Toyota Land Cruiser
The default family car of the Gulf. Gulf-market versions and trims often differ from anything sold new in the UK, which is why people bring them.
Gulf cars we see
Built for the heat. Welcome in the rain.
Some of these cars were never sold in the UK. Others were, but not quite like this. Here are the ones we see most, and what bringing each one home usually involves.
01 The big four-wheel drives
The Gulf runs on serious off-roaders, and they are the cars people least want to leave behind.
Nissan Patrol
Hugely popular in the Gulf and a rare sight here. Recent ones take the IVA test, so we check the route from the VIN before it ships.
Lexus LX
Comfortable, unbreakable and rarely seen on UK roads. Usually a straightforward import with the standard lighting and speedometer changes.
Toyota FJ Cruiser
Never sold new in the UK, and a cult car here because of it. Well-kept Gulf examples are worth the effort.
Mercedes G-Class
A favourite in Dubai. The bigger the wheels and the darker the tint, the more there may be to talk about before testing.
Range Rover
Often bought new in the Gulf and brought home with the family. Familiar to UK dealers for servicing once it is registered.
02 American muscle and full-size
American cars sold new in the Gulf come with Gulf specification, which is a different thing from a car imported there from a US auction.
Ford Mustang
Plenty of Gulf Mustangs are left-hand drive V8s with Gulf specification. A popular one to bring home.
Dodge Challenger and Charger
Never officially sold new in the UK. Check the history carefully, as some Gulf examples started life at a US auction.
Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon
Very big for UK roads and parking, but loved by families who have grown used to the space.
Chevrolet Caprice
The Gulf classic. Older ones from Kuwait and the Emirates can be remarkably solid underneath.
03 Supercars and grand tourers
Dubai and Doha are full of them. They need a container to themselves and a careful plan for testing.
Porsche 911
A common and sensible Gulf import. Specification and options can be very different from UK cars.
Ferrari
Shipped in its own container, unloaded slowly and stored indoors while it waits.
Lamborghini
Low noses and wide bodies need planning at collection and loading. Tell us about any lift system.
Rolls-Royce and Bentley
Often bought new in the Gulf. High value means a dedicated container and full transit cover.
Not on the list?
These are the cars we see most, not the only ones we take. If it has wheels and is in the Gulf, ask. The year, the specification and the history decide what it needs, and we check all three from the VIN before you commit to anything.
Whatever it is, the rules on age apply the same way. Under ten years old means an IVA test, ten to forty means an MOT and the usual conversions, and over forty means no test before registration.
Questions about Gulf cars
Can you import a car that is not on this list?
Yes. These are the cars we see most, not the only ones we take. Send us the year, the specification and the VIN, and we will tell you what bringing it home involves before you commit to anything.
Is a left-hand drive Gulf car legal in the UK?
Yes. Left-hand drive cars are legal to register and drive in the UK. It needs headlights that dip the right way, a speedometer that reads in mph and a rear fog light if it does not have one, and we do that work in-house.
How do I know if a Gulf car started life at a US auction?
Ask the seller directly and run a history check on the VIN. Look for salvage, rebuilt or flood title brands, auction listings and mileage that jumps around between records.
Will the dark window tint have to come off?
Often, on the front. UK law requires the windscreen to let at least 75% of light through and the front side windows at least 70%, and heavy Gulf tint usually falls short of that.
Ready when you are.
Tell us about the car and where it is. Someone at My Car Import builds your quote around your car, and there is no obligation to go ahead.