Since I've completely given up hope of ever getting my '80 off the rotisserie and been getting bored with rallycrossing my '05, lately I've been looking to buy a classic Mini race/rally car instead. Have seen a couple perfect ones in the UK - but I have no clue how to do it safely.
Last week I talked to a guy about a Group A car but it was a 1996. Hoped to bring it in under the 5 year race car rule and then just keep it here since it would then be 25 - but the registered importer I spoke with said he didn't think that would work. It would be flagged as non-road use and never be able to be registered (and I'd have to export it in 5 years).
This is the car: http://www.vslnw.com/showroom/1996-mini-cooper-grp-a-rally-car-1.3i-2dr-hatch-10449?vehtype=cars
Now I'm looking at a 1981 on ebay...but it's a private sale so I'm more than a little scared. The guy said he'd bring it to the dock for me - I got a quote of $2500 for a container from Felixstowe to Boston...but that's where my trail ends.
Here's that one: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/182325286682
Any way I can complete the deal safely from here or do I have to go over there myself? (which is never going to happen because my wife would find out...rather have that 'discussion' when it's sitting in the garage...)
Guessing someone here has been through this before!?!
Thanks guys!
I have heard a LOT of conflicting stories in the last couple of years about importing cars. Certain models (including classic Minis) are getting heavily scrutinized by US Customs.
The paperwork used to be fairly simple to do yourself. I have heard that now there are many extra forms and such that have to be done before the car even ships. There are also conflicting stories about whether certain permits are required to pick the car up at the port. Some people have said it is still easy for a private individual and no extra permits required, while others say it can only be done by a professional importer with all the extra permits.
I gave up considering ones from overseas when I could not sort out the answers anymore.
Bruce K is the man to ask about this, he's BTDT recently
I use to import minis, probably brought over 10 or so. It's a pain. This day and age I think you're better off finding a deal stateside.
Quote from: Mudhen on November 01, 2016, 07:53:10 AM
Any way I can complete the deal safely from here or do I have to go over there myself? (which is never going to happen because my wife would find out...rather have that 'discussion' when it's sitting in the garage...)
It is like we are brothers from a different mother. I swear.
I have yet another watch on its way to me, Mrs.5543 and I will be having another discussion soon. ;D
LOL...good luck with that! 4.gif
Thanks guys. It sounded like the UK shipping company would take care of the export paperwork and then I'd hire a registered importer over here for the US customs stuff. But lots of 'trust' going on for lots of money. Not to mention paying the seller who I haven't met for a car I haven't seen and trusting they'd really get it to the dock like they said.
For now I think I'll take your advice, Dan...wait for something here. Or at least hold out until I can afford the trip over...do the deal myself.
Divorce averted!
And now for an opposing point of view:
Hell yes import a car from the UK.
Actually, here's how I would break it down:
If you must have a Mk. I or Mk. II Mini, then don't consider the UK. I've heard it said that there are more of those early Minis in the US/Canada than in the UK, and I believe it. The Brits used them up and threw them away because there was always new ones popping out of one end of Longbridge - so who cared about keeping old ones? The limited number of early Minis still remaining in the UK means they are, as the Brits would say, cherished, and therefore very pricey. Stick to looking for Mk. I & Mk. II Minis in North America.
But, if you are okay with a post-1970 roll-up window Mini, then the tables are turned. The UK is a great source. And the with the pound being so devalued due to Brexit, they are even more of a bargain.
However, the most difficult thing is accomplish the purchase remotely. It very possible to do (I've imported a couple of Minis from the UK while remaining in Texas), but, IMO, you've got to stick to buying from an established business, rather than just an individual, to handle the transaction with any sense of security.
I imported my most recent Mini 2 years ago. I used RORO rather than the more expensive container shipping, going from Southampton to Galveston for about £1200, which is about US$1500 now. I filled out my own importation paperwork which was simple to do. I also hired a customs broker this time, and that made the final step easier.
The only thing I would suggest is to make 100% certain to stick to the 25 year rule. Pick a Mini that meets the letter of the law because you can be pretty certain classic Minis (and Land Rovers, too) are being closely inspected by US Customs officers who are now much more knowledgeable as to all the re-VIN tricks used in the past. No reason to risk it.
Let me know if you want more info on my experiences. I trust the guy I bought my Mini from and would recommend him. He runs a Mini-based business there, and if he does not have a car you want, theoretically, he could source one for you. I gave me a lot of difficult requests, and he came through for me each time.
I forgot to mention that the shipping expense to the US of £1,200 included transporting my car by trailer 350 miles down the entire length of England from Newcastle to the docks at Southampton. The ocean shipping company kindly arranged that. When shipping roll on, roll off (RORO), the cubic footprint of the car within the ship's cargo hold is how shipping costs are determined, so the very small size of the Mini really comes into play here, saving a lot of money over a larger car.
I have bought a few in over the years mostly bought in from a longtime friend which took a lot of the doubt's out of the situation and usually used either K Line or Wallenius Wilhelmsen for shipping. I did import a low mileage 79 Clubman Estate from an individual and used Phoenix to handle everything in the UK with a broker at this end. I sent the funds for the car and the shipping to Phoenix and they arranged to pick up the car on a hauler and pay for it getting the V5 (title) and 30 plus years of paperwork for me and then forwarded it to the docks in Southampton. It cost around $1200 shipping about $450 to pick it up and transport to the docks and around $350 this end to clear the port of which the broker fee was $150.
You can get an AA or RAC (equivalent of AAA) inspection of any car over there for piece of mind when purchasing blind also lots of pictures help. It is a lot harder now and the ports/customs seem to take their sweet time to clear all Land Rovers and Mini's, i had to wait 2 months for one to clear and you also have to pay storage for anything over 10 days.
Make sure the Mini is 100% legal including the two vin numbers matching and the engine number and color on the V5.