Guys.. I am just about to buy a 1982 Ferrari 308gtsi from the states, its a LHD Euro model. My question is will customs accept this vehicle as a collectors model (rare).. apparently the import tax is reduced to 5% as opposed to 10%!!! Has any one been down this route before? Also has any one shipped a car to the UK before? can you recommend a shipping agent? The car is on the west coast "oregon" Any help is appreciated Rod
Danhay over on Pistonheads brought in a 208GT4 he bought in Italy. He's the only one I know who's done it.
Bringing cars in from the EEC is relatively easy, bought an Integrale from Italy many years ago. Importing from USA is a different kettle of fish. From memory the "duty" needs paying at port of entry - remember seeing loads of nice motors at Liverpool docks with I assume no duty paid on them - again years ago. I know that Japanese cars that are imported seem to come through Ireland - maybe a backdoor way of NOT paying duty. Is the car that much cheaper in the US ? (I know the $ is very weak at the moment) Rick
The Dollar is worth 1.85 to the £... The car I am buying is costing $23000.. abouth 12.5k!!!! shipping approx 1k and 5% tax equates to 14.5k!!! The car has had 2 owners, the last for 18 years!! full history etc etc. its still to be inspected but is okay I reckon this is a good deal. The car is a Euro model..
I think you need to add on 10% EC duty and then 17.5% tax on the total of cost + freight + EC duty. I may be wrong though as it is some years since I did this.
greetings....be careful, you need to speak to customs and excise, but they will pester for your details and even possibly record calls....if you visit their office, you will be on cctv.... i imported from channel islands which is obviously outside the EC, and had to pay 17.5% vat....lie a lot !....email me and i can offer further info....regards, david
