Early Mustangs, Bel Airs, F100s, Cadillacs and everything between. Classics are often the more straightforward import on the testing side — the risk is in the buying and the paperwork.
A vehicle over 30 years old that meets HMRC’s historic criteria — broadly, original specification with no major modification to the engine, chassis or bodywork — may qualify as a historic vehicle: no import duty, and import VAT at an effective 5% instead of 20%. It is assessed vehicle by vehicle, not by age alone.
Over ten years old, the vehicle needs an MOT rather than IVA. As a rule of thumb, if it can pass an MOT it can be deemed roadworthy — the checks are things like rust, brakes and seatbelts.
Cars do turn up not as described. Ask for photographs of any restoration work, and do not feel pressured into a sale. A project car will need to be roadworthy before it can be registered.
If the registration information is not provided the right way, the DVLA can ask to inspect the car, which turns into a long process. Getting that right first time is a large part of what we do.
Pick the closest match and the quote form opens with it filled in. Not on the list? Any classic is fine — start a blank quote.
No. A vehicle over ten years old does not need IVA, but it does need to pass an MOT so it can be shown to be roadworthy. For a classic, the checks are things like rust, brakes and seatbelts.
The standard rate is 10% duty, then 20% VAT on the value plus shipping plus duty. A vehicle over 30 years old in original specification may qualify as a historic vehicle: no import duty, and import VAT at an effective 5% instead of 20%. Major modification to the engine, chassis or bodywork can rule that out.
Send us the vehicle and where it is. You get an itemised landed cost — shipping, duty, VAT, approval and registration — usually the same working day.
