Buying a Classic American Car is fed by passion but there are some things you need to know….
The desire to own a classic American car or truck is one made up of passion and love of American car culture whether its old school vintage cool or more modern cars. It’s about being different and having something different. We share that passion and totally understand why so many people opt for a big engine Yank tank or want to opt for a classic car that is something different to the European alternatives. But what do you need to know?
First of all when it comes to buying a car from the USA. Much like any car advertised its not always what it seems and it’s no different out there. Adverts get misleading and people try to push there problems on to someone else. We have trusted partners we work with and sometimes they even miss things (not on purpose necessarily) but it can all come as a shock. Be ready to always to end up spending a bit more than you plan too but one of the main considerations is knowing what you are in for when it comes to the running of the engine. Shipping currently can be a little slow so whilst shipping can take 6-8 weeks expect this to end up at 10-12 by the time you actually get it loaded and unloaded. Shipping lines don’t offer the best information on specific loads so don’t get over frustrated about that. When it comes to import, allow around £500 of fees this side plus 5% VAT if over 35 years old or 10% import duty and 20% VAT for younger vehicles and remember the 5% only applies for original vehicles.
Many moderate US states suffer with corrosion and rust just like we do here in Northern Europe so expect weakened panels and welding. The dry states don’t have this issue but they can suffer with brittle and dry trims, seats and interiors. Getting replacement interior parts can be challenging. Ebay and the like is good for that and there are plenty of online companies selling trims, panels and parts but the bigger those are the more expensive they can be. As example, you can buy a fuel tank for pretty much any classic American truck or car for £70 plus taxes but the shipping can be £400! Parts equally for mechanical work aren’t too bad to get hold and can be gotten quickly through US suppliers or even some UK specialists. We sell loads of American car parts to our customers as an example.
Knowing what has been done and not been done is sometimes a challenge. We see vehicles all the time that have been played with, modified or altered. Engines get changed, parts get upgraded and finding replacement ones can be really difficult as the catalogues don’t necessarily show the right ones. Removing parts and looking for part numbers becomes the only option. Even a simple v-belt can turn in to grief because it was modified and the number are worn. A tape measure, vernier and google become your only friends.
Like with any classic car there is plenty of heart ache but there is plenty of joy too and in many ways some of these are part of what makes the hobby so much fun!
