ORIGINAL: mzuberbuehler
Hi,
Apologies if my questions below have already been answered elsewhere in the forum but I could not find any post on this.
I've recently purchased a 73T in California and have it currently shipped to the UK arriving in about two weeks from today. I am interested in getting in touch with someone who has gone through a similar UK import procedure, UK registration, selection of UK classic car insurance, etc. Is it possible to go through the process alone or should one get an expert / garage involved here? In case the latter is the general way to go, any recommendations for a classic Porsche workshop in proximity to London West End are highly welcome.
Many thanks
Marius
Hi Marius & welcome to the forum
The process of importation is not quite as simple as it was. However the principle is still the same.
When the car lands, in order to release it from the shippers you will have to make sure the VAT and duty is paid - there is no reduced VAT rate for older cars anymore - so you will be paying 17.5% on the purchase price (make sure you have documentation to show this), the shipping costs and the duty comined - I believe the £50 fixed duty rate for classic cars is still in force.
Once you have a receipt from the nice customs man - showing the VAT and duty has been paid, the car will be released to you. You will find it hard to get insurance on the car as it won't be UK spec so get it trailered to a Porsche garage you can work with - I'm sorry, I'm in North Yorkshire so I don't know anyone in London.
The garage will need to obtain an MOT certificate for the car - however as it's not UK registered, you will need it to be on the chassis number. In order to get the MOT I would expect the headlights to be sorted and the rear fog lights to be fitted - in addition to all the other things needed for a UK MOT (tyres, brakes, horn, corrosion etc.).
Once you have an MOT certificate you should be able to submit a V55/5 'first registration' document to your local DVLA office - the V55/5 shows the date of first registration (if known), the excise class (PLG in the case of a 911) etc. I can't remember the first registration fee that needs to acompany the V55/5 - I think it's around £125.
The DVLA should then post you a shiny new V5 in your name within about 10 days. This will show the new registration number - which you can then give to your insurer and have number plates fitted.
As for insurance, I've used BLM in Leeds (0113 282 5017) in years gone by - and a friend recently insured his 912 for £128 pa with them.
So when you've got an MOT, a V5 and an insurance certificate - you can obtain the tax disc - and number plates - then you're on the road [
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I'm sure other members will have had experience so can fill in the gaps / correct me where I've gone wrong [
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Good luck with everything & please drop me an email of the car's details (vin / chassis number, engine number, registration number, colour, interior colour, options) and I'll add her to the PCGB Early 911 Register [
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Welcome again to the PCGB forum.
Philip
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