Search and import of vehicles

If you intend to purchase a special classic vehicle the choice in your home market is often small. The scarce supply leads to higher prices inevitably. In some cases this leads to giving up the search or buying another classic car. A decision that one often regrets in retrospect.

Abroad, however, it can look quite different. Especially in the United States of America, in Canada, in England, but also in Australia, historic vehicles are available in much larger numbers. The prices of the offered vehicles appear clearly more favorable. Thus the requirement arises to import its desire vehicle and to save under the bottom line still money. In order to profit from these markets, however, the buyer must know a few things. Otherwise, the attempt of self-importation can quickly become a nightmare.

Importing a vehicle within Europe is easy:

Import from EU country	It is important to check the vehicle, the vehicle documents and the supplier carefully. A legal regulation abroad is complicated and expensive. For EU countries that do not use the euro as a means of payment (Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania and Sweden) is a favorable foreign exchange important. Special formalities are not required.
Import from United Kingdom	The same principles apply as for vehicles from EU countries. However, after Brexit, customs documents must be prepared for the import. For vehicles older than 30 years a 7% customs duty is required.

I am happy to support with my knowledge and contacts in the search and import of a vehicle from abroad. I have experience with the purchase of collector cars in England, France, USA, Canada and Australia. A purchase of a classic car in these countries covers several phases. Each phase has its risks but also opportunities to save money. To be successful, you should know the answers to the questions below.

Vehicle, condition and budget?	Which vehicle are you looking for and in which condition should it be? How high is your financial framework for the purchase of the vehicle? You should answer these questions for yourself. I can help you to estimate the costs. Basically, most of my experience can be used for all vehicles, even from younger years of construction. To be successful it is important that you have clear and realistic ideas. You will not find a good pre-war Bentley for US$20,000 even in the States.
Finding the vehicle	Which dealers, markets and internet portals can I use to find my desired vehicle? Where can I find the "really" good deals that aren't on the Internet? How can I profit from auctions?
Evaluating the vehicle	Should I travel to the vendor to look at the vehicle? Good offers are sold quickly and it is frustrating if the vehicle is significantly worse than described. Where can I find reliable information (e.g. manuals) to value rare collector vehicles? Who will help me locally to value the vehicle?
Buying the vehicle	How can I check the seriousness of the seller? What should I pay attention to regarding the "Certificate of title" and "Certificate of origin"? How can I export a historic vehicle from the USA that does not have a valid "Certificate of title"? This is the case with many very old vehicles. How can I save money when paying with Canadian, American or Australian dollars? How do I check the seriousness of the seller? How does a payment for the vehicle at pickup through an escrow service work? The alternative is a risky payment in advance.
Transport of the vehicle	How do I realize a cheap and safe transport within the country of purchase? Truck drivers strike very often. Historic vehicles often cannot be transported on open trailers. Special enclosed transporters are required. Land transportation is often more expensive than sea freight. How do I organize the sea transport? How do I insure the transport of the vehicle?
Import to the EU	How do I save money when importing the vehicle in Europe?

If you know the answers to these questions, you have a good chance to find your dream vehicle overseas and to transfer it as a "bargain" to your home country. I will gladly support you with my experience. I can take over the complete purchase and transport for you or only help with individual steps.

You would like to talk to me directly? Please call +49 (0) 172 533 0000.