Classic cars from South Africa
Homologation specials the rest of the world never got, and older cars that spent their lives in dry inland air. Bringing one to the UK can cost a lot less than you expect, if it meets the classic rules.
A dry climate helps, but guarantees nothing
Much of South Africa is dry, and a car that lived inland away from the coast can be kind to the metal underneath. That is part of why enthusiasts look there.
But a dry climate is not a promise. Cars get repaired, resprayed, driven on dirt roads and parked by the sea. We look underneath every car when it lands, and we would rather you heard the full picture from us than found out at the first service.
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. Over 30 years old, so it can qualify for the classic rate of no duty and 5% VAT if it is in original condition. Needs an MOT before registration.
- 1986 BMW 333i About 200 built, with a 3.2-litre six developed with Alpina. Over 40 years old, so no MOT is needed before registration. Bring all the history you have; it helps with the DVLA and with value.
- 1984 Ford Sierra XR8 A 5.0-litre V8 Sierra, built in small numbers to race. Over 40 years old, so no MOT before registration, and it can qualify for the classic tax rate if it is original.
- Early 1990s Opel Kadett 200 t/s The 16-valve Kadett South Africans still call the Superboss. Over 30 years old, so the classic tax rate can apply if it is unmodified. MOT and a rear fog light check before registration.
Three numbers that matter for a classic
The classic import rate
Over 30 years old, original and unmodified, and of historical interest: the car can qualify for no duty and 5% VAT instead of 10% duty and 20% VAT. HMRC conditions apply.
Historic vehicle tax
A car built before 1 January 1986 can go into the historic vehicle tax class, so there is no vehicle tax to pay. The date moves on a year every 1 April.
No MOT before registration
Over 40 years old, no MOT is needed before it is registered, and it can be delivered to you before registration. Younger classics take an MOT on our site first.
What applies to your classic
Enter the year and whether the car is original. Add what you paid and an estimate for shipping to see the tax both ways. HMRC makes the final decision, so treat this as a guide.
- Tax rate
- Enter a year
- Vehicle tax
- Enter a year
- Test before registration
- Enter a year
Example only, using your figures
- Standard rate
- Duty at 10%
- VAT at 20%
- Total
- Classic rate
- Duty
- £0
- VAT at 5%
- Total
Enclosed transport on request
Once the car is registered, or before if it is over 40, we deliver it from Castle Donington on an open or enclosed transporter. Enclosed is worth considering for anything rare, valuable or freshly restored.
Keep the car’s history together
Bring every document you have: the registration certificate, old service books, invoices and photographs. For rare South African cars, a good paper trail helps with the classic rate, with DVLA and with what the car is worth.
Send copies with your quote request and keep the originals safe until they travel with the car.
Classic car questions
What is the classic import rate?
A car over 30 years old, in original and unmodified condition and of historical interest, can qualify for no import duty and 5% VAT, instead of the usual 10% duty and 20% VAT. HMRC conditions apply, and we will tell you if your car is likely to meet them.
Does a classic need an MOT before it is registered?
Not if it is over 40 years old. Those need no MOT before registration and can be delivered to you before they are registered. A car between 10 and 40 years old needs an MOT first.
Will my classic be exempt from road tax?
Cars built before 1 January 1986 can go into the historic vehicle tax class, which means no vehicle tax to pay. The date moves on a year every 1 April, so more cars become eligible each year.
Are South African classics rust-free?
Some are in very good shape underneath, especially cars that lived in the dry air inland. But every car is different, and we look at every one when it arrives rather than assume.
Can you deliver my classic in an enclosed transporter?
Yes. We offer open and enclosed delivery from our site in Castle Donington. Enclosed keeps a valuable classic out of the weather and away from road spray.
My car has been modified. Can it still get the classic rate?
Possibly not. The classic rate is for cars in original, unmodified condition. A modified car still comes over, but it is likely to pay the standard duty and VAT. Tell us what has been changed and we will give you a straight answer.
Tell us about the classic you have found
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