How to import a classic car yourself from the USA to UK

[@welshwrangler]

Jonny thank you for this excellent video and guide. I’ve been wanting to do this for some time and finally took the plunge last month. I have my 1981 DMC DeLorean arriving in November from Los Angeles with the help of CRF Rinkens 😀

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Thank you Sam, this is great news to hear. DeLorean is a choice purchase too. My son will be very jealous.

[@joelstatosky3381]

Good car under appreciated here in the states. As a penalty for taking the delorean, I will need to take one of your eurospec 635csi's.

[@davidp7414]

Did it work out?

[@welshwrangler]

@@davidp7414 yep the car arrived just before Christmas. The shipping process was straight forward. Jonnys video guide was spot on. Still working on the Delorean and it will be featured on a vlog channel later this year.

[@Carchaser1]

Hello my name is Robert I own a company in America that liquidates cars for a wealthy clients I have over 20 something hot rods classic cars mustangs who do I sell them to over there

[@ridgmont61]

I have absolutely no intention of importing a car from USA but I found this fascinating so thank you.

[@andabossftw]

Same here

[@deanogear]

Would love to see a Japan video. I see so many videos of Japanese cars going to America but none for the UK

[@cahal]

Just tweeted the same thing at him! That would be dope. Right hand drive too which is even better.

[@rosen9425]

Really? Can't be much to talk about since Americans can't import anything younger than 25+

[@CheekyCultured]

Equally, I heard they got a 25 years restriction on certain cars over in the States. Hence why Bill Gates had his Porsche 959 locked up for years.

[@shrimperlincs3395]

Yes please. Japan yes. Please. Thank you.

[@keatonchambers1844]

Addictive_LiquoriCe most Jdm cars that are imported to uk and America are older than 25 years old now

[@mell_gif]

Absolutely like to see a Japan import _how to guide_ Looking at bringing in a Skyline GTR next year 👍🏻

[@andrews1654]

Talk to an importer, GTR are big money now

[@adogmcdizzle]

Also interested in a Japan import guide.

[@TheShinyShow]

Yeah I don't care about cars from the USA, Japan is probably the only place I'd want to import them from.

[@boblawrie5639]

Biggest problem now is the value of the yen. When I was doing it in 95 think it was 220¥ to £ it's about half that now so cars cost twice as much, comparatively. Last car I bought was a '34 SS1 in 2013 but that's another story!

[@kiteless1]

I imported a car last year, albeit a mundane one - Honda Stepwgn as a family bus. Much the same as this guide really, although with more tax! MOT tester got flummoxed on how to enter it on the computer when it has no numberplates but mostly a straightforward process. I wrote up what I did at stepwgn.uk/

[@xX1ogoXx]

Brilliant video, lots of other videos out there not giving rough costs etc but you've gave everything, top work

[@neonvandal8770]

Bloody excellent video - Ive always said if i hit the lottery jackpot the first thing i'm doing is getting a classic Challenger or charger shipped into U.K and now i know how - seems a lot more straightforward than i thought. Cheers!

[@jorgejefferson8251]

Although i live in the States, i found this to be a very interesting video. I must admit the apprehension about buying much less shipping a car from here to the UK must be immense. I get concerned having a vehicle shipped from state to state. I once bought a truck out of the State of Arizona and had it shipped back to Maryland. I asked if the title could be FedEx'd to me(at my expense) so that i would have a temp tag ready when it arrived. The person asked if U.S. Priority mail was OK, and unfortunately i agreed. Needless to say the truck beat the title back here, and until the post office found the title i was left with a two ton paper weight.

[@darrenrichards264]

Very informative review Jonny. I imported my 1967 Mustang fastback in 2004, and my 2011 Shelby GT500 last year. Not a lot had changed in those 15 years, it was just tremendously exciting! If anyone is thinking of importing, theres lots of good information in this video.

[@MM-qd4km]

A guide to importing from other right hand drive markets and also the pros and cons of left hand drive in the UK, cost safety etc would be interesting - as always an enjoyable watch.

[@stemcleeds]

FFS, I'm now searching for US cars. Thanks a lot Jonny!!!

[@neildavies43]

This popped up in my video feed. I never knew you Jim, and I guess I never will now, but I almost felt I knew you from watching these videos. I'll admit I'm envious of the life you led and the fun you had! My best wishes to your family, friends and colleagues.

[@simonfeagan8184]

My dad imported a delorean from America years ago was a great day driving it home from the docks, one day i might do the same i do look alot.

[@davidpiper3652]

I have fancied bringing a DeLorean over too.

[@simonfeagan8184]

@@davidpiper3652 this was about 1998

[@GediSpock]

I used to see Delorean lined up at the docks in Liverpool. I’d always have to slow down to check what they had. Was always worth it.

[@daytonamart2789]

Good watch this, always wondered how easy it was.

[@calyxer3524]

I plan on shipping a 25 year old f150 to the uk. This video helped me a lot with information. I have a call set up soon with the shipping company in this video. Thank you so much

[@agent7947]

After a long wait this is by far the best explanation of importing I have seen. Nice one Jonny!

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

A compliment from The Hood. My week is complete.

[@AnarchyEngineer]

Looking to buy a 68/69 Camaro from the states and import it to the UK so this is extremely useful! Been meaning to do the research, but this just makes life so much easier having it all in 1 place.

[@SteveMorton]

Another great video Jonny I imported my Austin Maestro (yes really!!) from Cyprus back to UK in 1985. I drove it in to a 20 foot container myself! It got back to UK ok and I was supposed to collect the car from Hogg Robinson near Heathrow on the day I arrived there, but for reasons I never understood, they moved the car by road to a garage near Brize Norton. So I had to get up there that evening to get my car back. Fortunately it wasn't damaged and I did get some compensation eventually from the person at HR for sending the car to Brize! I re-registered the car at the local DVLA office in Northampton a couple of days later. I still have the old Cyprus plates, but not the car! Whilst the car was being shipped I got to use the office Austin Ambassador one of only two in all of Cyprus!

[@erroidz]

This is the video I've always wanted to see. I've never imported a car before but the two countries I'm most interested in other than the USA are South Africa and Japan. Both RHD countries and prices in South Africa seem unbelievably cheap

[@wolfgangezeh2221]

Wow! This is very concise. Please do a video about importing from Japan AND EXPORTING from the UK. Your delivery is very fascinating. Good job.

[@robintje1987]

Thanks a lot for this video. I am from The Netherlands. Just bought my self a Fiat 500e from LA. Import cars before from Germany, UK and Sweden, but never before from The US. Just get pictures from the shipping company. My car is waiting for it’s loading plan. Very excited about the whole process. Keep posting video’s 👍🏼👍🏼

[@paultaylor701]

Probably will never do this, but was a great simple and informative film, thanks.

[@JunkVWs]

Love those 68 tail lights. Not sure why everyone is so obsessed with the Charger 69 tail lights

[@YellowPinkie]

Because of The General... I like the 68 lights as they remind me of the Bullitt Charger.

[@tonyparisi1939]

Because everyone has good taste

[@sinistercharger]

Because they are futuristic looking

[@SuperEjep]

Imported several cars, years ago from Japan, while I was working there. More recently a few boats and an E Type from US and a Studebaker waiting to be shipped. My experience, having also shipped from UK to Singapore/Malaysia where I am now, is the much higher cost shipping from UK to elsewhere! US is a well oiled machine. Great summary video. Very useful for even the more experienced.

[@MuzzaHukka]

Could you not drive your car to France or Ireland and ship from there, to save money on shipping?

[@Zestypanda]

Thanks for the guide. I finally took the plunge and imported a 1998 Toyota Corolla from Michigan, United states, america USA to Nara Japan. Took about two years, total cost after getting the car, importation fees, and costs was 4720890¥, which wasn’t bad. Honestly so nice to have a piece of America.

[@markdavis2475]

Brilliant episode, really nicely done thanks!! Never considered importing a car from the US, having watched this I'm really tempted!! Hmm, need to find a vehicle and .....money!!!

[@trenttrevorrow5648]

Looking at available cars in the US is like being in a toy shop as a child. Especially compared to what's available here in UK.

[@jammydodgerman]

Depends what vehicles you like i suppose! They can keep their chrome, pickup trucks and suvs!

[@dbcooper8607]

@@jammydodgerman And UK can keep their POS Mini's, Land Rovers and Jags. Japan and german made only for the US please.

[@jammydodgerman]

@@dbcooper8607 Agreed on JLR vehicles. But mini a pos? They're a subsidiary of BMW and even share BMW engines...

[@moog247]

Now I'm spending hours looking for (probably rubbish) mid 80's sedans from US - a lifetime of episodes of Knight Rider and the A-Team make me want one badly!

[@sc1338]

Well I love British cars like tvr so it goes both ways lol

[@dazzeroubarb]

I have imported 2 'driver' standard classic cars and 1 motorcycle into the UK from the US in the past 3 years using different companies and shipping methods as described by Jonny. It is no big deal and most shipping details can be taken care of by the shipping company. However, regarding the transportation options, my first car imported was a DeTomaso and we opted to go for the 'safest' option of single container just for the car, which is the most expensive option. Unfortunately, during the shipping the rear end got slightly shunted so that rear bumper and rear valence were damaged but not obvious on first inspection. The second car, an E-Type, and motorcycle were shipped by RoRo and with no damage/theft of bits at all! I may just have been lucky but I would consider it again. Also bear in mind that for cars sourced in the central States, transporting overland to an East/West coast port can add a fair bit to the cost - in my case $1200 from St Louis to Baltimore in an enclosed trailer. Another issue is marine insurance, which is strongly advised especially with RoRo shipping. The shipping company will provide insurance cover quote but if you shop around, you can usually get it a fair bit cheaper i.e. with Hagerty.

[@scotti_wan_kenobi]

Very informative video thanks Johnny. I nearly imported a 61 Ford pick-up from Texas a couple of years ago, but bottled it when I heard some stories about imported cars. Bit of a blessing really as I found a 56 Chevy wagon (one of my favourite cars) for sale fairly locally a couple of weeks later and bought that instead.

[@goosegog]

Hey Jonny. My wife and I bought a camper van in LA, drove (broke down multiple times) it via Vegas, Grand Canyon, Route 66, SxSW, to Galveston and brought it back to the UK. We've had it 6 years now and after fixing-up years of neglect, we've been on some great adventures to the west country, Scotland and Le Mans!

[@LastOnSunday]

I keep swapping from importing a car from the US & Japan. I always chicken out, but now I think I will check these out. Dan Tanner used to keep his Thunderbird in his living room.

[@kyleb5518]

I'm half tempted to get my own whole container and load it myself over there (I have a yard in the US with loads of random and cool shit I want over here) I think that will work out cheapest for me great video very informative

[@miyumiyu7089]

A run down on the use of a Carnet de Passage for taking cars on trips outside Europe would also be useful.

[@Joloke08]

Hi Jonny Please forgive me if this reply is long but on 22 December 2017 I bought my first import from the comfort of my sofa whilst the car was in Sacramento USA It was scary,yet exciting but as I went through the whole process it became less and less scary :) My dream car may not be every bodies choice but I love the second gen Ford Mustang II and always wanted one I had looked at several in the UK some which were imported way back in the 70's under Ford global sales program then converted to RHD,I didn't want a RHD one and most that had been here that long were rotten as pears I only had a budget of £5k My biggest problem in USA was getting vendors to talk to me most didn't want to and I missed out on a few nicer looking cars because they simply did everything to discourage me as they didn't want the bother of selling overseas :( I kept looking at one car that had a nasty historical fender bender that was never repaired in nearly 40 years but I kept looking for a better car in the end I contacted the vendor he was a great talker we worked up a trust over a couple of weeks and he send me hundreds of photos and videos and the car was no looker but boy was it solid,it had really pimped silly rims on it I couldn't stand so we reached an agreement he put it back on the original rims and dropped the price $1000 and I bought the car at the exchange rate back then came in just under £2000 Because of Christmas it didn't move anywhere until January and arrived in Southampton docks early March 2018 I used STS imports it makes it easier using a shipper than doing everything yourself and all in the car ended up on the road in the UK in June 2018 for a grand total of £4800 I could of waited it out and found one in the UK but it would never of been as rust free and it would never of seen what my car has seen living on the west coast for 43years! Would I do it again? Yes! Once you have done it once all those fears you had become a walk in the park its strange but if you buy a 40 year old yank that's been here in the UK all its life its like it has no soul, I stripped out the original sound deadening to paint the solid floorpan and replace with modern soundproofing and there were nickels and quarters inbedded in it ,the only way they could of got there was falling out the line workers pockets ;) Marine Shipping insurance,yeh do it its not worth the risk mine cost £150 and covered me for total loss including cost of car,and all shipping etc if it was total loss Yes I tracked my ship,every stop to the last and a mate online photographed the ship being unloaded in Southampton as the docks are at the end of his road the ship was colossal! When It got here the ignition barrel snapped leaving the car in run as we jump started it Uh Oh fried the solenoid and some wiring We opened the door boy the smell! The headliner had been home to an incontinent rodent! Hornets nests (all dead) under the rear parcel shelf,behind the headlights and a dead spider your would not argue with on top of the gearbox! Could never part with the car its been painted now my plan is reliable driver not a restoration more recommision mod? Interior was trashed because of west coast sun expect all soft parts to be bad and all metal parts to be good from west coast ;) I still remember driving it properly first time back from its first mot where everything worked faultlessly but failed on the way home LOL but that feeling driving something that if it could tell a story it would be like that old guy in the pub that always has amazing stories to tell? Thanks for the video Jonny and absolutely others should do this ;) Jo Wiltshire UK (1975 Ford Mustang II 302)

[@midlam99]

I imported a Mazda6 from Guernsey 3 years ago. Flew over,seller collected me,and I drove it back via ferry to Poole,and drove it home. I did get,at huge cost,insurance on VIN,for the 1.5hr drive home. The dvla process was easy,except I made a couple mistakes which delayed the reg, all done in 4 weeks,during which I did the known work required for it's first ever MOT. Yes, i'd do it again. Good vid , thanks!

[@MuzzaHukka]

Could you not have avoided getting the insurance on your drive home or asked for dealer plates?

[@midlam99]

@@MuzzaHukka I had no access to dealer plates. In an accident, dealer plates would not have really helped as they wouldn't have been mine i.e. false use.

[@paulkirby5479]

Watching all of the hubnut videos in new Zealand and Australia makes me wonder about the big fords , holdens and aussie built leyland p76.

[@skr525ia]

In 2012 me and a buddy imported a 2001 XJR from the UK to Germany, one of the best weekends of my life. Easy Jet from Berlin to London, small Hyandai rental and a rather long drive to Wales to meet with the seller, car was as described, and back to Stevenage where we would be staying. And on Sunday back to Germany through the tunnel, France and Belgium... what a weekend🇬🇧

[@Richoncars78]

What a really helpful step by step guide. Always thought of importing but never knew where to start.

[@TimePassRandom]

Thank you for the detailed video, I ll reach out to you next year as I am planning to import a car from the US

[@zzhughesd]

Best guide ever. Simple as pie

[@williamjsmith9877]

When I returned to the UK I filled a 40ft container with my Corvette, Honda V65 motorcycle and other household goods, cost $7k total from Detroit to my door in Chippenham. When it arrived at my house in Chippenham, about 6 weeks, the container had not been opened yet all the paper work had been signed off at Folkstone (i think) customs, to unload the Vette we had to find a factory that would let the trucker back the container lorry into the bay so I could drive the car off, all the workers came out to cheer. Because I had owned the car and bike for more than 2 years, no Vat or duty to pay but I had to own the vehicles for 2 years before i could sell, Seven years later I returned to the States, sold the vehicles and made a nice profit.

[@GeorgeSPAMTindle]

If I sold my house I could just about buy a small ship capable of crossing the Atlantic with a few containers on it. I really wish I hadn't watched this video, damn you Mr CarPervert.

[@boblawrie5639]

Very good. I imported many cars from Japan in 90's Tempting to do it again!!

[@mattivirta]

my friend import japan to finland him new car before, if car cost finland 24000€ today, japan factory shop you can buy toyota micra 4000€ and container shipping cost 2000€ and tax etc toll, 25% about 1000-2000€ you can buy new car at factory less than 7000€ and save money about 17000€ big money. but tax have FREE if working in japan 1 year and then move car/bike/etc to back finland. then not go toll. say finnish law.save 2000€ more.

[@cheyennedogsoldiers]

I imported an F250 from Virginia a few years back and it was all quite straightforward, though I had been living there and had owned the truck for a year or more. I used the Ro-ro searchive though had a mixed experience. The truck arrived without damage but when I collected it from Liverpool several things were evident. First off the lights had been left on at some point and the battery was dead, second, when it left it had around 40 gallons of fuel, when it arrived it was on empty. It also appeared that someone had been using the truck as a place to eat and smoke. The ashtray was full, and you could smell cigarettes. The truck although old was a non smoker, one owner when I brought it and I don't smoke. Furthermore there were food crumbs everywhere and when we got it fired up the AC was running full blast. IT shipped out of Baltimore and tracking it was easy. I handed it over in Virginia around the middle of March, I returned to the UK at the end of march and the truck was in Liverpool ready to collect by the middle of April. However, the UK processing took forever. I Had everything ready to convert lights etc. I've done them before so new what to expect. Collected the truck and had it converted and MOT'ed within a week. Insured it, completed the registration and then waited, and waited, and waited. Missed most of the summer before I eventually got the paperwork through and was able to get number plates etc. But will certainly do it again. Gona be looking for a 95-97 f350 powerstoke crew cab this time round.

[@themadplotter]

I just watched a 25min guide on something I'll never have the balls or money to do. I used to import my Gibson guitars when it was cheap as chips though, one time a soft case had a funnelweb spider in the pocket....America...

[@MaxS9000]

Thanks for doing the video Jonny, it makes it look a lot easier, even possible. I can't believe you've got a Charger and a 262c, two cars I love.

[@richardgregg2366]

Great video Johnny - this is dangerous, I'm feeling motivated...

[@GediSpock]

I had no idea how much I wanted to import a Dodge Charger. Until this afternoon. 😂 Great info Mr Smith. 🙏

[@georgejoachim320]

Hi Johnny excellent video. I am in the process of importing my 2018 Dodge Challenger from UAE to Cyprus. I lost my job here so, I am returning home to Cyprus and the car is on its way in a 20’ container with some of my personal belongings in it. At the moment it’s waiting to be loaded at Jebel Ali Port. Wish me luck, I haven’t done this before.

[@alynicholls3230]

great video johnny!, people seem to think it costs way more than it does, the total cost of my 1971 f100(short cab,flat side short bed) was 5500 gbp, and the truck had a v8 engine and 5 speed box and two replacement doors in the bed. my dream wheels, never for sale rock solid Arizona truck, the only reason i had the engine shipped with it was it was a crap straight 6 with an even crapper auto box, the doors needed changing as they had enormous door mirrors fitted on them and they were all kicked in. i would love a step side bed for it but it does not really fit the lines of the 71.

[@zzhughesd]

How good was this. Clear as day. Unlike other sources. Thanks Johnny.

[@Thametownguy]

Another awesome video, thank you. You made a good move leaving Fully Charged so you can make videos about hybrid cars, like this one.

[@shaun2055]

Really concise, clear & informative. Thank you.

[@born_again_torinos]

As the worlds largest builder of Starsky & Huch Gran Torinos half of the Torinos I have built have been shipped overseas around the world, I have known Joey from Rinkins for many years and have used his service as well as had my buyers use him. Yes there has been a few problems but over all, a very positive easy experience.

[@Downstairsish]

I imported my 1941 Cadillac Coupe from Tacoma Seattle, the one thing I would say is make sure the paperwork is correct. someone got one of the numbers wrong on the VIN but I managed to get it sorted. Believe it or not Customs and Excise were very helpful. now I drive a very rare car in the UK...

[@vladx2]

I’m in the process of importing an ‘81 911 from US to Switzerland via the Netherlands. Currently stuck in NL due to corona. Fingers crossed everything starts moving soon

[@steven44799]

a video on the process from japan would be interesting.

[@slunasaurusrex]

I'm in the U.S. so this isn't applicable to me - however It was a fantastic breakdown and I watched it all the way through just to learn how the process works. Well done! Would love to see Japan and the reverse of this UK / Europe to U.S. Cheers.

[@tomsummers1137]

Good one, Perv. I’m in Southern California and have imported 2 VWs. One from New Zealand and one from Uruguay. One by RORO and the other one drove in on its own steam. Love yer show!

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Cheers Tom. Interesting to hear someone from Socal bringing in a car with RHD.

[@tomsummers1137]

RHD VWs (pre ‘67s) are very collectible here, and the one I brought in from NZed was a CKD early ‘55, which made it even more so. It was my daily during my year and a half working there. The Brazilian bus from Uruguay is a ‘93 and as such is not register-able in California. But I brought it in to convert it to electric. I’ve purchased the components from our friends at EV West. I understand you may know a thing or two about EVs.

[@paulaus]

In Australia now we have a big issue with Asbestos in older cars. You can be fined or face big inspections costs. Some have taken to removing engines, gaskets, brake linings etc and replacing them with cardboard notices to avoid fines and hassles.

[@coffeeguy6673]

Another excellent video and great advice/guide if you want to import a car. Cheers Jonny.

[@ianbooth1290]

Great video. I would just add than its much cheaper to buy the shipping insurance from Hagerty or similar than the shipping companies. I've imported 20 cars over the last 10 years and the process is not too bad. Cars over 10 years old don't need a IVA / SVA less than 10 do and that's another hurdle. Few companies offer insurance on the VIN number to be able to drive the car before you register it. But some do. Great fun collecting your car and driving out do the port.

[@Jamesmorley1999]

Brilliant video, I had a lot of questions as it’s one of my dreams to import a 1955 Ford Thunderbird

[@avtomad722]

I'm currently on Serbian used car website lusting after a Yugo 511 / Skala (yes, I have issues), so this is well timed. Thank you :)

[@robmccarthy3737]

Id love to see a Japan JDM Import guide. Great channel Jonny - love your content

[@dmclement74]

Perfect time for a Brazil video given the exchange rate atm. Lots of classic VWs.

[@AgathaAndAnything]

I imported a vw t2 van in 2011 from San Francisco via LA to Felixtowe with Kingston shipping, pretty painless as you say, all in purchase shipping and everything paid it cost £7500 to my front door, sold the van 5 years later for £15,500 happy days.

[@ingmarsen]

A very good video ! I'm looking unusually from the perspective of importing aircraft parts which is not that different as they are not airworthy at time of importing. Done it a couple of times but not so smoothly as you've explained. Thanks, very useful video for the future !

[@miamimo70]

Fantastic guide Johnny, love more guides from Europe , Dubai and Japan

[@Bobafixit]

Great guide. I'm about to start the process of exporting my BMW Z3 from the UK to join me in Australia. Importing into Australia is particularly challenging !!!

[@jackpayne2673]

This video is exactly what I've been looking for, thank you!

[@T6Badger]

Very informative and well presented Jonny. As a person with experience of this from working in the industry, you covered it all very well. We used to specialize in flying GT cars of a certain prestigious UK brand to the States, and seeing them squeeze into the bottom of an aircraft is very daunting, but they do fit! I think Mr JWW did similar videos of flying his car(s) to the middle east. Flying cars in and out from the ME is very common, especially as summer approaches and the so called "Saudi Season" begins.

[@markrivers2651]

Great video Jonny and learned a lot from it! The thing that has always worried me about import is the sending £thousands to a stranger thousands of miles away. You didn't touch on this in the video, but I'd be really interested to know how you can protect yourself against a private seller/dealer pocketing your money and not releasing the car, or not providing the paperwork that you need to get it out of the USA.

[@MrSkeets6]

In 2002, I imported a Seat Leon from Holland, full UK spec and fresh off the production line. Standard Leon price in the UK at the time was £13,800. With extras (sunroof, CD player and privacy glass) it would have been £15,380- there wasn't a 2002 model available, hence the snatch from off the production line busy making 2003 models with CD players as standard. There was a small delay but I ended up after 15 weeks with an imported, taxed, registered and insured Leon on my drive for £11,100. The importer took care of everything; phone calls were made and some emails sent via dial up(!), updating me with the progress. Most of the savings in the purchase price was due to the pound whipping the euro, the car itself was just over £9,000.

[@charlesward4314]

Great video. When the £ was strong, about 20 years ago, I imported 3 new cars, one each from Belgium, Holland and Sweden. I remember the process being pretty pain free. The first two I collected myself and drove back. The one from Sweden came via broker and I just had to wait for a call from the handing agent at Southampton docks to go and pick it up. It was less effort than picking up a hire car! I too would be interest in Japanase version of this guide.

[@chrisbury4635]

I’ve personally imported a car from the Netherlands, ie: drove it from the dealer via the North Sea, all very straight forward after we got the export paperwork sorted from the Dutch equivalent of dvla on the day, I obviously had to insure it with a Dutch company to drive it to the port, once I got it home I did the Nova, mot’d to UK standard and got the application pack from dvla to get it registered and voila, this was all straight forward for me because I’m ex motor trade and used to work in the Netherlands, but people will need to know about type approval if the car is from outside Europe and of course the mot with speedometers and headlamps etc etc.

[@joegustafson4487]

This was really interesting to watch. Daydreaming a bit today about buying my dream house in Ireland and found this wondering what it would take to bring two classic cars with me from USA if I relocated. Especially interesting that Great Lakes ports (Chicago, Detroit, Duluth, etc) aren't departure points for shipping cars and Belfast isn't a UK arrival point, but maybe that's just one shipper. But it was still good to hear the shipper's perspective.

[@sinistercharger]

I imported two Trans Ams a few years back one was Roll on Roll off and the other came in a container.The one that was Roll on Roll off arrived with no issues.The one in the container arrived with damage to the paintwork and Shaker scoop which was badly cracked Other items had been loaded on top of the vehicle in the container.This same Trans Am had a worn out Gearbox which the seller had failed to mention so I would always get a Pre Purchase Inspection done by many of the vehicle appraisal companies In the U.S .They will give you a very detailed report on the condition and will drive the car and check the Transmission etc.I would say these are invaluable and cost around $300 They could also give you some bargaining power if something may need replacing that the seller hasn't mentioned

[@Soordhin]

A colleague of mine specialised in bringing over old Mercedes from the dry states, mainly California. He took an extended US vacation each year and afterwards had several cars being shipped over. Apparently that was (or is) a quite lucrative side business for him.

[@jpsjps6678]

Brilliant informative video. Thanks

[@travis79109]

Excellent video. Once countries open back up I’m planning on transferring and I’m thinking of bringing my Jeep over.

[@jameslewis2635]

Nice guide. The shared container option does seem like a good way to save on anxiety. When you are talking about international distances the extra costs sound like money well spent as long as you have an item in decent condition.

[@jfro5867]

Terrific video and story behind it.

[@matthewgodwin3050]

Shipping and administrative stuff is fairly straightforward. What scares me off is buying what is a very expensive item sight unseen. I learned the hard way some time ago that pictures do indeed lie. I do harbour (no pun intended) a dream of buying a Nash Ambassador Custom one day, however unless I could go over to the States and actually see the car first, I'm not sure I could handle the heartache a second time around. Nice pipedream though.

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

You need to ask for specific video or pics Matthew. For a car like a Nash I would speak with owners clubs or ask someone like Tim to help source the right honest car. He has a nose like a blood hound for rot free cars.

[@StevesMachines]

I bought a 1969 VW Crewcab years ago, fresh import from SA still on African Plates and Docs, that was a scary purchase. Only vehicle I ever regret selling.

[@gaz1603]

Great Vid! I’ve wanted to bring a crown vic over for a while. I’ve brought two cars over from Japan, the first being a Mitsubishi Airtrek turbo and more recently a Suzuki Kei Works. Really happy with both, been lucky as both were Roro with no insurance, a mistake I won’t repeat!

[@DEZ1172]

great guide clear and easy to follow , off to see what i can find to "dream" about importing 🤣 spot on Jonny 👌

[@Hashbrowniepie]

Lots of great info. I'd actually like to see one about importing from Japan.

[@ronniewilson6597]

Fantastic Jonny, answered a lot of things I wasn’t aware off. Next stop Ebay 👍😀

[@ArmstA79]

Very interesting and surprisingly inexpensive, cheers Jonny.

[@akawildwoody]

This was a really simple and informative video, great watch!

[@McHallfin]

Can you please do a guide importing from Australia? I've got my eye on a 70 series Land Cruiser!

[@lukerapsey3773]

Great video fair play, had wondered what the process was like, clear cut info, and yes a Japan video would be awesome too 🙌

[@ThePhilcam]

Imported from Japan to New Zealand a 2013 leaf. No issues, it was a breeze! Will definitely do it again.

[@HebryNegga-wy4zr]

Hahaha aren't the NZ customs strict ?

[@ginggur17]

Have loved this. I’d love a RAM or a 69 Charger. I’ve even saved this as one of my favourites. Brilliant. Thankyou.

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Thank you v much

[@LS430VIP]

A guide for European imports would be cool, because I guess there are other shipping options like having a roadtrip and driving it back yourself (and the insurance etc. ramifications of that).

[@Dave.Wilson]

Nice video Johnny, thanks. I've only ever imported engines and other vintage bike parts from the US before, might get round to doing a whole bike now I've seen this.

[@ukpipeline]

Really useful, thanks Jonny. And great work all round.

[@azadkamil6193]

I always wondered how you import a car from US, this if the first video that i came accross that explains the process nice and simple

[@sophialuce1621]

I've imported a Lincoln Continental and a few years later a Chevy Camaro. Both went smoothly and were driven home from Southampton Docks, (something I understand you may not be able to do these days). Best guide to cost was simple then, the dollar price of the car was, all but a few quid, the cost in GBP by the time it was on your driveway. Not sure if that's fully applicable these days. Only downside both times was taking bundles of cash to the Revenue in Southampton because they didn't take card payments!

[@derekhanna2674]

great video Johnny. ive used Rinkens to import my 1937 streetrod last year from Illinois to Grangemouth Scotland,hassle free and im looking to ship again. thanks derek hanna

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Great to hear Derek, many thanks. I think I will be making an update video on shipping from Japan next.