Importing a non-running car into UK from France

[valvebender]

I've been offered a 'proper' Mini (30+ years old) by an acquaintance in France. For free! I would trailer the car back myself because it's been stored for many years and really is a bag of bits. The idea is to hopefully restore the car as a long term project with my grandson. This is NOT a business operation.
My question is concerning import taxes/VAT and eventually registration should we get it to roadworthy condition in many months/years time.
All the web stuff covers standard/classic cars in running and easily-valued condition, or import of new or secondhand car parts - all of which is easily valued.
Anybody done this and can offer advice? TIA.

[Jordie Barretts sock]

I was given a car by my neighbour that had been trailered over more than ten years ago. Never declared or registered. So similar.

No VAT to pay because of purchase price (nil) and age. Had declare a NOVA on the .Gov website, who also declared no HMRC interest - this links into the DVLA so when you apply for a registration you have the NOVA reference. You will need to get an MOT - on the chassis number and send that off with 6/12 months PLG VED and the registration fee.

Basically, you don't need to do anything until you get it here. Obviously you'll need a receipt from your mate, and any French registration papers.

[valvebender]

Thanks. Jordie! If the car is over 40 years old, will it still need a 'first' MoT?

[ChemicalChaos]

Following with interest, as I recently purchased a vintage car that came over from America an unspecified time ago and had no paperwork with it. Like the OP, it's in a project state although this one also has no receipt and no paperwork from its country of origin.

Would be interested to hear about the MOT front too

[Jordie Barretts sock]

valvebender said:

Thanks. Jordie! If the car is over 40 years old, will it still need a 'first' MoT?

No mate. You need to get a form from the Post Office (I forget the number) but it is essentially a declaration that the vehicle is MOT exempt. Oddly though, you need to tax it and then once the V5 turns up, change the tax class to Historic and then then refund any unused VED.