Sourcing a C6 Z51

[jimmyca69]

Hello,

Newbie here, looking at potentially purchasing a C6 Z51 and using forums to research as much as I can as would be first American import car.

Other than on here, cars and classics, AT, PH and eBay is there anywhere else to look? Are there any importers/Specialists to look at also?

Thanks

 

[Paul Newman]

Perhaps you could try Adrian Dromey of 'Dromey Corvettes' based out on the east coast? He advertises through Pistonheads at times and I purchased my C6 Grand Sport from him last year. Good luck with your search

 

[jimmyca69]

Thanks Paul

I will put up a wanted post on here as soon as I am able to as well.

 

[Vettemike09]

Jimmy, hi, To post an advert you need to be a CCCUK member. E-mail the membership secretary and as he has some offers on at the moment. I have a C6 Z51 which I bought a couple of years ago, after 27 years of C4 ownership (I still have that too) I knew nothing about C6's and found this a great place to ask the "daft" questions. The consensus seemed to be to buy a post 2008? LS3 engined car as they had no real issues and the gearbox was/is better. However, I guess it depends how you treat it as most teething troubles will have been ironed out. Some of the club members run the Facebook Group "Corvettes for sale UK" which might also be somewhere to look..... good luck and welcome to the world of Corvettes

 

[jimmyca69]

Thanks Mike for the info
Yes I am looking at the moment for a LS3 (2008 onwards), manual, coupe C6, may compromise further down the line but that's what I am aiming for and in no rush.

 

[jimmyca69]

Just to add another query to this, have had some good advice on sourcing and the option for a European based car, having said that does anyone have the latest information on importing cars from the likes of Germany into the UK? previously there was no charge tax wise on cars less than 6k km/6 months old but obviously with the big B this may now be different. Anyone know the details?

Finally could someone point me to or enlighten me on what work is needed for a C6 euro spec coming into the uk?

Thanks
James

 

[Rich]

The main difference between UK and Euro Spec are the headlights due to the dip pattern. UK headlights are like hen's teeth as they are so scarce.

As regards the tax situation, I think you are correct but I was told yesterday that imports from the EU now attract VAT at the standard rate. You would need to check this.

 

[jimmyca69]

Thanks Rich

I spoke to HMRC on chat and they said cars would now be subject to normal import rates and that I would need to obtain a commodity code to confirm the tax. This appears to be a standard 20% rate with a 10% 3rd country rate applicable also, from what I can find online. But I have emailed them via a dedicated email the chat person gave me to get it in writing to confirm. Will update this thread when I get confirmation though.

 

[Slick]

The main difference between UK and Euro Spec are the headlights due to the dip pattern. UK headlights are like hen's teeth as they are so scarce.

As regards the tax situation, I think you are correct but I was told yesterday that imports from the EU now attract VAT at the standard rate. You would need to check this.

As far as I'm aware there is no difference in the headlights .......all C6s have a flat beam pattern

 

[Chevrolet]

As far as I'm aware there is no difference in the headlights .......all C6s have a flat beam pattern

Rich is right, UK spec and mainland Europe spec C6 have specific/unique headlights and not US spec flat beam ones. If you bought a Euro mainland spec car, the Certificate of Conformity (CoC), if it has one, will say that is certified for RH rule of road (i.e. drive on the right).

 

[Corvette]

Regarding import duties. Hopefully EU countries reciprocate then UK registered cars might stay in the UK rather than seem a cheap deal and get exported which leaves a shortage of cars for future Corvette enthusiasts.

 

[Slick]

Rich is right, UK spec and mainland Europe spec C6 have specific/unique headlights and not US spec flat beam ones. If you bought a Euro mainland spec car, the Certificate of Conformity (CoC), if it has one, will say that is certified for RH rule of road (i.e. drive on the right).

In that case I've not seen one .........though I've worked on and MOT'd a few

 

[jimmyca69]

Looking at this car at the moment, https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012247386901 seems well looked after so wondered if anyone on here knew about it?

Also wondering whether people could recommend anyone to do a pre purchase inspection, not just on above car but generally across UK if there was a local car for sale near them in future? The above car is in Leicestershire so thats a good place to start I suppose...