Buying/Shipping Cars from UK/EU to USA

[Andrew]

Could anyone comment on experiences/advice on buying and shipping a car from the UK or EU to the USA? Or vice versa for our friends across the pond. There seem to be a few 40's for sale in the UK that are in my price range but I'm a big nervous about spending 100k+ and then shipping a car 6000 miles without face to face dealings.

That said I'd hire Total Head Turners or another firm to do a PPI or fly over and do it myself but the shipping is another matter. I shipped my 1979 Bronco from Florida to Texas after the restoration and that was a nightmare.

 

[Steve Dean]

Hi Andrew,
Excuse me for asking but I presume you will be able to register the car in Texas? Have you checked with your local DMV Office regarding this?
Also you will now be hit with very high import duty and the handling/clearance charges. This will add circa $10 - 20K to the cost of the car.
The shipping cost these days will be north of circa $6000.
If you still want to pursue the matter let me know and I can put you in touch with companies that can help with inspecting a car (who have knowledge of replica GT40s) and specialists who can handle the shipping and all the paper work/customs clearance.
I am based in the UK.
Best regards
Steve Dean.

 

[Andrew]

As long as it has a title or COA registering in Texas won't be a problem. The laws here are not nearly as arcane as the EU or UK. I never factored in the tariffs as I didn't think they applied to used goods but thank you for pointing that out. I figured the shipping was around 5-6K for a container considering the current fuel issues. All part of the calculus I guess but thank you again.

 

[Ian Anderson]

Certainly worth the price of an air ticket to come over and view the car yourself.

For instance if a car is built for someone 5’10” and you are 6’+ can you fit or will there also be £10k of alterations to do.

Join the Gt40 enthusiasts club and use the club experts to give info on the car……most are known to the club Best few £ you will spend

 

[Julian]

Unless it is 25 years old (and well documented) you will not get it imported into the US.

 

[Lee Patterson]

Buying a running driving car is very different from buying say a "roller w/o drivetrain". The later is parts versus a car which, as Jules indicates, presents a very different scenario in terms of importation. I suggest you PM Rob Klein if you want to know the details of the roller approach as he has done it quite recently. I know that with the new tariff situation, it may not be nearly as favorable as it once was.

 

[Andrew]

I guess I figured it would be imported as a 1960s car. The 25 yr rule really does hamstring things

 

[Rob Klein]

Unless it is 25 years old (and well documented) you will not get it imported into the US.

This in not correct!

 

[Andrew]

Rob please explain. I know you import race cars or non road types under 25 years of age but if I wanted to import an AK40 that was built in 2020 how would that work?

 

[Lee Patterson]

B

Thread 'importing a completed replica gt40 into the US'

Nov 9, 2022

Hi, looking to find out if a completed gt40 replica can be imported into the US without being 25 years old , i am guessing a lot has to do with how the title /paper work reads , some are the year it replicates and others are the manufacture or assembly date . Any info would be great
thank You Bob Peckham

• Bob Peckham
• Replies: 23
• Forum: GT40 Tech - Registration / SVA / Insurance

 

[Andrew]

yes removing the driveline is an option as well from that thread.

 

[Lee Patterson]

My personal advise - find a car in the US. 25% tariff is real and would give you a lot more buying power with a car already here, not to mention asking an owner to remove the drivetrain.

 

[Andrew]

well if anyone has an AK or Tornado RHD MK1 give me a shout. But will likely order an AK40 in June.

 

[Rob Klein]

Rob please explain. I know you import race cars or non road types under 25 years of age but if I wanted to import an AK40 that was built in 2020 how would that work?

Happy to explain further but send me a DM we can exchange information

 

[Julian]

I’m sure there are ways to circumvent, but generally there’s a risk. I sold my first GT40 to Canada and it was refused reentry later!

The tariff situation and risk is real, I’m currently trying to navigate it as I have an LB Stratos roller in the UK ready for shipping. Depending on your budget, I have an ERA MK1 RHD that I will sell to clear some space in the garage.

 

[Rob Klein]

I’m sure there are ways to circumvent, but generally there’s a risk. I sold my first GT40 to Canada and it was refused reentry later!

The tariff situation and risk is real, I’m currently trying to navigate it as I have an LB Stratos roller in the UK ready for shipping. Depending on your budget, I have an ERA MK1 RHD that I will sell to clear some space in the garage.

Call fast forwarding USA they are great.