Those of us who are car aficionados – especially of European vehicles – often sit and sigh as we read European auto magazines and watch European YouTube channels – while we find ourselves in North America – it almost makes you want to cry. “Why can’t I have a 1971 Fiat 500L, you cry? There’s no way I’ll ever be able to get my hands on a gem like that, living on this side of “the pond.” It’s a valid question. But did you know that, perhaps, your dream can come true? We have good news. You can import classic cars from the UK to the United States if they are at least 25 years old. And it’s actually easier than you might think.
The Imported Vehicle Safety Compliance Act of 1988 (IVSCA) allows the import of classic or antique vehicles that are at least 25 years old without regard to whether they comply with US safety standards. Read that again “without regard.” Well, what are you waiting for? Happily, one of our favourite auto websites is in the UK, where delicious cars parade in front of you Willy-Nilly, just taunting you to buy them. Almost criminally inexpensive and inevitably taken care of by a loving owner, almost any one of these can be yours courtesy of (IVSCA.) Shipping them to North America is relatively simple (we imported our SAAB from the UK to Canada with relative ease, and not too expensive, either. You can too.
How about this smashing 1974 Ford Escort Mexico? It’s online for £18,000 GBP ($22,363 USD) but totally worth it. Car and Classic have dozens of loved and pampered classics just waiting for a new home: perhaps even in a new country. To drool and dream or to plan for your new toy, Click here. If you do buy, please come pick us up for a spin around the block. Click here.
You’ll certainly want to take a modern car out for a spin when you’re in Europe, while you’re selecting your classic car to ship home. Booking․com have amazing rental deals, especially if you rent out of Lisbon’s airport. Click here.