Classic Merc import from Italy (obvs. in the EU currently!)

[bensimmo]

My girlfriend owns a beautiful 1963 Merc Pagoda 230sl Italian LHD, which is currently in the UK (under a year and still under Italian plates) - we now want to make the car officially a UK vehicle, as it is impossible to insure it in Italy and drive it in the UK... and I think its also a requirement by law to not have the vehicle in the uk for over a year on foreign plates.

Does anyone know the process to import the vehicle and potential VAT and Duty tax liability on the car (its worth approx £60k) are there any tips to reducing any tax liability? It has been owned by her for many many years and was recently renovated in the UK.

Do we need to take the vehicle out of the UK and bring it back in again (Dover Calais trip? on a trailer as its not insured at the moment) any advice would be very welcome. Thanks! Simmo

[mk1coopers]

This link should help

https://www.gov.uk/importing-vehicles-into-the-uk

In the current circumstances I would get the ball moving ASAP, get hold of Customs and ask (there may be nothing to pay) and book it in for an MOT (this can be done on VIN number when there are no UK plates, you will probably be able to claim exemption from MOT's after the first one) / get the DVLA pack on the way, that way if an inspection is needed you will be ahead of the game

Edited by mk1coopers on Wednesday 6th February 11:07

[aeropilot]

Yes, start the paperwork now before Brexit, as EU import with proof of ownership prior to import and IIRC, there isn't any import tax etc?

[bensimmo]

Thanks for your advice ...

[lowdrag]

I'm just doing the reverse for one of my cars and was advised to get a move on because we have no idea where Brexit will lead us. The authorities here have delegated the paperwork to the FFVE (FBHVC in the UK) and they are so snowed under that there is a 16 week delay to get the V5. Luckily they were most receptive and have pushed my file to the top of the pile. No idea how it is going your way but just a little story to push you along.