exRuncorn

I'm looking to import a classic car (not a very expensive one!) from the UK into South Australia and am wondering what's the best way to go about doing this.

Should I use an "importer"- if you've used one who were they, what did they do, and how much???

Can I DIY import, have you done it? How did it go?

Any suggestions\ tales much appreciated!!!

spuddyo

First of all look at the following website and all the suggested links from it:-
http://www.infrastructure.gov.au/roa...les/index.aspx

Any car built before 1989 can ( in theory ) be imported into Australia after an import certificate has been issued. ( costs about $60 ) Anyone living in Australia can do it but it's limted to one car every 12 months.

The car will have to be inspected by a certified engineer before it can be registered by the RTA. The engineer checks to see if the car meets the Australian Design rules for a pre-89 vehicle imported under this scheme. Compliance plates will not be issued and are not required, the Engineers certificate replaces this on pre-89's.

If the car has Air-con, the gas will have to be removed before shipping the car. ( any gas, not just R12 ) or it may be rejected at customs. You will need a letter from a qualified UK engineer to confirm that this has been done.

That's it really. there are customs formailities but usually handled by the shipping agents. Remeber it's the Pre 89 import scheme you need to look at, NOT a personal import which you need to have owned and driven in the UK for at least 12 months to qualify.

I imported a Lotus Esprit a couple of years ago, ther are other threads on this forum about it but it was a very easy process and just requires patience and deep pockets. Expect to pay about $3500 for shipping and insurance, $500 for a steam clean plus 10% duty and another 10% GST based on teh cars value. And then on top of that rego costs / engineers certificate etc.