Importing a classic from Ireland?

[iDrive]

I've found a 1985 car that I want to import from Ireland (nr Dubin) - it is registered there and to my knowledge has never been registered in the UK.

It is a mainstream Mercedes - RHD and identical to models sold here (just low miles and vgc)

What do I need to consider, and ideally from someone who has done it, what do I need to do to get it registered, inspected etc all 100% legally?

ie I don't want to drive it over if doing so in a non-UK reg'd car (even if it is insured) is liable to (however remote the chance of getting caught) get the car seized.

Thanks!

[TooMany2cvs]

There are plenty of threads on here about importing and registering.

Over 10yo, no need for a CoC or IVA. Just MOT, insure, tax, V55/5, money, wait.

A UK resident can't drive a foreign-registered car in the UK.

[iDrive]

Can the seller (or buyer?) claim back any VRT?

It turns out the car was originally a UK vehicle (so DVLA will allow it to be re-registered with original plates etc)

Car is 30 years old, was exported to ROI 5 years ago and had/has a value iro 10k Euro