Importing C3?

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Chay Bonnington

New user
Hi
Me and my dad are looking to import a c3 to uk from the us. We are looking to spend around 5-8k and I was wondering what to expect and what we should look for? We know its going to be a bit of a project car. Any tips and advise would be much appreciated!
 
CaptainK

CaptainK

CCCUK Member
Shipping costs, import fees and the classic 5% vat need to be budgeted for as well. You'll have to look around for shipping quotes etc, but except around £1k to £2k mark.
Then you need to get it approved for the UK over here, which I believe means it passing an MOT to be registered in the UK. So things like the rear indicator colour will need to be looked at, and possibly the headlight beam angle. Probably others, and I'm sure the smarter people will be along soon to correct me :)

If at all possible, get someone to check the car over in the US prior to purchase etc, to make sure its not a complete lemon. I wish I'd done the same with mine, but it came from a "reputable dealer". Mine wasn't too bad to be honest, but it was worse than I was lead to believe. All good now though.

Good luck with the C3 too, fab looking cars :)
 
Dazaa

Dazaa

Well-known user
My 71 was registered with no MOT or modifications or anything like that, it didn't even run nor was it capable of being driven on the road at the time of import. Paid somewhere around 2500 for shipping via STS Imports. Bear in mind any project c3 for 5-8k will need another 5-10k spending on it, always cheaper to buy one thats already done.
 
Chuffer

Chuffer

CCCUK regional rep
As with any classic car , really consider your top budget and buy the very best you can afford where someone else has paid and done all or most of the work . Otherwise you will end up spending far more than the car will ever be worth and it will spend more time in the workshop than being driven and enjoyed . Unless of course you want a project to work on for a couple of years rather than a drivable project .
There has been lots of recent posts advising newbie buyers of C3`s on what to look for and all the rust weak points . Rather than repeat all the info , have a good trawl through the Forum and you will find out a lot that could save you a lot of grief and and your wallet too . Personally I would rather go for a car in the UK that you can see for yourself and maybe take a C3 guy with you . The money you save on shipping , taxes , and UK conformity will go towards cost of hopefully a better car . Good luck (y)
 
Adtheman

Adtheman

CCCUK Member
I agree with Chuffer on this one, there are plenty of project cars available in the UK and if you are going to spend 5-8k the import from the states is likely to be 20% of the car cost this making it about the same as a project C3 here in the Uk plus you get to look and inspect it prior to buying.
 
Dana

Dana

New user
My car was dropped off in TORONTO this week at the shipping warehouse,. She is on her way to London soon! I need someone to clear customs for me and then insurance and plates and MOT.
 
Mad4slalom

Mad4slalom

CCCUK Member
Dazaa said:
My 71 was registered with no MOT or modifications or anything like that, it didn't even run nor was it capable of being driven on the road at the time of import. Paid somewhere around 2500 for shipping via STS Imports. Bear in mind any project c3 for 5-8k will need another 5-10k spending on it, always cheaper to buy one thats already done.
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Just been through the very same. Been looking over here on and off for over 20 years and never bought one as so few cars available, most still needing lots of money spent on mechanicals, paint and/ or interior. Always hoped to find one that was good enough all over, talked myself out of a few that I should have bought. Anyway decided to spend more and look for an older restoration in the Us as more prolific , cheaper and loads of choice, private and dealer. Found a private one in buffalo NY. Did a deal sight unseen 29k dollars. 2.3k shipping and 1250 vat. Took 14/15 weeks start to finish. Just arrived two weeks ago so just starting registering It now. Stressful but rewarding now its over. Note , double any collection or delivery time given by the shippers and bear in mind the car is handled by numerous agents and just another car to them ! No serious damage but just annoying and unnecessary lack of care. On a more positive note it arrived intact and I love it . Just dont know if My nerves would stand doing it all over again. Best of luck with your plans 👍
 
Mad4slalom

Mad4slalom

CCCUK Member
Dana said:
My car was dropped off in TORONTO this week at the shipping warehouse,. She is on her way to London soon! I need someone to clear customs for me and then insurance and plates and MOT.
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I am about a month ahead of you, you will be tracking your ship every few hours soon 😂, watching the Atlantic weather systems,😱 not sleeping, worrying half the night about it and then , one day, it will all be over, your shiny car will arrive and you will be able to relax and enjoy it . Absolutely love mine now just starting the paperwork to get a number allocated and hopefully on the road soon. 👍
Good luck with the import, btw what did you go for, ? 👍ps , mine in a warehouse in new jerseyF3986736-BF8B-4EFA-B7B3-82ECFD86FEAB.png
 
antijam

antijam

CCCUK Member
Mad4slalom said:
...... Absolutely love mine now just starting the paperwork to get a number allocated and hopefully on the road soon. 👍
Good luck with the import......
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Just out of interest Mad4slalom, how did you buy your car? Was it a private or a dealer sale and did you inspect it personally or rely on the sellers description and/or an independent appraisal?
 
D

DAN@ADRIAN FLUX

Supporting vendor
Dana said:
My car was dropped off in TORONTO this week at the shipping warehouse,. She is on her way to London soon! I need someone to clear customs for me and then insurance and plates and MOT.
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Hi.
When you're ready if you need any help with insurance at all then please feel free to drop me a line.
Regards,
Dan.
 
A

Atomic Corvette 22

Regular user
HI,

If you look on Anglian Car Auction in Kings Lynn on Line I believe there is a Corvette going over the block today after 11:05 today estimating price £10 to 12 Thousand. Its in Red and you can see it on Line
You can bid online if you can manage to register this morning, Good Luck, Richard
 
Mad4slalom

Mad4slalom

CCCUK Member
antijam said:
Just out of interest Mad4slalom, how did you buy your car? Was it a private or a dealer sale and did you inspect it personally or rely on the sellers description and/or an independent appraisal?
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I came across an ad on vettefinders website , it just stood out as the one for me as I want an
Older body off restoration, this one was owned and restored by a chap who was president of corvettes of buffalo club. Over the years he had restored 13 vettes so gave me confidence that he would know his stuff. I could see each months progress by viewing the archived club newsletters over two years. We spoke and over s couple of weeks agreed a purchase price of 29k dollars . A stressful ten or twelve weeks followed in getting it collected and shipped. I never thought I would risk buying sight unseen but was totally happy with peter the vendor and his description of the car backed up by the club newsletter photos.
My bank would have no part in sending money to the US for a car i had not seen and to a man I had not met, so had to do it all at my risk. I think my situation was an exceptional one and I wouldnt advise anyone to buy blind . The worst part was the shippers who promised certain pick up times and shipping times which were three times what the stated. They advertised a special R. Rack system in the container which then wasnt used, just wooden ones . The car was not respected as I was promised and was scratched and chipped through being handled carelessly by several different agents. But all that said, the car arrived intact and I love it. I am flatting and polishing the paint which had sunk a bit in the six years since it was done but it is coming up well.
the car seems that much more special becsuse of the epic journey , trials and tribulations I went through to get it over to the Uk. It all turned out well in the end .I have a good friend in the vendor who is only a phonecall or an email away who is more than happy to advise and talk me through any issues i have finding my way around the corvette. He has over 50years experience that he is happy to pass on to me if I have any problems.
Good luck with any purchase you are considering. 👍
 

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Coffeeboy

Well-known user
Don’t worry about registering it as it’s a doddle I just done a c4 I bought it here unregistered if it’s pre 1980 no mot or tax needed so just £55 registration fee good luck
 
Carlie@A-Plan

Carlie@A-Plan

Supporting vendor
Chay Bonnington said:
Hi
Me and my dad are looking to import a c3 to uk from the us. We are looking to spend around 5-8k and I was wondering what to expect and what we should look for? We know its going to be a bit of a project car. Any tips and advise would be much appreciated!
Click to expand...

When you're ready to look at insurance give us a call - we can insure on the Chassis number whilst you're awaiting UK registration so you have some cover in place for peace of mind :)
Carlie

A-Plan Specialist Vehicle Insurance
01635 874646
 
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