Has anyone had a car restored in Europe?

[classicaholic]

I have had some very good prices for a restoration for some cars in Spain and Portugal, has anyone done this, I am trying to find out if there any issues with customs etc but cant seem to find too much info on the web. The cars in question are US imports with a NOVA into the UK and will be brought back and registered here once restored and capable of getting an MoT.

[Steve-B]

I would guess the cost could be negligble if most of the parts the restoration required would be coming from the UK. Members of the Triumph forums on the continent needing parts regularly get screwed over by shipping companies, customs folks and the like getting parts from the UK to their country.

I've "heard" of some flying to UK with empty suitcase, filling them with parts and flying back with their suitcase(S) being checked baggage. Of course, that's just an Internet Legend don't you know!

[sixor8]

It's the transport costs that would possibly outweigh this, depending on how much is being spent of course.

If the car is taken on a trailer there and back and not driven, personally I'd just keep it SORN. As long as it's not driven anywhere, nobody would know until it's put back on the road in the UK.

[aeropilot]

sixor8 said:

If the car is taken on a trailer there and back and not driven, personally I'd just keep it SORN. As long as it's not driven anywhere, nobody would know until it's put back on the road in the UK.

Its got to be registered to be SORN, which the OP is indicating it's not.

And if they are not capable of getting an MOT/inspection to get a number plate, you'll have to wait until restored.

I must admit I'd be a little hesitant about sending a car off to Europe, unless to a recognised marque specialist that had been around for a long time.
I'm sure there are some very good restorers around in various parts of Europe, its just making sure its one of them you are picking

[classicaholic]

aeropilot said:

sixor8 said:

If the car is taken on a trailer there and back and not driven, personally I'd just keep it SORN. As long as it's not driven anywhere, nobody would know until it's put back on the road in the UK.

Its got to be registered to be SORN, which the OP is indicating it's not.

And if they are not capable of getting an MOT/inspection to get a number plate, you'll have to wait until restored.

I must admit I'd be a little hesitant about sending a car off to Europe, unless to a recognised marque specialist that had been around for a long time.
I'm sure there are some very good restorers around in various parts of Europe, its just making sure its one of them you are picking

Thats my issue, I have a good restorer and the cost add up very well when you take in the cost of welding and bare metal respray etc, just wondered if I need to declare it in France after the tunnel or just crack on, it should be finished within 3 months and I would trailer it back and then register it in the UK (it is already on the UK NOVA) after an MoT. I have no plans to drive it while abroad.

[OutInTheShed]

I think the VAT situation might be messy, you might be liable for UK VAT on the work done, when you re-import it.
Then again the euroland workshop might not have to charge you VAT as it's an export?

This is NOT advice!
Just something I'd want to be very clear about if it was me.

[sixor8]

I had presumed since you say it has the NOVA that it can be registered in the UK and get a V5c before it goes for restoration. Otherwise, get it restored first, but as mentioned above, you'd have no proof of ownership / registered keeper!

[OPUT]

If the value of the car returned is above that you took out, I believe tax is due (customs and VAT). I am no expert.

Also be aware of the challenges if anything goes wrong - any legal action would be a complete nightmare (beyond the normal one).

I suspect a car on a trailer may also attract attention - a carnet may be needed?

[TarquinMX5]

I would suggest that, if not already aware, you research the customs situation. I am aware of somebody who experienced problems trying to trailer another of his cars into France, the problem being that the trailered car wasn't registered in his name but in his company's name. I can't recall how it was resolved but it wasn't simply a case of driving on/off the ferry.

Similarly, another instance of parts being returned after repair abroad and being held by customs as it was considered 'business' and didn't have the correct paperwork.

I don't know the detail but post-Brexit it would appear to be more involved than it used to be and therefore, if it was me, I'd clarify that aspect before committing to anything.

[IndyBlue]

Always be wary of not violating any Customs Regulations moving the car across the French Border. They are really tight on checking car trailers and trucks to and from Europe to the UK at the moment and focussing on Classics. 70's 80's & 90's models with a good history are still climbing in value. We know of a few cases recently where cars have been impounded French-Side and fines of several thousand Euros paid out to release them. You're fine if you use someone with knowledge of what needs to be done.....

[Decky_Q]

I love the Citroen DS Pallas and have tried buying a few here but they were rotten. After another disappointment I looked into getting one restored in France before taking it over.

Once I talked to a few people from classic DS and Fiat groups I was put off the idea of engaging someone at a distance, you need to be present to put pressure on for progress and to check the work. Theres no end of horror stories from people who've tried it.

[aeropilot]

If the main problem is in/out of France rather than in out of Spain/Portugal, the option would then be to trailer it via the ferry to Bilbao...??

I'd still be nervous about having a car restored overseas.

[LotusOmega375D]

Often read about even old British classics being restored at companies in the likes of Poland, just because they offer cheaper labour rates. Fine if all goes to plan, but what a nightmare if it doesn’t?

[Richard-390a0]

Isn't Mike Brewer having an old 911 restored in Poland or somewhere IIRC from one of his recent TV series?

[A993LAD]

A Swedish friend had his early 911 restored in Poland. he was so pleased with the results he then sent his beloved 356 pre A to the same place and was equally impressed by the standard of workmanship combined with value for money.

He thought that he would have paid 3 times the cost if he'd used a local specialist for a job that would probably be a lower standard and take twice as long.