sense of being British and different.
Perhaps there is just zero demand or usability in what we have on our roads.
If I scale back the concept to solely look at Toronto, I know there seems to be plenty of spare cash and a good number of sports cars for the summer months. The Italian machinery seems relatively popular, but I was thinking there might be demand for some UK nostalgia, either from UK expats or from those who just find UK stuff so adorable.
I hear what you are saying about the SUV market and agree that's wrapped up. I did wonder if an old Landie might be more year round usable and yet still nod to a sense of being British and different.
Perhaps there is just zero demand or usability in what we have on our roads.
PHer happygoron and I have spent many hours researching this in Ottawa pubs. We have come up with two conflicting schools of thought.
a) The head. Land Rovers. They hold their value very well, if autotrader is to be believed. I haven't seen many on the roads, but old/unusual models look like a decent proposition. It makes no real sense to import any 'normal' cars for financial gain. It would have to be classics (please, no more MGBs), or rare - maybe a G-Wagen or a BMW M* or AMG. I believe there is a 15-year import restriction, but I'm not sure how that would affect you.
b) The heart. Basically import cars we've enjoyed in the UK. This makes absolutely no sense and would easily end in financial ruin. Principal amongst these is the Peugeot 205/309 GTi. And for some reason Suzuki Super Carry / Bedford Rascal would be hilarious (and you could fit several in a shipping container, for motorsport purposes obviously). Also suggested have been various Europe-only models - things which would be cool and unusual to own and drive, but make no real sense. e.g. Ford Mondeo ST24, Ford Capri, Ford Escort XR3i convertible, Lancia Delta Integrale etc. I'm sure happygoron can refresh my memory.
So, in conclusion, Land Rover Series III in decent condition, but don't count on making much money.
a) The head. Land Rovers. They hold their value very well, if autotrader is to be believed. I haven't seen many on the roads, but old/unusual models look like a decent proposition. It makes no real sense to import any 'normal' cars for financial gain. It would have to be classics (please, no more MGBs), or rare - maybe a G-Wagen or a BMW M* or AMG. I believe there is a 15-year import restriction, but I'm not sure how that would affect you.
b) The heart. Basically import cars we've enjoyed in the UK. This makes absolutely no sense and would easily end in financial ruin. Principal amongst these is the Peugeot 205/309 GTi. And for some reason Suzuki Super Carry / Bedford Rascal would be hilarious (and you could fit several in a shipping container, for motorsport purposes obviously). Also suggested have been various Europe-only models - things which would be cool and unusual to own and drive, but make no real sense. e.g. Ford Mondeo ST24, Ford Capri, Ford Escort XR3i convertible, Lancia Delta Integrale etc. I'm sure happygoron can refresh my memory.
So, in conclusion, Land Rover Series III in decent condition, but don't count on making much money.
I live just outside of Toronto - and I am one of those few running about in a TVR Griffith. We have an old Mini as well, had a RHD D90 Land Rover.
The Land Rover and Mini market are seemingly getting saturated, and prices are silly, but the reality is that the North American spec vehicles are the ones that actually get the top dollar. Right hand drives have a significantly lower value here, but they are getting 'common', so there are buyers.
Some insurance companies have stopped insuring right hand drive, so the push is on to stop them coming in. The left hand drives are easier, but recently I found that Allstate (the company I use) won't start new coverage on any car that was sold in a non-north american market when new (not on a model basis, I mean the specific car you are insuring came from another continent).
I would lean towards European sourced cars to get Km/hr speedometers and left hand drive; far easier to sell here.
I wouldn't discount Lotus Elise from the list, they sell easily enough if priced fair.
Check out sources like kijjiji.ca and autotrader.ca to see what is on the market; keep track of the specific cars and check back on them every week for a bit - you will see how quick they sell (or people give up), and you can see the price patterns.
There is money to be made. You do have to be cautious though, if you have a local helping and they are involved in the sale they will quickly find the local car dealer association will report them for trading without licence.
Cheers,
Rob.
The Land Rover and Mini market are seemingly getting saturated, and prices are silly, but the reality is that the North American spec vehicles are the ones that actually get the top dollar. Right hand drives have a significantly lower value here, but they are getting 'common', so there are buyers.
Some insurance companies have stopped insuring right hand drive, so the push is on to stop them coming in. The left hand drives are easier, but recently I found that Allstate (the company I use) won't start new coverage on any car that was sold in a non-north american market when new (not on a model basis, I mean the specific car you are insuring came from another continent).
I would lean towards European sourced cars to get Km/hr speedometers and left hand drive; far easier to sell here.
I wouldn't discount Lotus Elise from the list, they sell easily enough if priced fair.
Check out sources like kijjiji.ca and autotrader.ca to see what is on the market; keep track of the specific cars and check back on them every week for a bit - you will see how quick they sell (or people give up), and you can see the price patterns.
There is money to be made. You do have to be cautious though, if you have a local helping and they are involved in the sale they will quickly find the local car dealer association will report them for trading without licence.
Cheers,
Rob.
stripes, must be dark blue then. Mine was red, but is now yellow. The one you saw belonged to a friend of mine, he had the stripes added. He sold it in to a fellow in the Niagara region who subsequently removed the stripes.
That car is one of the seven that came to Canada new, and in fact was the very first Griffith imported to Canada.
The Tuscan will be of great interest; need to see that the engine has been sorted to ensure a good price!
That car is one of the seven that came to Canada new, and in fact was the very first Griffith imported to Canada.
The Tuscan will be of great interest; need to see that the engine has been sorted to ensure a good price!
UKAuto said:
stripes, must be dark blue then. Mine was red, but is now yellow. The one you saw belonged to a friend of mine, he had the stripes added. He sold it in to a fellow in the Niagara region who subsequently removed the stripes.
That car is one of the seven that came to Canada new, and in fact was the very first Griffith imported to Canada.
The Tuscan will be of great interest; need to see that the engine has been sorted to ensure a good price!
Yep, dark blue one so must have been your mates one. Interesting it was the first into Canada.That car is one of the seven that came to Canada new, and in fact was the very first Griffith imported to Canada.
The Tuscan will be of great interest; need to see that the engine has been sorted to ensure a good price!
The Tuscan will be have a reputable engine rebuild, wouldn't touch one without
Saw this optimistically-priced car and immediately thought of this thread...
http://www.autotrader.ca/a/TVR/Tuscan/CAISTOR+CENT...
http://www.autotrader.ca/a/TVR/Tuscan/CAISTOR+CENT...
thegreenhell said:
Saw this optimistically-priced car and immediately thought of this thread...
http://www.autotrader.ca/a/TVR/Tuscan/CAISTOR+CENT...
Yeah thanks mate.http://www.autotrader.ca/a/TVR/Tuscan/CAISTOR+CENT...
Spotted it just after import.
Beaten to the market and you'll note the Cerbera alongside it...
Interested to note their price point. About $20k higher than our proposed pricing.
Shnozz said:
Yeah thanks mate.
Spotted it just after import.
Beaten to the market and you'll note the Cerbera alongside it...
Interested to note their price point. About $20k higher than our proposed pricing.
Where abouts did you spot that? Have only seen a couple of TVR's since moving to Toronto. Would love to see a few more!Spotted it just after import.
Beaten to the market and you'll note the Cerbera alongside it...
Interested to note their price point. About $20k higher than our proposed pricing.
Shnozz said:
thegreenhell said:
Saw this optimistically-priced car and immediately thought of this thread...
http://www.autotrader.ca/a/TVR/Tuscan/CAISTOR+CENT...
Yeah thanks mate.http://www.autotrader.ca/a/TVR/Tuscan/CAISTOR+CENT...
Spotted it just after import.
Beaten to the market and you'll note the Cerbera alongside it...
Interested to note their price point. About $20k higher than our proposed pricing.
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