Importing a Classic Car from the USA to UK

In this guide, we'll walk through importing a real example: a 1965 Mustang from Beverly Hills Car Club in California. We've helped many customers import from BHCC over the years and they're a pleasure to work with.

Other great sources for classic American cars include Bring a Trailer, eBay Motors USA, and ClassicCars.com.

Paying for Your Classic Car

Our example Mustang is listed at $16,750. At today's exchange rate of $1.22/£, that's approximately £13,730. The exchange rate can make a real difference to your final costs.

Before paying, always check for common scam warning signs. Buying from reputable dealers like Beverly Hills Car Club significantly reduces risk.

To get the best exchange rate, avoid using your bank directly. Our sister company SMCFX offers significantly better rates than banks, often saving £200+ on a $10,000 transfer.

Booking With ShipMyCar

Once you've received your quote, access our Client Portal to book securely online. You'll complete a short application form, upload required documents, and make an initial payment. The balance is due on completion.

Your portal becomes the central hub for your import. You'll see real-time updates, container tracking, photos of your vehicle, and can authorise any additional work needed during the process.

Tracking Your Car

Most container lines provide real-time GPS tracking, which we integrate into your Client Portal. Watch your classic crossing the Atlantic in real-time. If GPS isn't available for your specific container, we provide vessel tracking via third-party marine tracking sites.

UK Arrival & Customs

On arrival in the UK, we'll email you the exact customs duty and VAT amounts. For our 1965 Mustang (over 30 years old), this is just 5% of the vehicle value, no standard 10% import duty applies to classics.

In this case: 5% of $16,750 converted at HMRC's rate comes to approximately £650. You transfer this directly to HMRC using the reference number we provide, all detailed in your Client Portal.

Testing & Registration

Once customs cleared, your car comes to our Milton Keynes workshop. For this 1965 Mustang, we'll fit UK-pattern headlights with clear side markers, then book an MOT test. Vehicles this age are IVA exempt.

If the MOT reveals any issues (common with older cars that may have been sitting unused), our technicians photograph the problems, add them to your portal, and you authorise repairs with one click. We handle everything from worn brake pads to engine rebuilds.

Finally, we register with DVLA, fit number plates (classic black and silver for a '65 Mustang), and your car is ready to collect. We can also arrange servicing, alarm installation, or full valet before handover.

Real Cost Breakdown

Under £17,000 for a classic American muscle car, fully UK road legal, without lifting a finger. That includes the car itself, all shipping, insurance, customs duty, testing, and registration.

Even with exchange rates not in our favour, importing classic American cars remains excellent value compared to UK prices for equivalent vehicles.