Registering a classic import from the US

[jbailey114]

I'm looking into buying a classic US import (vehicle already located in the UK). Car is way over 25 years old, NOVA details are available and the US title is present. As well as that, the import duties have been paid.

With all that done, is it quite easy to complete the import procedure and register the car in the UK? This would be the first time I'll have purchased an import.

Any potential hurdles on the horizon or tips to make the process easy?

Thanks all

[bennno]

you'll need an agent (circa £1k)

will probably need a certificate of conformity from the manufacturer

Will probably need an MOT

Takes 2-3 months from when you have all of the above

[anonymous-user]

bennno said:

you'll need an agent (circa £1k)

will probably need a certificate of conformity from the manufacturer

Will probably need an MOT

Takes 2-3 months from when you have all of the above

Why would an agent be needed? Or a CoC? Car is in the UK already and on NOVA according to the original post?

MOT it and fill in the V55/4 form should be all that's needed?

[varsas]

I thought you only needed an IVA MOT? My friend imported a '65 Mustang, which I'm sure he wouldn't have been able to get a certificate of conformity for. Some of those don't even have windscreen washers, let alone emissions data etc.

[jbailey114]

MrBig said:

bennno said:

you'll need an agent (circa £1k)

will probably need a certificate of conformity from the manufacturer

Will probably need an MOT

Takes 2-3 months from when you have all of the above

Why would an agent be needed? Or a CoC? Car is in the UK already and on NOVA according to the original post?

MOT it and fill in the V55/4 form should be all that's needed?

It's a model that is available in the UK (it's a European car, just one from the American market). Not sure if that makes a difference? I'd hope I didn't need to deal with an agent!

Edit: isn't an IVA MOT only if the DVLA demands it... or something along those lines?

[OutInTheShed]

There are a few sellers on ebay importing classic bikes.
They make the reg process sound quite simple.

https://classicandclassymotorcycles.com/Help-regis...

DYOR

[bennno]

MrBig said:

Why would an agent be needed? Or a CoC? Car is in the UK already and on NOVA according to the original post?

MOT it and fill in the V55/4 form should be all that's needed?

Sorry its not completely clear from the initial post, agreed if the NOVA process is all complete with the associated response letter then scrub that part.

They wont allow you to register it without a V55/5 and it having passed an IVA.

To pass an IVA the most obvious gotcha is the LHD headlights, a mph speedo, plus rear fog light. Before you get to the standard mot stuff.

They do also generally want a certificate of conformity from the manufacturer to go with the V55/5.

[sixor8]

If it's over 40 years old, it's exempt the MoT test, so is an IVA necessary?

[bennno]

sixor8 said:

If it's over 40 years old, it's exempt the MoT test, so is an IVA necessary?

He said 25 years old, needs an IVA anyway.

[j.bailey]

bennno said:

sixor8 said:

If it's over 40 years old, it's exempt the MoT test, so is an IVA necessary?

He said 25 years old, needs an IVA anyway.

It's MOT exempt (1975)

[sixor8]

bennno said:

sixor8 said:

If it's over 40 years old, it's exempt the MoT test, so is an IVA necessary?

He said 25 years old, needs an IVA anyway.

No, he said way over 25.

[j.bailey]

Any insight into the IVA itself? Particularly strict?

[OutInTheShed]

I could be wrong, but I think more than 10 years old, no type approval or IVA is necessary.
Just an MOT, unless it's more than 40 years old.

The MOT may not be trivial for some 'foreign spec' vehicles.

DYOR
Starting with the DVLA registration form and their guidance notes.

I knowpwople who have imported 70s bikes from the US, they didn't find it hard or expensive.

[varsas]

j.bailey said:

Any insight into the IVA itself? Particularly strict?

It depends on the age of the car and the mood of the tester....my friends Mustang pretty much just needed UK spec lights and was passed, it pays to go to someone who is familiar with classics so they know what does and does not need to be checked (emissions for example, as long as a 1960's car isn't producing so much smoke it obscures the vision of cars behind you that should be a pass), is familiar with what play/noise etc is normal for cars from that era.

[j.bailey]

varsas said:

It depends on the age of the car and the mood of the tester....my friends Mustang pretty much just needed UK spec lights and was passed, it pays to go to someone who is familiar with classics so they know what does and does not need to be checked (emissions for example, as long as a 1960's car isn't producing so much smoke it obscures the vision of cars behind you that should be a pass), is familiar with what play/noise etc is normal for cars from that era.

Thanks for the insight. This plus a bit more digging has given me pretty much all the answers I needed. Probably going to get the wallet out now!