Future C3 Owner Questions
- Thread starter GCorvette
- Start date
GCorvette
CCCUK Member
Roscobbc
Moderator
Logic pays a part in whether or not to let the red indicators remain as is. Given the number of ignorant and inattentive drivers out there......perhaps a red indicator would mean something different or perhaps than you have a wiring fault.Thank you.
Oneball
CCCUK Member
Standard lights have reflectors.
Chuffer
CCCUK Member
Amber front indicators / running lights and red rear indicators on my 1980 C3 and has passed 6 MOT`s with no problem . I would venture to suggest that my red rear indicators stand out more than many modern cars that have over stylised light clusters with miniscule led indicators built in that hardly stand out at all !
Letank
CCCUK Member
You’re right for not ruling out importing from the US if you are after something very specific. There are so few decent chrome bumper cars for sale in the UK you may have to wait years for one that ticks all boxes. By which time, prices will have likely risen even more!Having seen the surgeon and as my recovery is apparently on track, it looks like I may be able to bring forward my C3 purchase to later next month or latest, May / June.
To that end, if I am unable to find the right car in the UK, I will import from America as I plan to go there ASAP.
So my next question to those in the the know please is: Based on a 1970's C3 with a UK value of say £25,000:
What Are The US/UK Import Costs?
Am I missing anything from the cost list below and could anyone calculate / estimate the missing figures please?
1) UK Value £25,000
2) US Inspection £350
3) VAT 5% £1250
4) Import tax 0%
5) Shipping Container vs RORO?
6) Shipping Insurance?
7) Customs Clearance NOVA - £100?
8) IVA Work?
9) MOT £55
10) DVLA Costs?
11) Anything else to add?.
Naturally then of course my own UK insurance & Road Tax.
Thank you in advance.
I made several serious enquiries on a few US cars before buying my 69. It’s fairly simple and quick to get indicative shipping quotes from agents like CFR Rinkens, which really helped with working out approximate costs. (Shipping generally varied between $1500 and $2000 depending on location in US + shipping insurance, which was about 2% of value, but then you also have UK handling and port fees, which were another £500 or so on top - these prices were about 12 months ago so every chance they have risen since then)
Importing logistics and costs aside, the biggest issue I found was that all the best cars got snapped up before I could arrange an inspection of my own. It got really disheartening when you think you’ve found the perfect car, you are the first person to enquire about it, but alas the vendor is put off as soon as they discover you are UK based.
.I wouldn’t be deterred though as the ownership experience when you do find “the one” will easily outweigh the disappointment of missing out on the “ones that got away”
I’m sure there are plenty of others on here with more experience on importing who can give you the full lowdown. In the meantime I found this YouTube vid by Jonny Smith to be quite informative.
GCorvette
CCCUK Member
Brilliant, thank you - off to watch it now.
I brought my first C6 in on my own, but that was 14 years ago, so need an update!
Nassau65
CCCUK Member
It’s never been easier to import a car from the USA. It was never that hard in the first place, but with the internet. , it’s so much quicker.
most reputable stateside dealers will hold a car for a few days while your having an inspection done . Inspections can be arranged for a couple of days, and most dealers will honour that period.
I personally have never had a problem if I wanted to have a car inspected. Costs run $250-450 depending on location. ( travelling expenses will be included)
The big well know dealers expect an inspection ie Corvette Mike , pro team, Mershons etc. smaller dealers maybe not so, but it has become more common over the past 15 years or so.
the bargains will and do not hang about for long. US private buyers, flippers, professional and part time dealers are all looking for bargains, some are willing to take a chance and just buy it. That’s what your up against. Correct money cars can and do sit about for a while waiting for “ a buyer”
most reputable stateside dealers will hold a car for a few days while your having an inspection done . Inspections can be arranged for a couple of days, and most dealers will honour that period.
I personally have never had a problem if I wanted to have a car inspected. Costs run $250-450 depending on location. ( travelling expenses will be included)
The big well know dealers expect an inspection ie Corvette Mike , pro team, Mershons etc. smaller dealers maybe not so, but it has become more common over the past 15 years or so.
the bargains will and do not hang about for long. US private buyers, flippers, professional and part time dealers are all looking for bargains, some are willing to take a chance and just buy it. That’s what your up against. Correct money cars can and do sit about for a while waiting for “ a buyer”
Mad4slalom
Well-known user
My 72 was 29kusdHaving seen the surgeon and as my recovery is apparently on track, it looks like I may be able to bring forward my C3 purchase to later next month or latest, May / June.
To that end, if I am unable to find the right car in the UK, I will import from America as I plan to go there ASAP.
So my next question to those in the the know please is: Based on a 1970's C3 with a UK value of say £25,000:
What Are The US/UK Import Costs?
Am I missing anything from the cost list below and could anyone calculate / estimate the missing figures please?
1) UK Value £25,000
2) US Inspection £350
3) VAT 5% £1250
4) Import tax 0%
5) Shipping Container vs RORO?
6) Shipping Insurance?
7) Customs Clearance NOVA - £100?
8) IVA Work?
9) MOT £55
10) DVLA Costs?
11) Anything else to add?.
Naturally then of course my own UK insurance & Road Tax.
Thank you in advance.
It arrived here inc shipping , nova, vat and collection and worked out at £26300.
good luck with the adventure
GCorvette
CCCUK Member
Thank you!My 72 was 29kusd
It arrived here inc shipping , nova, vat and collection and worked out at £26300.
Which port did yours depart from?
GCorvette
CCCUK Member
My first shipment was out of Miami & I'd do shared container again... Just in case.
Nassau65
CCCUK Member
Containerisation is great, not always as safe from damage as you think it is. I once had cars in my container ie it wasn’t shared, only my vehicles. When it was opened I was there, it was packed solid with other items. When I asked what all this stuff was, the reply was “we don’t ship air”My first shipment was out of Miami & I'd do shared container again... Just in case.
Some people are put off by Roll on/Roll off, but there is nothing wrong with it, and cars are perfectly safe. As I said before that’s how all our luxury brands send there cars all over the world.
GCorvette
CCCUK Member
Good to see a chrome bumper car coming into the country.
Nassau65
CCCUK Member
Yes, they look so nice today, very elegant. Back in the 80’s chrome was old hat, everyone wanted 1974 and upwards with the body colour front and back. The old chrome bumpers were out of fashion and hard to sell.
now, they are a hot ticket item. Bargains are slowly disappearing.