importing a classic from Holland

[slurpysi]

Hello all,

I am purchasing a left hand drive 36 year old car from a dealer in Holland.

can someone describe the procedure. Can I just drive the car back across or under the Channel with the necessary paperwork from the dealer ? What will happen when I get there ?

I know I will have to uk register the car which is fine, I am more concerned about getting it back. Do I have to pay import duty ?

any advice appreciated.

thanks

[slurpysi]

Thanks

A Matra Simca Bagheera, always wanted a (non rusty) one and now is the time.

so I can just jump in it, insure it, and drive back via the channel tunnel - or do I need some documents from the dealer ?

[slurpysi]

Thanks for all the feedback - I will let you know how I get on and post some pictures when (if !) I return. Planning for the week after next.

it is a late one with the bigger engine.

[slurpysi]

Further to my previous question on this thread, as expected I am getting grief from my insurance company.

Does the 14 day insurance I am getting in Holland for my 150 euros cover me to drive in the UK ?

Thanks

[slurpysi]

Thanks for all the feedback I had on this thread.

Just to complete the picture;

- managed to get a lift to Holland and purchase an very nice 1979 Matra Bagheera X from the extremely charming people at CarJoy in Leerdam.

- went into town with them to do the export papers which took 20 minutes and cost 140 euros. They give you export number plates

- drove 200 miles back to Calais, motorway all the way (although rather slow in a new car and 4 speeds). The first time I slowed down was for the channel tunnel.

- straight through check in and customs without being asked any questions (this was before the 'problems' obviously)

- got the car delivered home

- filled in the NOVA form, which was straightforward

- MOT'd the car, again straightforward. Just the headlight alignment to fiddle with. My insurance company issued a temporary covernote

- attempted to fill in the dreaded DVLA V55 form. You have to apply for the form to be sent to you. I struggled to fill it in so called the helpdesk, and was advised to just "do the best you can". I was very careful the chassis number and other details were correct across all the paperwork. A quick prayer, and off it went

- and less than two weeks later, the new registration documents have arrived ! £55 for the pleasure, and £145 for a years tax which they did at the same time. So well done DVLA.

The car, by the way, is excellent, and an almost perfect example. I am not sure what the results would have been buying private without the benefit of dealer assistance in filling in the export forms, but it should be fairly straightforward. I recommend the process, there are plenty of good cars available across Europe - make the most of the Sterling to Euro rate !