cost effective USA restoration?

[Diego Milano]

Hi guys I'm new to this fantastic forum....

I'm thinking of buying a 912 from the US and shipping over to UK.... This seems straightforward apart from no one seems to accept escrow.

All the cars I see need rust work or paint etc .....

I was thinking it might be more cost effective to buy a US car, have it shipped to a US restorer to do works then onto the UK.

Is this a good idea and can anyone recommend a good cost effective US 912 restorer (I'm not looking for concourse just good and clean) for the works that I could ship to first???

Many thanks in advance .... sorry if it appears to be a dumb question. This will be my classic ))))

[coomo]

Hi guys I'm new to this fantastic forum....

I'm thinking of buying a 912 from the US and shipping over to UK.... This seems straightforward apart from no one seems to accept escrow.

All the cars I see need rust work or paint etc .....

I was thinking it might be more cost effective to buy a US car, have it shipped to a US restorer to do works then onto the UK.

Is this a good idea and can anyone recommend a good cost effective US 912 restorer (I'm not looking for concourse just good and clean) for the works that I could ship to first???

Many thanks in advance .... sorry if it appears to be a dumb question. This will be my classic ))))

Er No.Its hard enough overseeing a rebuild thats a few miles away.Let alone across the world.Not sure Im aware of anyone whos ever bought a car from USA that was ripped off.Unless of course it was via Nigeria.Ive bought cars and bikes from USA without issues.Ive also sold too.I honestly couldnt be arsed to use escrow,so I would decline that request too.

[Nick Moss]

Find me a US car with a good paint job and I'll recommend that restorer.

[SeanP]

Why not buy a car that is already in the country/on the road?

Revival cars have a few in the last time I looked. All the hard work already done. Then you could enjoy it through the summer, make a list of all the jobs you want to have done and the have them carried out over the winter ready for the next year

[Diego Milano]

Thanks for replies.....

I'm trying to source a car that needs work and a respray as u want a rare colour that never seems to come up....

Seems a more cost effective way of getting a car in the spec I want ?

I assume (probably incorrectly) paint and metal work is more cost effective in the states

[SeanP]

See the Nick Moss comment above

[yoda]

Someone on hear did this (Jos?). Worth reading his thread and considering.

I would buy a car you like (already done) and ship it over.

[neilbardsley]

Thanks for replies.....

I'm trying to source a car that needs work and a respray as u want a rare colour that never seems to come up....

Seems a more cost effective way of getting a car in the spec I want ?

I assume (probably incorrectly) paint and metal work is more cost effective in the states

Someone did a long distance restoration on a 911T and it's documented on here but really don't do it! You want to be revolved in the process. Mostly dropping in, giving feedback and making decisions. It's a false economy otherwise. There are quite a few restorers on here that will also source a car for you too. However, with the $ stronger and the £ weaker you may do better having a look in the UK. At least then you know actually what you are getting and can 'cost' it before you commit.

[jb]

You might find this interesting
viewtopic.php?f=28&t=46264&hilit=long+distance

[a1topdog]

Wouldn't you get clobbered on extra import tax and VAT due to the increased value of the car when bringing back into the UK post restoration?

[Nick Moss]

Wouldn't you get clobbered on extra import tax and VAT due to the increased value of the car when bringing back into the UK post restoration?

Interesting point, but he will get hit for more VAT (20%) at this end if he gets the work done here rather than the 5% import VAT

[Lightweight_911]

It's always more cost-effective to buy a car that has already been restored/refurbished ...

[hot66]

It's always more cost-effective to buy a car that has already been restored/refurbished ...

...... That has been restored correctly

A poorly restored car can cost more in the long run

[Diego Milano]

thanks all.... greatly appreciated.

my logic was 0 vat 5% duty on +30yr old imports...

also my problem is whatever i buy i will need painted as unfortunately i want colors that never seem to come up for sale. so buying a car that needs paint ie not fully restored would be preferable as at some point i would have the paint done.

i dont mind driving round in a bit of a bodywork wreck (in a strange way it has its own appeal) as long as its mechanically sound / has had the drive train refreshed etc. im not looking ever to create a show car. i love the lines of the 912 (i have had 7 modernish 911's from a carrera 3.2 to a 997 - im actually a lotus man though by heart) but dont need a perfect cream puff and wont aspire (being realistic) to getting a 912 in that condition.

unfortunately there seems to be far more available abroad that fits into the bracket above. it just seems logical that if i take the risk of buying abroad i might as well take the risk on getting rust / paint job done there too.

i totally accept the views of those that say 'buy here' and i would if i could find a 912 that fitted the above criteria.

nb - learning all the time, all the advice is greatly appreciated!!!!

[Diego Milano]

You might find this interesting
viewtopic.php?f=28&t=46264&hilit=long+distance

thank you very much!!!!