356 importation

[Riyadh356]

Wondering if anyone can give me some sound advice and who has experience of importing a 356 from USA to UK. I am primarily concerned about tax and VAT revenue etc. And if they do apply, ways around it.

Cheers

[912uk]

what year is the car?

and yes we can help and do a search on the site there is lots of info

http://www.classic356.co.uk/how_i_bough ... 6_back.htm

here is how i did it all those years back now..... it's just a guide

[decapman]

As the car is German the only tax payable will be VAT on the cost of shipping and the car itself.

You could get the vendor to show a lower value on the invoice but that would be illegal.....

Dont forget any insurance cover will be based on the declared value of the car if the ship goes down, or more likely the car gets damaged in the container(yes it does happen, rather a lot in my experience).

You will need to show the licensing authorities an original bill of sale as well as the customs forms showing VAT paid before it can get registered.

There used to be a lower rate of 5% for historic cars with rareity value, but in practice that is imposiible to claim now as so many people did it when importing vw buses and suchlike.

Now you would only get it for a Bugatti or that kind of car, not a 356, probably not even for an Abarth 356, thats how strict they are now.

[Riyadh356]

Many thank's for the replies.

So we are saying that the total duty will be, worse case VAT @ 17.65% on the shipping cost?

Regarding damage during shipping etc. I was thinking of taking advantage of the pound V's $ and getting most of it sorted in the US body etc and 912 engine installed, maybe discs, lowered a tad, then leaving it in primer for the main finishing (interior and paint) to be done in the UK ready for a road trip from the UK to europe summer 2009. My wife is from the US and her father has agreed to oversee any work.

I am just getting my "ducks in a row" at moment and have several people looking for suitable 356A at the right price.

[912uk]

I got a 356 in on 5% VAT put a case foward and got my claim.

The problem with getting the work done in the US is who do you use. having seen alot of US work. I think you would be wasting your money.

Your better off filling the car with spare parts and getting the work done here..

Best of luck finding a 356 as there are alot of people out there looking in the same place as you..

[Riyadh356]

Thanks for the advice,

I am planning a trip to the US beginning of 2009 to have a bit of a scout and also take in some 356/Porsche repair shops etc and take in 'route 30 classics' where I hoping to be able to pick up some key advice, some bits and bobs(if not a 'T" shirt or two). Anyone I hire will be expected to adhere to a clear 'scope of work' and this will be inspected.

On another note, I have seen some sun roof clips for sale, is this feasable or am I going to cause major problems (apart from value and cost).

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[912uk]

Route30 I know of and he has doen some nice work. He also knows his 356's

Always chat with Alan at the stable in San Fran cars do come though his place where owners ask him to sell them for him.

I still will just make you aware that work done in the US is to be taken with a lot of homework before you part with your money. Read into that what you like as long as I have given you the advice then you can do with it what you like.

Poss 2009 could be a interesting year because either 356's will be even more money or the US down turn may have started to hit classic car market who knows.. flip a coin.

What does always stay the same is Quality always pays..

Good luck and keep us all imformed I know a number of people over there I can put you in touch with..

[Riyadh356]

Many thanks