South African cars we import
Homologation specials built only there, old favourites that stayed in production for decades, and the bakkies the country builds by the thousand. These are the ones people ask us about most.
The build year decides the test
Whatever the car, its age sets what it needs before the DVLA will register it. Enter the year it was built and we will show you which band it falls in.
Three age bands.
- Under 10 years old: an IVA test, which we run on our own lane.
- 10 years or older: an MOT.
- Over 40 years old: no MOT needed before registration.
Over 30 and in original condition, a car can qualify for the classic rate of no duty and 5% VAT (HMRC conditions apply).
Built only in South Africa
Homologation specials and local heroes that were never sold new anywhere else. These are the cars enthusiasts in the UK go looking for.
- Early 1990s
BMW 325iS
The E30 South Africa built for itself, to go racing.
An E30 that only South Africa got, built at BMW’s Rosslyn plant near Pretoria to compete in local saloon car racing. Rosslyn was BMW’s first factory outside Germany, and this is the car it is best remembered for.
- 1986
BMW 333i
About 200 built, with a 3.2-litre six developed with Alpina.
Another Rosslyn special: an E30 with a bigger six-cylinder engine, made in very small numbers for South African buyers. Genuine cars are rare and well documented, so paperwork matters as much as condition.
- 1984
Ford Sierra XR8
A 5.0-litre V8 Sierra, built in small numbers to race.
Ford South Africa dropped a V8 into the Sierra so it could go racing locally, and built a few hundred road cars to make it legal. In the UK it is the Sierra almost nobody has seen.
- Early 1990s
Opel Kadett 200 t/s
The 16-valve Kadett South Africans still call the Superboss.
A hot Kadett made in South Africa for local racing homologation, with a 2.0-litre 16-valve engine. The nickname has outlived the car’s time in showrooms by a long way.
Most of these are over 30 years old. How classic imports work, and the lower tax rate
Kept going in South Africa
Models the rest of the world retired, which South African factories carried on building for years, sometimes decades.
- 1984 to 2009
Volkswagen Citi Golf
Built at Volkswagen’s plant in what is now Kariega, the Citi took the original Golf shape and kept it in production until 2009, with special editions most of the way through. A late one is a modern car in a 1970s body.
What the import usually looks like
Depends on the year. A late Citi under ten years old would need an IVA test, an older one an MOT. Speedo conversion is the usual job.
Get a quote for your Volkswagen Citi Golf - Until 2002
Volkswagen T3 Microbus
When German production moved on, South Africa carried on making the T3, including later versions with a five-cylinder Audi engine. Late South African T3s are a favourite with UK camper and van fans.
What the import usually looks like
Over ten years old, so an MOT rather than an IVA. If it is over 30 and original it may qualify for the classic tax rate.
Get a quote for your Volkswagen T3 Microbus - 1970s and 80s
Mercedes-Benz W123
Mercedes-Benz has built cars in East London for decades, and the W123 is the one South Africans remember. Many spent their lives in dry inland air, which tends to be kind to the metal underneath.
What the import usually looks like
Over 40 years old, so no MOT before registration, and the classic rate can apply if it is original. We still look underneath when it lands.
Get a quote for your Mercedes-Benz W123 - 1971 to 2008
Nissan 1400 bakkie
A small, simple pick-up that stayed in South African production for more than thirty years. Economical, characterful and very rarely seen in the UK.
What the import usually looks like
Most are well over ten years old, so an MOT. Older ones may qualify for the classic tax rate if they are unmodified.
Get a quote for your Nissan 1400 bakkie
Bakkies and 4x4s
South Africa builds and buys pick-ups in large numbers. There is steady demand for good ones in the UK, and some versions were never sold here.
- Sold new in South Africa
Toyota Land Cruiser 79
The Land Cruiser 70 Series pick-ups are sold new in South Africa and are exactly the sort of vehicle people ask us to bring over. They are tough, simple and in demand.
What the import usually looks like
A newer one under ten years old needs an IVA test, which we run on our own lane. Speedo, lights and emissions paperwork are the usual questions.
Get a quote for your Toyota Land Cruiser 79 - Built in Durban
Toyota Hilux
Toyota builds the Hilux in Durban, and South Africa has more versions and specs of it than the UK ever sees. Legend and Raider models come up often.
What the import usually looks like
IVA if it is under ten years old, MOT if older. If you use it for work, read our note on how double cabs are taxed in the UK first.
Get a quote for your Toyota Hilux - Built in Pretoria
Ford Ranger
Ford builds the Ranger in Silverton, Pretoria, for South Africa and for export. Many South African Rangers are close to UK spec, which can help at the IVA stage.
What the import usually looks like
IVA if it is under ten years old, MOT if older. Bring the full spec sheet if you have it.
Get a quote for your Ford Ranger
Bringing a bakkie or 4x4 over, including how double cabs are taxed
Not on the list? These are only the cars we get asked about most. If it has wheels and South African papers, tell us about it in the quote form and we will tell you what it needs.
Get a quoteFound your car here? Tell us about it
Collection, shipping, customs, testing and registration, itemised in one quote. A person here writes it, and nothing is charged until you say go.
Ringing from South Africa? +44 1332 810442