Importing into England

[Ian B]

Hi there. I am a new member having just secured a 67 230 in California. Can anyone tell me what items I will need to change to get UK registration when I import into my home country please?
I was wondering about headlamps, turn indicators etc??
Also does anyone know if I need a separate approval inspection in UK in addition to the Mot test before I apply for UK registration?
Many thanks for any advice offered. Ian

[Rolf-Dieter ✝︎]

Hi Ian,

One of our Members has a shop just outside London UK perhaps e-mail him or call him he might be able to awnser all your questions.

Check out his site ——> https://www.colinferns.com

Best,

Dieter

[AGT]

Ian

Congratulations on your purchase. I hope that you are thrilled with the car when your shipping container arrives.

The only test you need is the MoT. The whole insurance, MoT, registration process is a bit circular. I managed to break the circle by borrowing a set of trade plates to get the car up from Tilbury to Scotland.

I imported my 230SL in 2006 which was the "old" MoT and so I am a bit out of date on the current test requirements as my car has now retired to France. In 2006 you could mask off the headlights but I don't think that you can do this anymore.

I would endorse Rolf-Dieter's suggestion of Colin Ferns and perhaps getting the car to Colin for MoT preparation and presentation might serve you very well.

I paid VAT on the purchase price of my car. Others on this site managed to obtain a lower rate or exemption as a historical vehicle.

Best regards
Andrew

[JamesL]

Hi Ian,

For the physical shipping etc, have a word with Kingstown Shipping. They seem to have a good reputation and know their stuff as regards getting a car here. Assuming it's basically a "stock" car, you should pay VAT of 5% of the purchase price. If you know you need parts, fill the boot up with them

As for the MOT, as you may know, the rules are soon to change for tax exempt vehicles that are "stock". AFAIK, this means that they will not need an annual MOT and rely on you to keep it in good order. Which to me sounds like a field day for unscrupulous lawyers. I'll continue to get mine MOT'd. Non-stock cars will need BIVA type approval so go easy on modifications: converting to RHD will very quickly get you into BIVAs hands

So assuming it arrives in the UK, you do need to trailer it somewhere (can recommend FlyingBlueDog transport for this) and once you've done the required bits, I think the process is effectively an MOT and getting it registered with the DVLA. As local offices are not as common as they were, this is not as easy at it was (ie, tough to do in person)

Here's the DVLAs take on the process
https://www.gov.uk/importing-vehicles-into-the-uk

[stickandrudderman]

You have to pay the VAT first, then get it MOTd, then apply for UK reg.
It's not difficult but is a little time-consuming.

[Ian B]

Dieter ~ thanks for your recommendation - v helpful to get some "inside track" information when one is starting off in a new world!, all the best. Ian

[Ian B]

Andrew,
Thanks for your welcome ~ it already feels like joining a new community. Your advice and experience on the process I will need to follow most welcome. I am currently researching shipping agents so will follow that up too right away.
I must confess I ve fallen rather unexpectedly for the car even though I ve never been in one yet. So I m looking forward to the day! All the best and thanks. Ian

[Ian B]

James,
Thanks for all your helpful info and the link to the dvla process. I ll also look up the shipping agents you mention. Always worth a lot to have an actual user recommendation.
The immediate response to my query this morning has been amazing. Thank you everyone.
Now on with the research, planning and arranging the shipping!
Best wishes, Ian

[Ian B]

Thanks Stick ~ I can see you are highly recommended by fellow members and I ll get in touch about options when I know what's happening on the shipping. All the best, Ian