Can I economically import a project to UK from California?

[dave de roxby]

Hi Folks,

For some while, I've noticed a classic Jaguar Mk IX project, privately owned, for sale about 20 miles inland of Long Beach, California. The body is near-perfect but the mechanicals are stuffed and the interior nicely sun-fried! Meanwhile, I've got a Mk IX over here, excellent mechanicals and interior but very rusty body. You can see where this is going, can't you!! Am I just dreaming?

I'm guessing about £1k or so might just buy the California car. It's USA paperwork is evidently fully in order - but what would I do next?

Although I have done most things with classics, I have no experience of importing one. Never even been across the pond yet but willing to fly out if necessary.

Any experience? Can you advise me, please? Most grateful for any help.

[TonyBrooks]

I imported a Saab Sonnet from California and used these people http://www.apincorporated.com/. They dealt with all the documentation and delivered the car to my home for an all in price. As I was in no hurry it was able to be included in a container with other stuff which reduced the cost.

[dave de roxby]

TonyBrooks said:

I imported a Saab Sonnet from California and used these people http://www.apincorporated.com/. They dealt with all the documentation and delivered the car to my home for an all in price. As I was in no hurry it was able to be included in a container with other stuff which reduced the cost.

Thanks Tony - that's a start!

[davepoth]

It shouldn't be too bad if the price is that low - expect about $2000 to get it from long beach to your house.

[dave de roxby]

davepoth said:

It shouldn't be too bad if the price is that low - expect about $2000 to get it from long beach to your house.

I may be being optimistic about the price but I didn't want to even bid before knowing roughly what it might cost to get it back and what the technical hurdles might be. $2000 would certainly make it worth while pursuing. Thanks for the advice.

[nigel bickle]

I use RJJ Shipping to import- they'll quote/do as much/little as you require.

Very helpful & friendly. Recommended (only as a punter)

[MikeyT]

You'll need the title - that is a must. If the car has been there for ever and the title is lost - there sre companies who will get you one - not sure how it works - but they are obtainable. Much easier than in the good ol' UK it seems.

Then arrange some shipping - it'll have to be containerised as if it doesn't move RO-RO is obviously a NO-NO.

So your best bet is to either get it containerised by someone else and get a decent deal as they will be filling the rest of the container with heaven knows what - or do your own and flog the space inside. Probably the former is the easier option. Over on the Mustang site we know a guy who ships in one container every six weeks or so but unfortunately he is in Florida!

As for shipping companies it's up to you - you'll get a cheaper deal by doing it through a US company - loads in Long Beach obviously - who will liaise with their normal UK shippers over here. Takes about a month from the west coast - I shipped in a 65 Mustang about nine years or so ago and it came via a few European ports first.

If you have the time, get a flight and go put it in the container yourself and have a week over there and see it off on the boat. I can think of worse things to do!

[dave de roxby]

Thanks MikeyT, This all good stuff I need to know.

[lowdrag]

$2000 sounds about right, and when you look at the cost of what panels are available for the 7/8/9 series this looks a no brainer. Best of luck.

[john 215]

Hi,

Considering doing the same and have similar quotes. (Car concerned a 78 Triumph TR8)

Been told that there is a fee to be paid at the docks this side approx £400 ?

Does anyone know is there any tax to pay this side of the pond ? ie. import duty or VAT ? ? ?

Cheers John

[MikeyT]

Normally you pay 10% import duty plus 20% VAT on the cost of the car and the cost of the shipping ...

But recently the govt have relaxed the rules - when I brought mine in - I paid 5% duty and no VAT at all under the BTI ruling - google it.

Then Blair and Brown closed the BTI ruling but recently it has been relaxed again as I say. There are so many fees to pay - loading fees - unloading fess when docked etc - they have you over a barrel but what can you do short of flying to CA and doing it yourself - which you can't!

If you want the car - get a fully inclusive price from a US shipper - you'll have to pay up front normally BEFORE the ship leaves. There are UK companies who you can pay when the thing gets over here.

[caziques]

Explain to me why a car built in the UK should be subject to duty when it is reimported?

VAT I can understand, but not duty.

[davepoth]

caziques said:

Explain to me why a car built in the UK should be subject to duty when it is reimported?

VAT I can understand, but not duty.

Because money has gone out of the country to bring it back.

[Crafty_]

The 0% VAT rating is for cars of "special interest", they like to see low production numbers or maybe a significant former owner, rare options on the car etc.

Have a chat to http://www.kingstown-shipping.co.uk/ they can apply for the reduced rate for you on a "no win no fee" sort of basis. They can also arrange movement of the car from the seller to the docks and from the docks to you.

[chevy-stu]

worth looking in Classic American magazine or asking around in Yank forums as there are companies that will handle the whole thing for you if needed..

[MikeyT]

Crafty_ said:

The 0% VAT rating is for cars of "special interest", they like to see low production numbers or maybe a significant former owner, rare options on the car etc.

Yes, I thought the same and argued this very point on the Mustang club forum til I was shot down in flames by tales of normal 65 coupes coming in at 0% ... from delighted owner as you can imagine.